MEBA 2010 attracts business from China and India!

The fourth Middle East Business Aviation show (MEBA) has expanded its reach and influence into China and the Indian subcontinent, with announcements at the show of new partnerships in two of the world’s fastest-growing markets.

Running until Thursday 9 December, MEBA is produced by Dubai Airshow organiser, F&E Aerospace, on behalf of the Middle East Business Aviation Association (MEBAA).

Tag Aviation Asia Ltd, the Hong Kong affiliate of Tag Aviation Holding, has formed a precedent-setting alliance with the China First Mandarin Group (CFMG) from Shenyang, People’s Republic of China, to capitalise on China’s expanding business market.

CFMG’s First Mandarin Business aviation Company (Lily Jet) is mainland China’s first private business aviation company and owns and operates eight aircraft for charter.

Closer to home, Fujairah International Airport in the UAE chose MEBA to announce its Expression of Interest agreement with Cochin International Airport, in the Indian state of Kerala. The deal will see them develop a new passenger and cargo charter flights between the two cities..

Dr Khaled Al Mazroui, General Manager of Fujairah International Airport, said:
“This agreement will further give impetus to the trade between Kerala and Fujairah, besides developing skilled manpower.”

MEBA was also the setting for the firm order by Comlux The Aviation Group of two Bombardier Global 7000 business aircraft, in a deal worth US$130 million at list price.

Richard Gaona, President of Comlux, said: “With its increased cabin space, the Global 7000 fills the gap between the ultra-long range jet segment and that of VIP airliners, so it is exactly what we need to offer to our customers.”

Scheduled to enter service in 2016, the Global 7000’s range of 7,300 nautical miles allows it to fly from Dubai to New York non-stop with 10 passengers.

Alison Weller, Managing Director of F&E Aerospace, said: “MEBA, now in its fourth running, has firmly established itself as the premier business aviation show in the Middle East region. With companies from China and India wanting to announce their strategic partnerships at MEBA demonstrates the growing reach and influence of the show.”

MEBA is featuring a total of 338 exhibitors from 33 countries, including business aircraft manufacturers, service providers and suppliers to the industry.

The show is open to trade visitors and tickets are US$35 for entry.