Civil Aviation Authority

Although its flagship was not featured at NBAA "in the flesh", Gulfstream Aerospace announced that the ultra-large-cabin, ultra-long-range G650 recently completed several tests required as part of its certification by the Federal Aviation Administration and European Aviation Safety Agency, including flutter, in-flight loads, flammable fluid drainage and ingestion, and water ingestion. Initial certification tests were conducted during envelope expansion when the absence of flutter was shown out to the design dive speed (vd) and design Mach dive speed (Md).

During these tests, the aircraft achieved a top speed of Mach 0,995 and demonstrated acceptable damping responses following an input from an external test device.In addition, certification data has been obtained for the in-flight measurements of aerodynamics loads on the wing, tail and fuselage. The FAA began participating in certification testing of the G650 when it issued the first Type Inspection Authorization (TIA) in late August. The document authorizes the regulatory agency to conduct the tests required as part of the effort for the aircraft to receive its type certificate, which Gulfstream anticipates receiving this year.

Since making its flying debut on November 25, 2009, S/N 6001 has performed a number of tests, including aerodynamic stall testing to validate low-speed limits and stall characteristics .It has also been involved in parameter identification testing to validate the aerodynamic models used for engineering analysis for control-law development. The aircraft has also confirmed a wide range of data, including minimum control air speeds, initial cruise performance , and flight-control system/flight-control law performance .The data programmes second TIA for water-ingestion tests was recently completed at NASAs facility at Wallops Island, Va. These tests demonstrated that on a runway with standing water, the aircraft and engine operations were not appreciably affected by water ingestion.

Since joining flight test in MAY, S/N 6003 has been used to measure in-flight loads and validate the initial planeviewTM avionics, auto-pilot and flight management systems.For the first time, Gulfstream is also testing an aircraft outfitted with a full interior. S/N 6004, which flew for the first time June 6, had its interior installed over the summer and has resumed flight test. Since the flight-test programme officially began on November 29, 2009, the four aircraft involved have accumulated more than 700 hours over more than 200 flights.

Testing also continues in the G650 Integration Test Facility (ITF) at Gulfstream's Savannah headquarters. Engineers have been using the facility to integrate the software and hardware for the aircrafts systems and to perform the human-factors testing required for certification.For the first time in Gulfstream's history, the ITF also includes a full-size mock-up of the G650 cabin Essential TM design philosophy, which ensures that systems are designed with redundancy to prevent single-point failure. The company claims that the G650 offers the longest range at the fastest speed in its class. Powered by Rolls-Royce BR 725 engines, the business jet is capable of travelling 7000 nautical miles at Mach 0, 85 and has a maximum operating speed of MACH 0,925.Entry into service is slated for 2012.

NBAA 2010 reveals that the tide is turning, new aircrafts, surprise announcements and a general air of optimism made last years convention one of the best for years………

As Gulfstream new flagship, the G650, powered its way through the 700-hour flight test mark en route to FAA certification this year, archrival in the heavy corporate jet field, Bombardier, took the wraps off two new ultra-long range aircraft, the Global 7000 and Global 8000 to kick-start last years National Business Aircraft Associations (NBAA) annual convention and set the industry on what many analysts see as the start of the road to recovery.

And just to prove that the big corporate jets did not have the limelight to themselves, Cessna announced its upgraded citation Ten; HBC unveiled the Hawker 200; Piper announced its revamped Piper Jet complete with a new name, and Hawker Beech craft unveiled its new King Air 250 turboprop as new products, services and systems galore were revealed to the industry on the many stands in packed convention centre.

NBAAs president and CEO, Ed Bolen, said the highly successful show reflected its continuing value, even as the industry continued to confront a turbulent marketplace. "It has been a pretty challenging couple of years for business aviation," Bolen said."By almost any measure, our industry fell 25 to 40 percent over the past year."Bur Bolen had good news, too, citing participation by 1083 exhibitors, a number that topped the exhibitor count for the 2009 show; a sold –out static display of aircraft, with 93 aircraft at Dekalb Peachtree Airport and a waiting list for participation, and an attendee registration at 24206, up more than five percent for attendance at the close of the 2009 Convention.

"This year's convention clearly understood two facts," Bolen continued."First ,in spite of the challenges confronting business aviation in the past two years, people and companies are optimistic and forward-looking.Second,the convention continues to be a key part of that forward-looking vision, serving as the premier venue for bringing the industry together and advancing its interests."

Business aviation should begin its next period of expansion in 2012,according to the 19th annual Business Aviation Outlook issued by Honeywell Aerospace at NBAAs convention .About 11000 new business jets, valued at over $225-billion, will be delivered from this year through to 2020 ,according to the company's analysts."Despite a torpid recovery, there have been relatively few programme cancellations and delays," said Rob Wilson, president of business and general aviation for Honeywell."The pipeline of new high-value models supporting long-term growth remains strong. Our survey indicates that international demand will still remain significant and contribute to longer-term growth."

But in the short term, 2011 will likely be no better than last year, with an estimated 675 to 700 new business jet deliveries, according to Honeywell's survey."This year, operators outside North America have become more cautious about the strength and pace of the recovery," Wilson said."While they are still looking beyond the current economic climate and anticipating a return to improved business conditions, they have tempered near-term expectations and buying decisions, as reflected in the current delivery forecast."

New "Biggies"

But the big news was that of Bombardiers new corporate jets, the Global 7000 and the Global 8000.Bombardiers flagship Global aircraft family now uniquely covers the large, ultra long-range category with four aircraft models, the Global 5000,Global Express XRS, Global 7000 and Global 8000 jets."Bombardier commitment to innovation, ongoing investment in product development strategy and strength as the industry leader are key contributors to our overall success," said Steve Ridolfi, president of Bombardier Business Aircraft."These new aircraft are solid examples of Bombardiers foresight and visionary thinking. The Global 7000 and Global 8000jets will give our customers the ability to reach more destinations non-stop that ever before, delivering unprecedented levels of performance, flexibility, and comfort," continued Ridolfi.

The Global 7000 aircraft features a spacious four-zone cabin, the manufacturer claiming that this aircraft sets the benchmark for a new category of large business jets. With a volume of 74, 67 cu.m, passengers will have 20% more living space than the cabin of the current industry leader. The aircraft will have a high-speed cruise of Mach 0, 90 and arrange of 7300 nm at Mach 0, 85. It will fly London-Singapore, New York-Dubai or Beijing –Washington non-stop with 10 passengers. Entry into service is scheduled for 2016.

The Global 8000 aircraft, according to Bombardier, will be able to fly further than any other business jet. It will feature a three-zone 63,32-cu.m cabin and a range of 7900 nm at Mach 0,85.It will connect Sydney-Los Angeles, Hong Kong –New York and Mumbai-New York non-stop with eight passengers. The Global 8000will reach a high-speed cruise of Mach 0, 90. Entry into service is scheduled for 2017.

Bombardiers new Global aircraft will feature an all-new high-speed transonic wing, designed to significantly optimize aerodynamic efficiency and emissions advantages, including reduced NOx emissions -50% below, the International Civil Aviation Organizations upcoming Civil Aircraft Emissions Protocol (CAEP-6) regulations-and an eight percent better overall fuel-efficiency target when compared to the Global Express XRS aircraft. Featuring a high-speed cruise of Mach0, 90, these aircraft are designed to outperform all others through a combination of range, fuel efficiency and balanced field length.

Cabin features common to both new aircraft include: maximum natural light through new enlarged windows, that provide approximately 80% more surface per window than on current Global aircraft; a generous baggage suite that is accessible during flight; a crew rest area equipped with "berth able" seating; a galley with optimized meal preparation and storage possibilities ; an innovative approach to cabin zones, giving customers more flexibility and choice when defining their floor plan and innovative design options that bring the comforts of home to the aircraft environment.

Both aircraft will also feature the most up-to-date version of the Global Vision flight deck and the advanced connectivity capability of a leading-edge cabin management system which Bombardier says will ensure the highest levels of convenience, comfort and control ever presented in a business jet.

OneJetone Airways is set to become Kenya's new international budget carrier offering a choice of low cost air tickets options on key international routes.The airline has been in the process of setting for up some time, but has met challenges which have led to the delays in operations beginning.

However, the airlines CEO, Arjun Rusaik, clarified the airlines start-up progress by saying that the airline was still working towards the granting of its operating certificate by the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority and that the carrier was currently at the third of a five-stage process following up on the process of registration of its first aircraft, an Airbus A319.Approval also had to be obtained for the maintenance and repair organization (MRO) which would be performing the fleets servicing.

Discussing the postponement of start of operations, Rusaik said this was necessitated by the need to obtain adequate funding to facilitate roll out of the business plan, which had led to the airline securing investors who were a major world aviation and logistics group which had acquired a 49% stake in the airlines shareholding.The airlines confirmed fleet will consist off Airbus A319, A320 and Embraer 145 jets which will be on a dry lease to serve its various destinations. These will include key domestic and international destinations all within six hours flying time from its Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) hub such as Bujumbura, Harare, Al-Ain and London among others.

Rusaik explained that the airlines fleet maintenance would be split with line maintenance being done at its JKIA hub and with heavy maintenance to be outsourced to an MRO facility in Turkey. Since the airline would be using Airbus A320 Family while all other local operators used other aircraft makes, this would present a challenge in recruiting staff who were conversant with the fleets operational requirement, he said, adding: "Therefore the airline will invest in training all its staff from pilots, cabin crew to engineers and it has been working to set up their respective training.":

The progress of start-up faces another hurdle after the Kenya Airports Authority cancelled a tender that OneJetOne had won to construct a terminal on the "old" side of the JKIA.Rusaik,however,indicated that this has not changed its plans to use JKIA as its hub and that it would rent facilities to meet its needs.Pressed for a definite start-up date, Rusaik said that OneJetOne planned to begin operations in the second or third quarter of 2011 and that only training of the personnel could affect commencement of operations.

Fly540 Takes Over East Africa Safari Air Express Operations

East Africa's pioneer budget airline ,Fly540,has taken over the operations of East Africa Safari Air Express following the onset of negotiations which were underway at the time of writing with the aim of Fly540 purchasing a controlling interest in the airline.FLY540 has offered to purchase East African lock, stock and barrel .In an initial agreement, the first phase of which has been implemented, Fly540 is wet leasing East Africa's fleet consisting of a McDonnell Douglas DC-9 and a Fokker F28. East Africa's aircrew and technical staff have been retained and Fly 540 will handle the operations. The deals will also include takeover of route licenses.

Fly 540 entered into this agreement as a way to continue its expansion programme and meet ongoing demand, especially on the Entebbe and Malindi routes which have recently experienced an upsurge in demand from business and tourist travelers. The leased aircraft have thus been deployed to serve these routes together with Hargesia, in Somaliland, due to have also been included during January. Juba, in Southern Sudan will come on line later.

The aircraft will still be based at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport with the ongoing negotiations on the final takeover of East African Air Express expected during the course of this month.East Africa Safari Air Express had earlier suspended operations, but later resumed services to Hargesia.

Fly540 operations director, Nixon Ooko, said the move was aimed at sharpening the airlines competitive edge and to strengthen its market position by venturing out to new destinations. He also said Fly540 would be buying new aircraft this year and planned to deploy them on some of the routes it had acquired from East African.

The regional market would be the carriers priority as its sought to shield itself intense competition from other regional players, he said.East African Safari Air Express began services in 1998 and had mainly operated scheduled flights to Kisumu, Lokichogio, Malindi, Mombassa, Hargesia and Juba. It was one of the key players in Kenya's fast growing aviation market.

Kenya Airways Boosts Fleet

Kenya s National flag carrier took another step towards its fleet modernization goal recently when it accepted delivery of its first Embraer 190AR (advanced range) aircraft which is reported o be the first of the new model to have been delivered by the Brazilian manufacturer.The aircraft, which is fitted with both business and economy class sections brings to six the total number of Embraer E-Jets in the airlines fleet, the others being E-170s. A second E-190AR is scheduled for delivery later this year.The new aircraft was scheduled to have entered service during the latter part of January.

Speaking at the firms head office, Kenya Airways chief operating officer, Bram Steller, said the aircraft was optimum for Kenya Airways regional routes at the 100-seat range.The aircraft will service the Lusaka, Lilongwe, Nampula, Harare, Addis Ababa and Djibouti routes.

The past year has seen the Kenyan aviation industry begin to regain its growth track after recovering from the counter effects of the global economic downturn crisis which left the national carrier, Kenya Airways, incurring a ksh.4,08-billion loss in the financial year 2008/2009.The carrier,however,returned to profitability recording a profit of ksh,2,03-billion in the financial year 2009/2010 .This growth has been on the back of the recovery of the tourism industry to a three-year high and more regional business activity that has led to the increase of demand for various air services.

Kenya Airways has already embarked on an ambitious plan to open a new destination every month for the next three years and is in discussions with Airbus regarding the possibility of ordering A330 as a replacement for the delayed Boeing 787 Dream liners. In addition, it is expecting delivery of two Embraer E190 jets early this year.Regional carriers are also on the move with Fly 540 having received another CRJ-200 earlier in the year which it has been deployed on the Mombasa and the new Dare Salaam routes it recently added to its growing network.

Jet link is expected to launch new destinations in Tanzania, as well as to Khartoum, Sudan, and Kigali, in Rwanda. The carrier is also expected to expand its fleet this year to accommodate its expanding network.The general aviation industry has also recorded growth with the number of new aircraft delivered being at a high level.

Cessna has benefited largely from this growth with the number of sales of its Cessna Caravan C208B being at an all time high in the country. The majority of the operators have preferred this model mainly due to its reliability, low operating costs and the wide customer support. Lady Lori received delivery of a Cessna Caravan 208B earlier and deployed it for use in offering passenger charters across the region.

Ai Kenya Express took delivery of its new C208B with its upgraded G1000 glass cockpit to serve its routes to various game parks countrywide.Yellow Wings has also taken delivery of a new Caravan and will use it to serve its corporate air charters in the region.The Kenya Police Airwing is another operator to take delivery of a Caravan C208B which it will use in various roles including Government VIP flights and aerial patrols.

Dassault was also keen to emphasize range while stressing that the Middle East market for business jets was beginning to show signs of recovery. Dassault has a growing fleet of Falcon business jets in the region, which it plans to grow by 30% over the next three years. Dassault Falcon has sold 14 aircraft in the Middle East in the last two years and has a backlog of 15 additional aircraft to be delivered to regional buyers by 2013.Dassaults current regional fleet size is about 60 business jets. Forty percent of the company's new business jet sales are coming from the Falcon 7X and the company delivered its tenth Falcon 7X to the Middle East before the end of 2010.

Dassault has also expanded its presence and infrastructure with a new regional sales office and recently appointed a new regional sales director in Dubai, as well as a second Authorized Service Centre and a new customer service manager, in Saudi Arabia.CAE SimuFlite, Dassaults training provider partner, will open a brand new Falcon training centre in Dubai in the second quarter of 2011.Dassault confirmed that it is working toward a 2016 certification date for the new SMS Falcon business jet; the twin-engine SMS will be the successor to the trijet Falcon 50. During MEBA, Dassault announced that the Falcon 200LX had gained approval for operations at London City Airport (LCY), well known for its steep approach paths.

Bombardier Breakthrough

Bombardier achieved a breakthrough sale at the show for its new Global 7000 aircraft when Comlux signed a contract for two of the ultra-long-range jets. It was the first of two deals signed by the Canadian manufacturer at the show on one day, which is set to go home from Dubai with at least $ 285-millionin new business.Comlux selected the new model with the Middle East very much in mind. The Global 7000 will allow the aircraft management and charter operator to fly passengers nonstop from its new regional base in Bahrain to the US.

The Canadian manufacturer introduced its ultra-long range Global 7000 and Global 8000 aircraft at the NBAA trade show in Atlanta in October. The newcomers are Bombardiers response to the challenged posed by Gulfstream's new G650 large cabin product. The entry-into-service date for the Global 7000, the larger of the two new aircraft, is set for 2016.Comlux is scheduled to take delivery of its first that year and it's second in 2017.Bombardier also showed the Learjet 60 XR, Challenger 300, Challenger 605, Challenger 850 and the Global Express XRS in the static display.

ME Growth

Hawker Beech craft Corporation (HBC) also continues to experience growth in the Middle East ,the company displaying four of its business jet and turboprop aircraft at MEBA .These were the Hawker 4000,Hawker 900XP,Beechcraft Premier IA and Beech craft King Air 350i.Hawker Beech craft Services (HBS) revealed that it had acquired the first test aircraft and initiated design engineering on its $2,24-million high performance upgrade for Hawker 400XP/Beech craft 400A aircraft.

The Hawker 40XPR, which is expected to receive certification in 2012, offers improved range and airfield performance, while reducing noise and emissions by replacing the existing Pratt & Whitney JT15D-5 engines with new Williams International FJ44-4A-32 dual FADEC high-bypass turbofans. The upgrade also features the addition of Hawker composite winglets and an optional modernized flight deck with Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics.

When considering suitable aircraft types for conversion to business or VIP aviation, the Lockheed Hercules is not the first one that comes to mind. On the opening day of MEBA, the Alsalam Aircraft Company, of Saudi Arabia, delivered a Lockheed L-100 Hercules in VIP configuration, to an undisclosed customer. The aircraft featured an interior designed by MAZ Aviation, also of Saudi Arabia, and among the many refinements are new, larger windows well removed from military look of the usual run of Hercules.

ExecuJet Middle East and ExecuJet Europe were in buoyant mood and announced the addition of a further seven new aircraft into their managed fleet, with a further four aircraft in the pipeline expected to join over the next few months.ExecuJet Middle East has just signed a brand new Challenger 605 which was due to have been delivered last month.

In an effort to create further coordination and higher optimization of the charter services offered, ExecuJet has decided to merge the charter sales teams within the Middle East and Europe and will now manage a team of over 10 charter professionals. Both regions will be working on a common IT Platform to further harmonize their services that will enable the team to sell flights for the entire fleet to all charter clients.

ExecuJet Middle East also revealed a partnership with Al Faisal Holding, in Qatar, to form a business aviation company in Doha to be named ExecuJet Qatar. The new company has been established to secure an Air Operating Certificate (AOC) and provide aircraft management and charter services to clients in Qatar.

During the show, Emirates-CAE Flight Training (ECFT) signed a contract with GainJet Aviation SA for Gulfstream G450, Gulfstream G550 and Bombardier Global Express pilot training at the Dubai centre.GainJet is a private aircraft charter operator and management company headquartered in Athens, Greece.

CAE also provides training for GainJet pilots on the Embraer Phenom 100 aircraft at Embraer-CAE Training Services in Burgess Hill, and the Gulfstream G200 at the CAE North East Training Centre in Morristown, New Jersey.

The UK-based Gama Group was keen to note that its Gama Aviation FZC has met its planned targets for its first year of operation in the region. In addition, a fifth wide-bodied business jet, privately owned Bombardier Global XRS, is now on line under management.

Gama is now in the of applying for its UAE GCAA CAR 145 maintenance approval which it hopes to achieve in the first half of 2011 and is working to complete a new 12000 square metres hangar facility at Sharjah.

Inevitably there was strong support from local companies, typically Sharjah-based provider of flight support services, Avjet Routing which emphasized its services at MEBA.

Spot Air chose MEBA to launch a new concept in VIP travel. The company has recognized the need to provide VIP flights for large groups of people, from 30 to 60 passengers.

Spot Air is targeting this market sector following a sharp increase in the number of flights the company has undertaken to Dubai and the UAE.

Thrane & Thrane introduced its new Aviator wireless handset for the first time at MEBA.Designed specifically for in-flight communications; the Aviator offers a range of advanced features for voice and data communications. Anyone aboard the aircraft can use the Aviator to make and receive in-flight calls.

The solution provides an extensive range of innovative features that includes echo and noise cancellation to ensure audio quality.

MEBA was also used to present the Thrane & Thrane Aviator 200, which recently received Inmarsat Type Approval, following successful installation and testing on a Cessna Citation .The Aviator 200 simultaneously provides data speeds up to 200 kbps and a single AMBE 2 channel for voice calls, offering users aboard smaller aircraft a complete communications capability where this was previously not achievable.

Perhaps the pace of aircraft sales was not a frenetic as has been experienced in the past but the show underlined the rapid and extensive development of infrastructure provision.

Air traffic control and ground facilities continue to be modernized through-out the Middle East .Most recently, Jordanian private jets (JPJets) signed an agreement with Alaeddin Construction to complete the third phase of Aqabas VIP Terminal project, which will open for operation early this year.

It seems that the continued success of the show has grown the facility at Dubai and the search is on for an alternative site for 2012.

A decision is expected within the year.

A tantalizing rumour of recent times has been the suggestion of the establishment of an indigenous manufacturing facility in the region. Mubadala Aerospace, a business unit of Mubadala Development Company, has given credence to the rumours by announcing its intention to develop the capability to design, manufacture and assemble aircraft in Abu Dhabi.

Speculation intensified when Mubadala became a shareholder in Piaggio in 2006 and currently holds 31,5% of the company. Piaggio has already been reported as developing a business jet and this could offer a convenient peg for an indigenous project. Speaking just prior to the MEBA show opening, market analyst Brian Foley noted that, of about 550 business jets based in the Middle Eastern countries, nearly 90%were considered medium-or large-size jets. This fleet perspective is significant, because the worldwide average was closer to 60% .And it is a measure of utility, not just luxury and prestige.

Business aircraft sales in the Middle East peaked in 2007 and took a tumble with the rest of the world in late 2008."Here, however, the market swing was less extreme than in the USA," Foley pointed out."But it's fair to say that all operators took a lesson from this economy. Today they're a lot more cost-conscious and increasingly sophisticated in their use of planes and other assets." Foley sees conditions as improving now, with smart operators snapping up late model pre-owned aircraft at prices 30% lower in this buyers market.

The Show Itself

Of course, this economic promise is an irresistible lure for manufacturers of business aircraft and the attendance at MEBA of such a wide range of products was proof of this, with the larger, "long-legged " types tending to dominate. Cessna showed a wide range of its business jet and propeller aircraft, backed up by the attendance of Trevor Esling,vice president ,International Sales, Cessna ,and Saad Wallan,Chairman ,Wallan Aviation (Cessna Authorized Sales Representative). Included in the static display were the Citation CJ4, Citation X, Skyhawk, Grand Caravan and Corvalis TT.

Embraer is very conscious of the areas importance and showcased its ultra-large Lineage 1000 executive jet together with the light Phenom 300 and the newly certificated large Legacy 650 executive jets. The Legacy 650 with its 3900 nautical mile range recently demonstrated its capabilities with a non-stop flight from Dubai to London, with occupants on board. This significant increase in range was accomplished through extensive airframe modifications, such as reinforced wings and landing gear, larger fuel capacity and new highly efficient and more powerful Rolls-Royce AE3007A2 engines.

Embraer has delivered the first ultra large Lineage 1000 executive jet to VIP charter company Falcon Aviation Services (FAS), of Abu Dhabi, UAE.The handover ceremony was held at the MEBA static display and is the first of two Lineage 1000 jets ordered by FAS in November 207, along with commitments for more Embraer executive jets.

Saudi Aramco has been welcomed as a new Embraer 170 jet operator in Saudi Arabia. Its first aircraft, delivered at the end of November, was followed by other Embraer 170s towards year-end. Embraer has now appointed ExecuJet Aviation Group, in Dubai (UAE), as a new Embraer Authorized Service Centre (EASC) for the Legacy 600 and Legacy 650 executive jets. ExecuJet will provide scheduled and unscheduled maintenance services at Dubai International Airport. This move reinforces the Embraer Customer Support and Services network in the Middle East, which now has authorized service centres in Abu Dhabi and Dubai and a dedicated spare parts distribution centre in Dubai.

This appointment coincides with the recent delivery of the first Legacy 650 large executive jet in the region. This was to an undisclosed customer from Jordan. The aircraft will be managed, on behalf of its owner, by private jet charter operator Arab Wings, also based in Jordan. Honeywell's new primus Elite avionics suite also equips the Legacy 650 and future Legacy 600s. Due to the excellent performance in hot and high conditions, allowing operations up to temperatures of 50 degrees centigrade, both aircraft have been very successful in the Middle East market, where over 20 are currently in operation.

During the show, it was announced that ABS Jets, a Prague-based company, has received authorization to carry out maintenance of UAE-registered aircraft. ABS Jets has obtained CAR145 approval that enables it to carry out the full range of maintenance services for clients with Embraer aircraft-the legacy 600, phenom 100 and Phenom 300.

Further up the size-scale, two Airbus corporate jets were on show, highlighting their success in the region. These were an A318 Elite operated by Al Jaber Aviation (AJA) and an Airbus Corporate Jet (ACJ) based in Bahrain and operated by Comlux.AJA began offering its Airbus A318 Elite for VIP charter Flights earlier this year and is the first Airbus customer from the region to offer this services. It is also the largest Airbus customer for charter aircraft in the Middle East, having ordered four A318 Elites and two Airbus ACJs.

Comlux is one of Airbus' largest corporate jet customers and currently has an A318 Elite and an Airbus ACJ based in Bahrain. On the eve of the show, Rizon Jet, of Doha, Qatar, announced that it was to become a new operator of an ACJ, which it will manage on behalf of the new Gulf customer who ordered it last year. Delivery of the "green" Airbus ACJ is planned for this year, with the outfitted aircraft being handed over to the customer in 2012.

328 Support Services GmbH made its mark by announcing the launch of its new VIP 328DBJ TM at MEBA. This aircraft replaces the "Envoy" version of the 328 and will be the standard for all future VIP conversions. Two more 328DBJ TM aircraft are being completed in BAVARIA FOR Sky Bird Air; a Nigerian customer.SkyBird will also be taking delivery of a completed 328 airliner featuring the same colours and materials as the VIP interior.

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.