On the back of their own respective individual successes in 2011, three of Abu Dhabi’s leading aviation companies are collectively giving their full support to reinforcing the capital’s position – and success – as a growing, diverse aerospace and aviation hub.

Abu Dhabi Aviation, Maximus Air and Royal Jet are jointly sponsoring theinaugural Global Aerospace Summit 2012.The Summit is being held under the Patronage of His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces at St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi between 16-19 April 2012.

The thought leadershipevent which incorporates three themes–aerospace, aviation and space–is complemented by closed door discussions,a private procurement meeting programme, field trips to aerospace and aviation facilities and a careers programme targeting vocational and professional development.

The Abu Dhabi Aviation Group has led the way towards achieving the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030, where aviation is identified among the key sectors expected to form the Emirate’s engines of economic growth and diversification.

Abu Dhabi Aviation (ADA), the largest commercial helicopter and fixed wing aircraft operator in the Middle East, is also a majority equity stakeholder in Royal Jet, the international luxury executive flight Services Company and Maximus Air, the Middle East’s leading all-cargo airline.

Together they have already helped establish Abu Dhabi ‘s reputation as one of the world’s top aviation hubs and their continued growth and success are testimony to the vision and foresight of the Abu Dhabi leadership under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

Group turnover was AED1.82 billion for the 12-months ending 31st December 2011, a 10percent increase compared to 2010. Operating profit reached AED470.1 million up 13 per cent while net profit increased by 22 percent to AED 280.9 million.“Success helps breed success and while all three companies delivered very strong financial and operational performances in 2011 contributing to this overall profit, what is more satisfying are each’ s plans for future growth,” said Nadir Al Hammadi, Chairman, Abu Dhabi Aviation. “For example ADA has finalized a joint venture has with Mubadala to launch a simulator centre in the second half of 2013, and we have partnered with helicopter manufacturer Augusta Westland to establish a joint venture for parts distribution, MRO and maintenance support, here in the capital.”

Meanwhile Shane O’Hare, President and CEO, Royal Jet, recently reported that net profits in 2011 soared by 226 percent out of total revenues that increased by 31.2 percent from the previous year, providing the springboard for the private aviation company’s expansion programme.

“Royal Jet has been setting benchmarks for private aviation and luxury travel within the region while constantly raising the bar for excellence and innovation,” said O’Hare. “The year 2011 saw a number of challenges on a global scale, but for us, achieving simple year-on-year growth counted as a creditable performance. We take pride in our role in helping to deliver the strategic vision for Abu Dhabi and we have a number of new initiatives planned for 2012.”

Maximus Air recently unveiled a new livery for the airline which President and CEO, Fathi Hilal Buhazza said better reflects Maximus Air’s position as a modern, progressive and successful cargo carrier which is proud of its Abu Dhabi heritage.

“Having grown from a local operator to a regional operator with some international trade, we are now ready to reverse that position,“ he said. “We are looking west to the fast growing regions of the Middle East/North Africaand east to China and other Asian tiger economies along with India. With Abu Dhabi as our base, we are ideally located to serve these markets not only on a commercial basis but from a humanitarian standpoint, through the Care by Air programme. More significantly our expansion plans dovetail with those of the government , which is looking to create a suitable business environment to enable the aviation sector and therefore Maximus Air to flourish.”

Tony Tyler, IATA Director General, will deliver a State of the Industry Address to an audience that represents the global leadership of the aerospace, aviation and space industries.

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