Press Release

Issued by Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC).

March 7, 2012

A strong line-up of manufacturers, suppliers, exhibitors, trade visitors, media and a variety of general aviation and business aircraft gathered on the first day of the inaugural Abu Dhabi Air Expo. His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Advisor and Vice-Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council today officially opened the first Abu Dhabi Air Expo, which is the region's first general aviation exhibition.

The Abu Dhabi Airports Corporation (ADAC) is delighted to be bringing this event to the Middle East, as the region continues to grow its aviation expertise and skills. Participating OEMs include Gulfstream, Embraer, Diamond Aircraft, Pilatus, Stemme, Cessna, Dassault, Daher-Socata, Sikorsky, Bell Helicopter and Eurocopter. They will be joined up private jet operators including Saudia Private Aviation, Royal JET and Qatar Executive.

Among the aircraft featuring in the static display are: two Boeing BBJs, two Embraer Lineage 1000s, a Bombardier Global XRS, Bombardier Challenger 850, a Bombardier Challenger 605, a Bombardier Learjet 60, two Legacy 600s, a Legacy 650, a Kodiak, a Pipistrel Virus SW, a Blackshape Prime - the fastest Light Sport Aircraft, two Falcon 7Xs, a Gulfstream 450, a Stemme S10, the Diamond DA40NG and 42NG, an elegant Hermes Eurocopter EC135, a Piaggio Avanti, Daher-Socata's TBM-850 and many more. Wallan Aviation, exclusive dealership for Cessna and Bell Helicopters in the Middle East will also be showing a range of aircraft.

The show will major on key developments and innovation in general aviation, helicopters, equipment, manufacturers, services, pilot training schools, aircraft engines, accessories, avionics, insurance and financing, with a number of inter-active seminars taking place in the nearby Gulf Centre for Aviation Studies (GCAS Building) including 'Flight Training & Safety', 'The Future of Aviation, Fuels & Engines' and 'Aircraft Asset Management, Financing & Insurance'.

Thanks to sponsors including Al Bateen Executive's resident business jet and helicopter companies Falcon Aviation Services and Rotana Jet, which are principal sponsors of the event, and to Royal Jet, Abu Dhabi Aviation, Mubadala Aerospace, and Adnoc. A special thanks to the UAE Armed Forces, the Official Sponsor.

Yousif Hassan Al Hammadi, Chairman of the Organizing Committee for Abu Dhabi Air Expo and Deputy General Manager, Al Bateen Executive Airport, commented: "ADAC is extremely proud to host the first dedicated exhibition for general aviation in the Middle East at Al Bateen Executive Airport. We very much look forward to welcoming Expo visitors to Abu Dhabi and be able to initiate some exciting new business opportunities."

Adone, the organizers, who also host the annual Cannes Airshow, welcomed more than 2 500 visitors on the first day. Didier Mary Director of Adone said.

"The first Air Expo is already proving to be very popular with the local aviation market. The variety of exhibitors, the special events including the Al Fursan Aerobatic Team, and daily conference and talks has all combined to create a truly successful event."