One of the Arab world`s most dynamic aviation companies, BEXAIR – the Bahrain Executive Air Services Company – is gearing up for a major expansion…
One of the Arab world`s most dynamic aviation companies, BEXAIR – the Bahrain Executive Air Services Company – is gearing up for a major expansion and a series of diversification announcements at Dubai 2005 – the ninth international aerospace exhibition – being held in Dubai this November.
BEXAIR, currently supplying a range of aviation services, including executive aircraft charter, says it plans to launch an aircraft financing company at the show and unveil an expansion strategy to include moves into new Middle East terminal operations and specialised cargo and shuttle services.
The Middle East aviation market is developing quite rapidly, despite regional crises, said Mansour I. Al-Tassan, Chairman and CEO of BEXAIR, which also operates an office in Saudi Arabia. Commercial airlines, high-net-worth individuals and businessmen are all investing in new aircraft. This is a clear indication that the region is expecting tremendous growth in the next 10 years.
Within the region, the general aviation industry is growing fast. The number of executive aircraft has doubled in the last five years, and will most likely double again in the next five. This kind of growth will put pressure on operators, manufacturers and service providers to create regional alliances.
And BEXAIR, which claims to currently hold close to 20% of the Middle East`s executive charter business, says it will also have three aircraft on static display at Dubai 2005, which will be held at the Airport Expo Dubai, United Arab Emirates from November 20-24.
We will have on display a Challenger 604, a Citation Excel and a Citation Bravo, said Al-Tassan. We are also considering participation in the first Middle East Business Aviation conference taking place a day prior to Dubai 2005.
BEXAIR`s expanded participation at Dubai 2005 comes as the Middle East is believed by manufacturers and suppliers alike to be one of the fastest-growing business aviation markets in the world.
The future of business aviation in the region looks extremely bright, explained Clive Richardson, Chief Executive, Aerospace Division, Fairs & Exhibitions (F&E), which organises Dubai 2005. The overall aviation industry in the Gulf is booming with some regional airports reporting increased traffic movements of up to 20% over the past year. Airlines though have had a hard time breaking into the private jet business in the past but some are slowing adapting to the changing trends and are tipped in the future to team up with leading charter operators to diversify their services and offer value-added facilities to their premium passengers.
Business aviation suppliers feature prominently in the Dubai 2005 exhibitor line up which, to date, boasts around 700 companies from 43 countries.
Alongside BEXAIR, the show will also feature manufacturers such as Bombardier, Gulfstream, Boeing, Airbus, Embraer, Pilatus Aircraft, ATR and Dassault as well as service providers, TAG Aeronautics, International Air Charter, Royal Jet, Qatar Airways, National Air Services and Pilatus Aircraft, explained Alison Weller, Project Manager, Dubai 2005.
The Middle East Business Aviation (MEBA) conference is being organised by F&E in conjunction with Abu Dhabi-headquartered international luxury VIP aircraft charter company, Royal Jet. It will be held at Le Meridien Dubai on November 19th.
Dubai 2005 is organised by F&E in conjunction with the Department of Civil Aviation, Government of Dubai and in association with the UAE Armed Forces.
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