More than 17,000 people are expected to attend the Abu Dhabi Air Expo in the United Arab Emirates through Thursday. The show began Tuesday and is in its third year. A total of 170 exhibitors are at the event, which bills itself as the largest display of general aviation aircraft in the Middle East. “The show helps to significantly boost the footprint of general aviation industry in Abu Dhabi, which forms part of an ongoing effort to support the development of new business sectors and diversify the Emirates’ economy,” said Ali Majed Al Mansoori, chairman of Abu Dhabi Airports.
The show is held at Al Bateen Executive Airport, which is the region’s only purpose-built GA airport. The airport saw 5,138 aircraft in 2013. All the usual business aviation exhibitors are involved in the show, which has shown sustained growth over its brief history. “The private aviation market is witnessing tremendous growth in Abu Dhabi and the wider region, and the numbers speak for themselves, Al Mansoori said.
