American aviation industry exports to the Middle East are set to soar, according to a major international representative, distributor and
service provider of aerospace application products, due to make its Dubai air show debut this November.Rome-headquartered Gelbyson, a leading distributor of US-manufactured aviation technology, says that latest developments in trade relations between America and the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries will boost US aviation product sales across the Arab world.
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“Saudi Arabia recently joined the WTO and a US free trade agreement with Bahrain is awaiting congressional approval whilst free trade talks with Oman and the UAE are also underway,” said Raffaello Tribioli, Vice President, Gelbyson.
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“These developments will certainly have a major impact on US aviation sector exports to the region, as the Middle East market continues to grow exponentially,” said Tribioli.
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At Dubai 2005, Gelbyson, a safety equipment distributor and authorized service station in conjunction with Eastern Aero Marine, is open to potential agents across the region to help it boost sales and its regional presence.
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“We are interested in forming alliances in the Middle East to generate higher sales volumes, maintenance and repair of the products we represent,” said Tribioli.
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And Aventure International Aviation Services, (AIAS), a US-headquartered representative and marketer of aviation companies, has also forecast increased investment in the Middle East, to capitalise on the industry’s growing potential.
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“We plan to establish an independent dedicated sales and customer support office in the GCC to complement our existing Middle East operations currently supported by a network of sales representatives and associate companies,” said Zaheer Faruqi, President, AIAS.
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Gearing up for its third consecutive Dubai air show appearance, AIAS is targeting the growing markets of the GCC, India, the Far East and Africa and forecasts a 30% increase in Middle East sales revenue for the next two years.
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“We reaped significant business benefits from our two previous appearances at the Dubai air show, including increased industry contacts, sales opportunities and market recognition, and Dubai 2005 will provide AIAS with increased market presence and visibility in the aviation industry,” said Faruqi.
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At Dubai 2005, AIAS plans to demonstrate a Raytheon Beech 1900 passenger airliner turboprop aircraft and launch new services, such as marketing representation, aircraft parts repair and overhaul services, as well as aviation chemicals and material supply.
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The Raytheon Beech is the latest to be confirmed for the show’s static park display, which will also see the Middle East launch of the Airbus A380 double-decker.
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“Dubai 2005 will see the most expansive static and flying display in the event’s history,” said Clive Richardson, CEO, Aerospace Division, Fairs & Exhibitions, the organiser of the Dubai air show. “The static park will see the international debut of Korean Aerospace Industry’s T-50 advanced trainer/fighter-lead-in-trainer - the ‘Golden Eagle and the debut of Seabird’s Al Yamamah 160 and 430, an Australian-manufactured trainer aircraft, optimised for general aviation and flight academies.
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“Private jet brands such as the Challenger 604, Citation Excel and Citation Bravo will also be on static display, while Sweden’s Gripen is planning the first Middle East flight of its new generation, multi-role aircraft.”
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Dubai 2005 will be held from November 20 - 24 at Airport Expo Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, and is expected to be the largest in the show’s history with a new hall - Central Hall - providing an additional 10,000 square metres of exhibition space. To date, 700 exhibitors from 43 countries have committed to the event which F&E organises in conjunction with the Department of Civil Aviation, Government of Dubai and the UAE Armed Forces.
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“This year’s show will be bigger and better than the earlier editions as the Middle East’s aviation sector is demonstrating its resilience, boasting some of the world’s fastest growing markets and the world’s fastest growing airlines,” said Richardson.
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“The fast growing civil and military aviation sectors, have been joined by a buoyant business aviation sector, which has warranted the introduction of the inaugural Middle East Business Aviation (MEBA) conference, to be held a day before Dubai 2005 officially opens.”
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MEBA 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.
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