The western Caribbean state of the Cayman Islands is eyeing the Middle East for potential new aircraft registry business.

The country’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAACI) is to make its regional exhibition debut at next year’s Dubai 2007 – the 10th international aerospace exhibition – prompted by increasing aircraft registry interest emanating out of the Arabian Gulf.

“We have several clients in the Middle East already and realize the potential of the region for Cayman Islands aircraft registry,” explained Richard Smith, the CAACI’s Director-General. “We are excited at the opportunity to be able to increase awareness in the region.

“We have already had some interest from the Middle East, in particular from Dubai, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.”

The CAACI is hoping to win over new regional customers through its sheer global reputation for quality.

“Our stringent standards and quality requirements are sought after by aircraft owners, management companies, and decision makers with regards to asset management,” explained Smith. “Also, the Cayman Islands as a jurisdiction overall can accommodate aircraft financing issues.”

The CAACI is among a number of new-to-market exhibitors lining up for Dubai 2007 - to be held from November 11 – 15 at Airport Expo Dubai – organised by Fairs & Exhibitions (F&E).

“With less than a year to go, the floor plan for Dubai 2007 is shaping up in a very encouraging fashion,” said Alison Weller, Aerospace Director, F&E. “We already have commitments from around 130 companies from 22 countries and this is before our major sales push which begins next year and culminates in a high profile drive at the Paris Airshow.

“A significant factor is the influx of new exhibitors to the profile. This is clearly a result of the pulling power of the Dubai Airshow brand and its reputation as a genuine B2B forum, as well as increasing international industry awareness that the Middle East, and its wider catchment areas of the CIS and Sub-continent, combine to produce the fastest-growing aerospace sector in the world.”

Projected growth in the Dubai Airshow has prompted the Government of Dubai to authorize the third upgrade of the exhibition site – Airport Expo Dubai. The upgrade will include a fully air-conditioned, 2,000 square metre hall, a face lift for hospitality chalets and the construction of additional hospitality suites and meeting rooms.

And, Dubai 2007 will be the first Dubai Airshow to feature a specialized pavilion dedicated to the growing aircraft interiors sector.

“Interiors are big news in the Middle East where international and regional airlines are among the world’s biggest buyers of new aircraft and where business jets are among the most lavishly fashioned,” explained Weller.

Dubai 2007 is organized by F&E in conjunction with the Department of Civil Aviation, Government of Dubai and in collaboration with the UAE Armed Forces.