Inaugural Abu Dhabi Air Expo takes off from Al Bateen Executive Airport.

Wednesday 7th March 2012

07 March 2012 - Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates:

A strong line-up of manufacturers, suppliers, exhibitors, trade visitors, media and a variety of general aviation and business aircraft gathered on the first day of the inaugural Abu Dhabi Air Expo. His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Advisor and Vice-Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council today officially opened the first Abu Dhabi Air Expo, which is the region's first general aviation exhibition.

The Abu Dhabi Airports Corporation (ADAC) is delighted to be bringing this event to the Middle East, as the region continues to grow its aviation expertise and skills. Participating OEMs include Gulfstream, Embraer, Diamond Aircraft, Pilatus, Stemme, Cessna, Dassault, Daher-Socata, Sikorsky, Bell Helicopter and Eurocopter. They will be joined up private jet operators including Saudia Private Aviation, Royal JET and Qatar Executive.

Among the aircraft featuring in the static display are: two Boeing BBJs, two Embraer Lineage 1000s, a Bombardier Global XRS, Bombardier Challenger 850, a Bombardier Challenger 605, a Bombardier Learjet 60, two Legacy 600s, a Legacy 650, a Kodiak, a Pipistrel Virus SW, a Blackshape Prime - the fastest Light Sport Aircraft, two Falcon 7Xs, a Gulfstream 450, a Stemme S10, the Diamond DA40NG and 42NG, an elegant Hermes Eurocopter EC135, a Piaggio Avanti, Daher-Socata's TBM-850 and many more. Wallan Aviation, exclusive dealership for Cessna and Bell Helicopters in the Middle East will also be showing a range of aircraft.

The show will major on key developments and innovation in general aviation, helicopters, equipment, manufacturers, services, pilot training schools, aircraft engines, accessories, avionics, insurance and financing, with a number of inter-active seminars taking place in the nearby Gulf Centre for Aviation Studies (GCAS Building) including 'Flight Training & Safety', 'The Future of Aviation, Fuels & Engines' and 'Aircraft Asset Management, Financing & Insurance'.

Thanks to sponsors including Al Bateen Executive's resident business jet and helicopter companies Falcon Aviation Services and Rotana Jet, which are principal sponsors of the event, and to Royal Jet, Abu Dhabi Aviation, Mubadala Aerospace, and Adnoc. A special thanks to the UAE Armed Forces, the Official Sponsor.

Yousif Hassan Al Hammadi, Chairman of the Organizing Committee for Abu Dhabi Air Expo and Deputy General Manager, Al Bateen Executive Airport, commented: "ADAC is extremely proud to host the first dedicated exhibition for general aviation in the Middle East at Al Bateen Executive Airport. We very much look forward to welcoming Expo visitors to Abu Dhabi and be able to initiate some exciting new business opportunities."

Adone, the organizers, who also host the annual Cannes Airshow, welcomed more than 2 500 visitors on the first day. Didier Mary Director of Adone said.

"The first Air Expo is already proving to be very popular with the local aviation market. The variety of exhibitors, the special events including the Al Fursan Aerobatic Team, and daily conference and talks has all combined to create a truly successful event.

www.adairexpo.com

About Al Bateen Executive Airport:

Al Bateen Executive Airport is a dedicated business jet airport, the first of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region; conveniently located only a five kilometers from the central business district of Abu Dhabi, the UAE capital.

The downtown location of Al Bateen Executive Airport makes it ideal for users of business jets, whose time is valuable and who have a high-regard for the convenience that personalised jet travel can bring. It is easily accessible off the Abu Dhabi to Dubai highway, making the centre of Dubai a short motorway journey of 1hr 15mins. It is also a short distance from the famous Yas Island complex of the F1 Yas Marina Circuit and Ferrari World, the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, world famous championship golf courses and the amazing development of Saadiyat Island.

Benefits:

• Only dedicated private aviation airport in the region
• Fast & efficient turnarounds
• Ideal location in the city centre close to central business district
• Parking for over 100 aircraft (apron and hangar)
• Business Campus - full business traveller facilities and stand-alone offices
• One-stop-shop Business Jet Specialists
• Fuel, handling, and other FBO services
• Aircraft charter
• Related aviation business access
• Aviation education and training.

Al Bateen Executive's new DhabiJet FBO service offers:-

• Fastest possible transit time 'door to door' for passengers and crew.
• A single point of contact for all requirements.
• An experienced and dedicated DhabiJet Customer Services Team.
• No airside delays, rapid refuelling and cabin servicing.
• A full range of competitively priced FBO Services including lounge hospitality, concierge service, hotel and limousine reservations all co-ordinated on a one stop shop basis.
• Top Quality lounge facilities for passengers' and crew.
• Full on site support for immigration and customs.
• Boardroom style meeting facilities.

About Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC):

Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) is a public joint-stock company wholly owned by the Abu Dhabi Government. It was incorporated by Amiri Decree number 5, issued on 4 March 2006, to spearhead the development of the Emirate's aviation infrastructure.

In September 2006, ADAC assumed responsibility for the operation and management of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain International Airports. In 2008, ADAC added Al Bateen Executive Airport (an exclusive private aviation airport), and Sir Bani Yas and Delma Island Airports to its portfolio.

These airports are geared to serve the various segments of air travellers, the aviation marketplace, and will help contribute to Abu Dhabi's development as a destination for both business and leisure tourism.

Currently under way is the multi-billion dollar re-development and expansion of Abu Dhabi International Airport designed to increase the overall capacity of the airport to more than 20 million passengers per year. As part of this redevelopment, a second runway and a third terminal have been completed.

www.adac.ae

www.albateenairport.com