The sixth edition of MEBA (Middle East Business Aviation), being held at Dubai World Central (DWC) from December 8-10, 2014, is attracting new participants from all over the world.

As the only show in the region dedicated to private aviation, MEBA, organised by F&E Aerospace on behalf of MEBAA – Middle East & North Africa Business Aviation Association), now brings together leading players across the full spectrum of the industry – from chartering, leasing and selling to purchasing, operating and servicing business and VIP jets.

Dubai World Central, when complete, aims to be the largest airport in the world, covering 220 km². And the global aviation industry is paying attention.

One such industry player, and a first-time exhibitor at MEBA, XJet, intends to make DWC its global operations hub.

XJet is one of four FBO’s licensed to operate at DWC, bringing a level of luxury VVIP service that has ranked then number one in the US private aviation sector for two years running. The company provides hangarage alongside unique Seven Star Concierge services creating a total aviation solution.

“Dubai World Central will be XJet’s global headquarters. We have successfully established a hub in the United States and are now committed to establishing global hubs in the UAE and Europe,” says Josh Stewart, CEO of XJet.

“XJet identified the growing demand for business aviation in the Middle East and North Africa region early on in our development and has spent several years developing key relationships and investing in the region. With a projected doubling of private jet movements in the next five years, these are very exciting times for business and private aviation,” he adds.

While this is the first time XJet has exhibited at MEBA, the company has attended the growing event for the last several years.

“We expect this to be the biggest and best show so far, and we are excited to introduce our unique brand of Seven Star Service and to launch the XJet brand at the show,” says Stewart.

He sees business at the new hub coming from Saudi Arabia, Russia, Europe and the US.

Meanwhile another major global player, Greenpoint Technologies, shares the excitement to exhibit at MEBA for the first time.

The company completes Boeing Business Jets, and its clients – while confidential – include global heads of state and VIPs.

Christine Hadley, Senior Marketing Manager, says the Greenpoint Technologies team attended Dubai Airshow at DWC last year, and was very impressed with the venue. “We are excited to exhibit at MEBA this year and look forward to a successful show,” she says, adding that while it is the first time the company has exhibited, “Our sales team attends MEBA regularly and has since it initiated in 2007. We feel this year is a perfect opportunity to exhibit at the show based on our focus on business aviation especially wide-body aircraft.”

Greenpoint Technologies’ focus at the event is on VIP completions, as well as representing parent company, Zodiac Aerospace Group, with potential opportunities.

Hadley sees aircraft design and trends “moving toward efficiency, both in energy and technology as well as space and comfort. Our goal is to encompass all aspects of one’s life effectively into our client’s business jet. We seek the highest level of performance, decorum and the luxuries of both home and office, all at your fingertips.”

While the company does both refurbishments and new builds, Hadley says Greenpoint’s current programmes include new builds, such as Boeing 787 and 747-8 VIP completions.

Ali Al Naqbi, Founding Chairman of MEBAA, says: “DWC is the location where everyone wants to be. The industry is experiencing regional growth of around 13-15% this year, a dramatic jump, and this is being reflected in the growing number of exhibitors we are seeing at MEBA 2014.

“The event promises to bring together the industry in a perfect venue, and as well as the unrivalled chance to network with the region’s most senior players, we are also now making deep inroads into global markets,” adds the chairman.

Michele van Akelijen, Managing Director, F&E Aerospace, said: “When you look at the vast opportunities this region offers the sector, it’s no surprise that we are seeing a host of new participants. MEBA is a must-attend event for anyone involved in chartering, leasing, selling, purchasing, operating and servicing business and VIP jets as exhibiting at MEBA provides the ideal platform to reach key business contacts and, crucially in this region, build relationships.”

The current figure of around 530 registered aircraft in the MENA region is expected to rise to 1200 by 2020. The number of movements in the region is anticipated to reach 175,000 by 2020, up from 105,000 in 2012.

For F&E Aerospace, contact: Kate Taylor, PR Manager – T: +971 4603 3300 E: kate.taylor@dubai.aero

About MEBAA
The Middle East and North Africa Business Aviation Association (“MEBAA”) is the official representative of the business aviation industry in the Middle East and North Africa (“MENA”) region and is a member of the International Business Aviation Council (“IBAC”). MEBAA is a non-profit association established in 2006 with the mission to provide a platform for members of the business aviation industry in the MENA region to gather, understand and communicate the needs and benefits of the industry.

As part of its current growth strategy, MEBAA seeks to implement operational safety and efficiency by providing best in-practice training, lectures and conferences, establishing codes of conduct, and providing industry data. Today, MEBAA represents over 225 companies within the MENA region and provides a number of products and services to its members, including the MAIS (MEBAA Aviation Insurance Scheme) insurance scheme for operators. In addition to various networking events, MEBAA hosts the MEBA Show, which ranks as the third largest business aviation show in the world.

For more information, please visit MEBAA’s website on www.mebaa.com.

Middle East Business Aviation (MEBA) will be held at Dubai World Central, from 8-10 December 2014. This event is the Middle East’s premier business aviation event and a must attend event for anyone involved in chartering, leasing, selling, purchasing, operating and servicing business and VIP jets. In addition to the exhibition, the event features a static display of the latest business aircraft. Exhibiting at MEBA provides the ideal platform to reach key business contacts and build relationships. www.meba.aero