Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) confirmed today that the total value of sales at Abu Dhabi Air Expo 2013, the region’s only general aviation exhibition, reached in excess of AED 3 billion. The successful show, which ran from 5th to 7th March and was celebrating its second year, also saw a 30% increase in attendance, with 13,000 visitors and 160 exhibitors from local, regional and international companies participating.

The opening ceremony was held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Advisor and Vice-Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, who attended alongside H.H. Sheikh Surour bin Mohammed Al Nahyan; Sheikh Hamdan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education; Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority; and, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan.

Several important contracts were announced during the Air Expo, including a seven year contract between ADAC and Global Aerospace Logistics (GAL) to provide civil air navigation services at ADAC’s five airports starting 1st May 2013. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also signed between ADAC and Royal Jet, an Abu Dhabi-based international luxury flight services company chaired by H.E. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, which will facilitate the expansion of the airline’s operations into Al Bateen Executive Airport.

Other exhibitors also used the show as a platform to announce their latest innovations, agreements and ventures, with key signings including:

• FlightSafety International and GAL signing a deal associated with training;
• SPA and Private Air signing a deal related to cabin excellence.

Exhibitor satisfaction was clearly demonstrated through a 70% registration rate from this year’s exhibitors for next year’s event.
Members of the community were also given opportunities to engage in the busy Air Expo programme and ADAC welcomed hundreds of students from various colleges and institutions in Abu Dhabi to learn about what the aviation industry has to offer the next generation.

Yousif Hassan Al Hammadi, Chairman of the Organizing Committee for Abu Dhabi Air Expo, and Deputy General Manager, Al Bateen Executive Airport, said:

“ADAC is delighted with the growing success of Abu Dhabi Air Expo, as Abu Dhabi’s position as a key aviation hub for the region grows. The atmosphere of the week, exhibitor registration for next year’s show, the number of visitors welcomed, and the generated sales value are all clear indications that Air Expo has an essential place in the regional aviation calendar.”

“Al Bateen Executive Airport looks forward to Air Expo 2014, providing regional aviation enthusiasts with a rare opportunity to view the best products that the industry has to offer, and providing global aviation leaders with a platform to grow their businesses and engage with potential partners.”

Visitors to the show also enjoyed a daily air display performed by Al Fursan Aerobatic team and Emirates Sky Diving team along with a daring display by the famous Captain Zoltan Veres, owner of five Guinness Book of World Records in aerobatic displays.

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