Global Business Jet Makers Eye The Middle East Market

Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Air Expo got underway at Al Bateen Airport with global aircraft manufacturing companies displaying their latest models of business jets with an eye on the Middle East market.

Dozens of aircraft from ultra-light to heavy business jets are on display at the three-day event, which was inaugurated by Shaikh Hamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Court.

Among key displays, French firm Dassault Aviation is showcasing its new flagship business jet, the ultra long-range Falcon 8X, which can fly non-stop from New York to Abu Dhabi or Abu Dhabi to Adelaide.

“The Gulf is a key market for business aviation and operators place a high premium on the performance, robustness and advanced technology of Falcon jets, inherited from Dassault fighter aircraft programmes,” said Dassault Aviation Chairman Eric Trappier.

The first Falcon 8X was handed over in late 2016 and several 8Xs are already flying in the Gulf region.

Another major US aircraft manufacturing company Gulfstream is showcasing its G500 aircraft for the first time in the Middle East and Africa.

There are also local companies like Abu Dhabi Aviation, Falcon Aviation Services and Royal Jet, which are taking part in the event.

About 18,000 people are expected to attend the Air Expo that also includes an airshow.