A Helicopter Pavilion is to grace the Dubai Air Show for the first time. The area sold out very quickly, with some of the bigger names in the rotorcraft business participating.

The pavilion is being introduced by show organisers Fairs & Exhibitions (F&E) to give added focus to the rotorcraft industry.

“The speed at which the pavilion has filled clearly justifies our decision to elevate this segment of the aviation industry within the Dubai Air Show,” said Clive Richardson, chief executive, aerospace group, F&E.

Among those participating in the pavilion are Bell Helicopter, Edwards Associates, the rotary-wing modifier Aviation Accessories, Sikorsky and Rotor Blade Inc.

“This truly was an industry-led initiative,” added Alison Weller, F&E’s project manager, “and the results show it was a much-needed one. It will serve both the manufacturers and suppliers of the rotorcraft industry and will certainly feature prominently in Dubai 2005 as well.”