MEBAA Show Highlights the Strong Growth of BizAv in the Middle East 

UAE – The 2022 MEBAA show was held in Dubai in early December after being postponed for several years due to the worldwide pandemic. The host, the Middle East and North African Business Aviation Association (MEBAA), called the show a great success. The biennial show drew attendees from 95 countries, with an increase in international attendees. In addition, more than 100 exhibitors connected with attendees while showcasing their latest innovations, technologies, aircraft, and solutions. The focus of the latest MEBAA show was to highlight growth and innovation within the Middle East Region.  

2021 was marked as the busiest year for global business jet activity. The Middle East region alone showed some of the strongest growth in business jet demands, notably from the UAE, which was up by 73% compared to 2019. The business aviation market in the Middle East maintained its growth momentum in 2022, with flights up by 47% in May, in comparison with the same period in 2019. 

One of the big topics discussed at MEBAA was the shortage of charter aircraft in the Middle East market. Over 94% of charter requests are unsatisfied due to the limited availability of charter aircraft. As a result, Middle East-based operators are working towards acquiring more aircraft or partnering with other operators to support the growing demand for private jet travel within the region and abroad.  

Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) was also a significant focus at MEBAA. Falcon Aviation announced plans to launch eVTOL air-taxi services from the luxury resort Atlantis the Palm in 2026. Under a partnership with Eve Urban Air Mobility, the operator signed a letter of intent to buy 35 of the manufacturer’s planned four-passenger eVTOL aircraft. Abu Dhabi-based Falcon is planning to operate the eVTOLs initially from its existing heliport at Atlantis the Palm, from where it offers tourists a bird’s-eye view of Dubai. AAM expansion will also require significant investment in new ground infrastructure. Last month at Abu Dhabi Air Expo, French airports group ADP signed a memorandum of understanding with Abu Dhabi Airports to jointly prepare to build a network of vertiports in the emirate. ADP is already involved in a consortium working on launching eVTOL air services in the French capital during the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Meanwhile, the UAE’s neighbor, Saudi Arabia, also has ambitions to be a significant player in the AAM sector. The most recent development, in October, saw Saudi Arabian Airlines sign a deal with Lilium to acquire 100 of the company’s seven-passenger Lilium Jet aircraft. 

Aircraft manufacturers also made several announcements at the show reflecting on the strong business aviation economy in the Middle East and future growth. Airbus Corporate Jets has taken orders for six orders and five deliveries worldwide in 2022In addition; it expects to sell 15 ACJs in the next five years to Middle Eastern government, VIP, and charter operators. Today, it has a pipeline of 15 ACJ TwoTwenties under completion by Comlux at its Indianapolis, Indiana facility for worldwide delivery over the next four years. 

Dassault Aviation has also received strong interest with a significant number of orders from the Middle East for its 6X that is slated to enter service in mid-2023. Several deliveries are lined up to the region shortly after the wide-cabin model enters service, the French airframer said, adding the 6X is in its final stages of flight testing. According to the company, its upcoming ultra-long-range Falcon 10X will build on that once it hits the market in late 202y. 

Dornier Seawings has also planned to enter the Middle East market. They signed an agreement with Gulf Enterprises that will bring the Part 23 FAA-certified Seastar amphibious twin-engine aircraft to the Middle East market. The airframe is made of glass fiber composites that are far more resistant to corrosion, and there is no airframe life limit; the turboprop twin’s maximum takeoff weight is now 11,240 pounds, and it carries 363 gallons of jet-A.  

The light and midsize jet market is also experiencing an increase in the Middle East, particularly from Embraer. Their latest aircraft, the Praetor 600, has proven itself well suited for a typical Dubai-London route. With the economies of the Middle East becoming more interconnected on a regional basis, Embraer sees demand rise for light jets for intra-regional flights. In addition, Embraer has seen consistent demand from various nations inside the African continent, although the numbers are not large. 

Some other announcements at the MEBAA show were Bombardier building its first service center in the UAE, building a 100,000 sq ft facility, and creating over 100 jobs. Dubai-based Titan Aviation also announced plans to increase its fleet size from 30 to 50 by the end of 2023 to meet the increasing demand for private jet travel within the region. In addition, MySky opened a new office in Dubai as they are seeing growth within the Middle East. MySky was originally launched as an online audit platform for aircraft management companies and since has evolved as a provider of multiple cost and revenue management services for aircraft owners, buyers, management companies, and flight departments. 

Overall, the MEBAA show seemed to be a great success highlighting the strong presence of business aviation in the Middle East. The future looks very bright, especially with new aircraft and new technologies coming to the market, including Advanced Air Mobility. 

The next MEBAA show will be held in December 2024 at Dubai World Central.