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F&E Aerospace, the company behind top Middle East aviation events such as the Dubai Airshow and Aircraft Interiors Middle East (AIME) - which kicks off 16 June - believes its five strong events portfolio will attract over 1,500 aviation companies and 60,000 trade professionals over the next 18 months.

And according to the company, which has been operating locally for over 30 years, the huge growth in the regional aerospace market has cemented the emirate's reputation as the region's primary aviation hub and spearheaded the shows' evolutions.

'The Middle East aerospace market and the development of our shows, starting with the Dubai Airshow in 1989, have always worked in synergy for the greater purpose of establishing the emirate as a leading, global aerospace centre.

The Middle East has continued to record massive growth across the aerospace industry's diverse sectors, and in many ways leads the pack in terms of innovation and expansion. One only has to look at the meteoric rise of Emirates airline or the new Dubai World Central project to see this,' said Virginia Kern, Chairman, F&E.

'As the regional industry continues to expand, so does the need to provide key business platforms for the world's industry to gather, discuss and drive forward its evolution. This is what we are trying to pursue with our latest initiatives.'

AIME 2008

The launch of AIME 2008, a dedicated event serving the aircraft interiors sector, running 16-17th June at the Dubai International Conventions & Exhibitions Centre (DICEC), is the latest in the company's catalogue of achievements as it continues to position Dubai, under the auspices of its government, as the Middle East's aviation events platform.

Taking off with 100 new companies from 15 countries, and an expected visitor turnout of 2,000, AIME 2008, will feature a dedicated two day conference programme, including a welcome address by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Government of Dubai and President and CEO of the Emirates Group.

Chaired by a host of industry 'heavyweights', other sessions will include topics such as: 'The Passenger Demands of the VIP Market - Why the Gulf is Important', 'Going Green in Interiors', 'Future Technologies for In-flight Catering' and 'The Future for Aircraft Interiors'.

The organisers have also launched a dedicated hosted buyer programme for AIME. This initiative is being implemented to foster an increased B2B setting for the industry's key decision makers and suppliers.

To date, signed up carriers for the hosted buyer programme include Jet Aviation Airline, Air Maroc and Kuwait Airways, with further slots being allocated to Middle East airlines. In addition, many of the region's biggest names have already confirmed their attendance such as award winning Emirates airline; Etihad, the UAE's national carrier; Bahrain-based Gulf Air; Royal Jet, the international luxury flight services company headquartered in Abu Dhabi; and the UAE's Amiri Flight.

'The aircraft interiors market is coming along in leaps and bounds. Strong growth in both the commercial and business aviation fields is not only driving its development, but is forcing it to diversify as customers needs and expectations become more tailored,' said Alison Weller, Director, F&E Aerospace.

'The need to develop a dedicated Middle East event to tackle the sector's challenges was a must. Via this platform, the international industry has a direct channel to talk to the region's principal players.'

The company has set its sight on diversifying its portfolio, with the announcement of two new shows set to debut next year - MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) Middle East and Aerospace Defence & Training Show (ADTS).

MRO Middle East

MRO Middle East, which will take place 21-22 January 2009, is expected to attract over 100 exhibitors and will boast a two day conference programme. The event will bring together decision-makers and suppliers to discuss all issues relating to aircraft maintenance.

The show has a strong pedigree behind it as it is being organised by Aviation Week - which already runs the world's number one MRO event in the US, and additional exhibitions in Asia and Europe.

'The Middle East will sport the fastest MRO growth of 8.9% per year compared to an overall industry average of 3.6% - so now is the time to launch an event here in the Middle East as this industry is set for some interesting times,' said Weller.

In addition, ADTS, which runs from the 2-3rd March at Airport Expo Dubai, will look to attract a similar number of exhibitors as it pursues a currently unaddressed market niche.

'Many companies have already told us this event is well-timed. The region is crying out for an show of this type, which addresses the issues and discovers solutions for the industry's training and recruitment needs,' said Weller.

'On the civil side there is massive growth from regional carriers, predicted to need 8,000 additional pilots by 2025. And on the defence side, one example here in the UAE is the air force readying itself to select new platforms for its basic and lead-in fighter trainers.'

ADTS will look at all aspects of the aerospace industry that require training, and cover all angles, from the pilots and crew, both civil and military, air traffic control, engineering, aviation management and many other associated jobs.

Through the conference and the associated exhibition they will cover the simulation products offered, the recruitment initiatives and opportunities available and the universities, courses and colleges offering aerospace and defence training.

F&E Aerospace is also heavily focusing on developing its current shows, with the 2009 Dubai Airshow tipped to be its largest to date and 2008's MEBA event already more than double in size than the 2007 edition.

Dubai Airshow 2007 boasted 850 exhibitors and 11 national pavilions representing 50 countries - 130 of these being new to the region. 45,421 visitors attended over the five days - 10,000 more than in 2005 - and over 140 aircraft were displayed on the static park, firmly cementing its reputation as the third largest aerospace event in the world

The biennial show also saw over $150bn worth of orders placed during its five days and now holds the record for the largest amount of deals ever concluded at one event.

And F&E Aerospace believe that this figure is expected to grow considerably for the 2009 outing as it moves to its new venue, with the proposed site covering more than double the size of the current Airport Expo Dubai.

MEBA 2008

MEBA 2008 - the dedicated B2B conference and exhibition for the business aviation sector, which will take place at the Dubai Airport Expo from the 16-18th November - will also more than double in size from last year, with exhibitor numbers, represented countries and aircraft on display all significantly up.

Visitor numbers are also tipped to smash last year's record with more than 5,000 expected to attend the three day event - an increase of over 50%.

'Dubai Airshow and MEBA are our stalwart events and are core drivers in both F&E Aerospace's and Dubai's continuing establishment as one of the world's leading destinations to conduct business for the industry at large,' added Weller.

'Their growth serves as the sector's barometer. It is not just about size, although this says a lot. It is about the quality of exhibitor, visitor and VIP coming through the doors which speaks volumes. Dubai and these events continue to attract a wide range of the world's leading decision makers, which is a significant indication of how this market is valued by the industry.'