As the Western economies suffered setbacks and confusion there was a popular conception, almost a mantra, that the Middle East was recession-proof .This idea was somewhat dented when Dubai's property bubble burst with spectacular results.
However, in terms f the overall picture this was merely a local difficulty and other areas were unaffected and continued to prosper. The reality of one of the bellwethers of the current financial situation can best be judged by the recent Middle East Business Aviation (MEBA) air show in Dubai.
MEBA was organized on behalf of the Middle East Business Aviation (MEBAA) and is the world's third largest show dedicated to business aviation. The last MEBA show, in November 2008, attracted some 250 exhibitors from 30 countries and over 5500 visitors, resulting in some US$ 1, and 5-billion worth orders. The recent event catered for the same number of exhibitors, but 7000 visitors, an increase of around 35%.
It may seem churlish at this point to mention recent findings in last years Honeywell Business Aviation Outlook that suggests that Middle East purchase plans have now moved more in-line with the overall world average. Purchase expectations of nearly 30% recorded in Africa and the Middle East were off markedly from the record 2009 level but still above North American levels for replacement and expansion rates over the next five years.
The Honeywell report goes on to suggest that Middle East economies have become more cautious in their outlook for sustained economic growth, no doubt stemming from the leveling out of oil prices through much of the year and the outlook for slower increases in oil demand coupled to the reduced pace of economic growth.
Nevertheless, operators in these regions still expect to be active buyers, at or near the world average rate. Planned purchases, even at the world average, will still result in more rapid regional growth in the Middle East and there was little doubt that MEBA would not fail to confirm this assumption. In the recent past much has been said about lack of infrastructure in the area that was inhibiting growth. This is something that is certainly being addressed, a good example being the concept and development of the Al Bateen facility. Originally built in the 1960s, Al Bateen was Abu Dhabi's first airport.
When Abu Dhabi International Airport, located some 20 miles outside the city, was opened in 1982, Al Bateen was used by military aviation until, in June 2009; it secured full aerodrome certification from the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) in recognition of its high standards in all areas of operations.
Al Bateen is the Gulfs first dedicated executive aviation airport. It is undergoing extensive re-development to be the premier business airport for the region, as it prepares to double its annual movements to more than 12000 by 2014.Last October the facility announced a 34,4% increase in aircraft movements in the first six month of this year, in comparison with the same period in 2009.
The airport is owned and operated by the Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) which has embarked on a multi-million dollar plan to upgrade the airport with new ILS precision approach capability, new hangars and MRO facilities, plus a hotel on site. During MEBA, it was announced that the GCAA had completed the ILS category 1 upgrade.
In an attention-getting announcement during MEBA, ADAC announced its plan to reduce its aeronautical charges at Al Bateen Executive Airport by 35% on landing fees and by 17% on the current parking fees, for all aircraft, with immediate effect. The Al Bateen executive team also unveiled the new master plan model of the airport .Plans are in place to develop new hangars and complete apron enhancements, utilities and runway work.
However, in terms f the overall picture this was merely a local difficulty and other areas were unaffected and continued to prosper. The reality of one of the bellwethers of the current financial situation can best be judged by the recent Middle East Business Aviation (MEBA) air show in Dubai.
MEBA was organized on behalf of the Middle East Business Aviation (MEBAA) and is the world's third largest show dedicated to business aviation. The last MEBA show, in November 2008, attracted some 250 exhibitors from 30 countries and over 5500 visitors, resulting in some US$ 1, and 5-billion worth orders. The recent event catered for the same number of exhibitors, but 7000 visitors, an increase of around 35%.
It may seem churlish at this point to mention recent findings in last years Honeywell Business Aviation Outlook that suggests that Middle East purchase plans have now moved more in-line with the overall world average. Purchase expectations of nearly 30% recorded in Africa and the Middle East were off markedly from the record 2009 level but still above North American levels for replacement and expansion rates over the next five years.
The Honeywell report goes on to suggest that Middle East economies have become more cautious in their outlook for sustained economic growth, no doubt stemming from the leveling out of oil prices through much of the year and the outlook for slower increases in oil demand coupled to the reduced pace of economic growth.
Nevertheless, operators in these regions still expect to be active buyers, at or near the world average rate. Planned purchases, even at the world average, will still result in more rapid regional growth in the Middle East and there was little doubt that MEBA would not fail to confirm this assumption. In the recent past much has been said about lack of infrastructure in the area that was inhibiting growth. This is something that is certainly being addressed, a good example being the concept and development of the Al Bateen facility. Originally built in the 1960s, Al Bateen was Abu Dhabi's first airport.
When Abu Dhabi International Airport, located some 20 miles outside the city, was opened in 1982, Al Bateen was used by military aviation until, in June 2009; it secured full aerodrome certification from the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) in recognition of its high standards in all areas of operations.
Al Bateen is the Gulfs first dedicated executive aviation airport. It is undergoing extensive re-development to be the premier business airport for the region, as it prepares to double its annual movements to more than 12000 by 2014.Last October the facility announced a 34,4% increase in aircraft movements in the first six month of this year, in comparison with the same period in 2009.
The airport is owned and operated by the Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) which has embarked on a multi-million dollar plan to upgrade the airport with new ILS precision approach capability, new hangars and MRO facilities, plus a hotel on site. During MEBA, it was announced that the GCAA had completed the ILS category 1 upgrade.
In an attention-getting announcement during MEBA, ADAC announced its plan to reduce its aeronautical charges at Al Bateen Executive Airport by 35% on landing fees and by 17% on the current parking fees, for all aircraft, with immediate effect. The Al Bateen executive team also unveiled the new master plan model of the airport .Plans are in place to develop new hangars and complete apron enhancements, utilities and runway work.
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