Abu Dhabi air expo records Dh1bn deals

Abu Dhabi Airports Company (Adac) announced on Wednesday that the total value of deals signed at the region's first general aviation exhibition, Abu Dhabi Air Expo, have crossed Dh1 billion mark. The show saw more than 10,700 visitors and 105 exhibitors from local, regional and international companies. The exhibition was opened by Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Advisor and Vice-Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, alongside honorary attendees from Royal families and senior dignitaries from the GCC. The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), one of the key participants and industry stakeholders, was keen on supporting Abu Dhabi Air Expo since it was announced last year, as it saw the potential the show has in creating effective awareness among the general public in the UAE and the region on the opportunities within this dynamic industry. Captain Khalid Humaid Al Ali, Director of Licensing GCAA, awarded Yousif Al Hammadi an appreciation certificate from the GCAA on the last day in recognition of Adac's successful initiative of hosting the region's first General Aviation Exhibition in Abu Dhabi. Captain Al Ali said: "Abu Dhabi Air Expo will help develop and enlarge the aviation industry in the region, with the show demonstrating Abu Dhabi's continuous commitment to developing the dynamic aviation sector and positioning the capital as the centre for industry innovations. GCAA are proud to support the inaugural show and look forward to future successes." Abu Dhabi Air Expo witnessed several big announcements including Adac's own agreements with Falcon Aviation Services and R Offices. The show also inaugurated the AOPA UAE, as the 70th local AOPA to join the International Association of Aircraft Owner and Pilot Associations (IAOPA). Falcon Aviation Services used Abu Dhabi Air Expo as an opportunity to host two children of the Make A Wish Foundation and made their dreams of becoming a pilot come true during the event. Other participants also used the show as a platform to announce their latest innovations, agreements and ventures.