The upcoming 2016 Abu Dhabi Air Expo at Al Bateen Executive Airport in Abu Dhabi, UAE, has won the support of two more sponsors.

Abu Dhabi’s Department of Transport (DoT) has come on board as the official transportation sponsor while Global Aerospace Logistics (GAL), has confirmed its participation as a Gold Sponsor. 

The Abu Dhabi based subsidiary of the Emirates Defence Industries Company (EDIC), GAL is a provider of world-class aerospace services and products

Now in its fourth edition, the biennial air show is being held at Al Bateen Executive Airport, the only dedicated business aviation airport in the region, from March 8 to 10.

It is an integral part of Abu Dhabi Aviation and Aerospace Week, which is held under the patronage of HH General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

Ahmad Al Haddabi, Chief Operations Officer at Abu Dhabi Airports, said: “We are very happy to welcome the additional sponsors of Abu Dhabi Air Expo, who join the rest of the high calibre sponsors of this important industry event. 

“The Abu Dhabi Air Expo has established its position as a leading platform for the development of the aviation sector worldwide where industry leaders, as well as aviation enthusiasts and experts, converge from all over the world. I would like to thank all the sponsors for their valuable support and we look forward to making this year’s show a big success.”

Other key sponsors include:

• Sky Prime Aviation Services from Saudi Arabia, the providers of aircraft management, charter flights, maintenance and technical support, aviation project management, ground support services and aviation consultancy, as a Gold Sponsor.

• The National Search and Rescue Center as a Silver Sponsor.

• Bayanat, the commercial spinoff of the UAE Armed Forces' Military Survey Department (MSD) owned by Mubadala and a subsidiary of Emirates Defence Industries Company (EDIC), as the water station sponsor.

• Etisalat, the UAE-based multinational telecommunications services provider, as the exclusive telecom operator of the event. 

• Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) as the official bank.  

• Al Futtaim Motors, the exclusive distributor of Toyota, Lexus, Hino trucks and Toyota Material Handling equipment in the UAE as the car sponsor.

• Mawgif as the media center and platinum car park sponsor during Air Expo 2016. Mawgif is the national parking company of Saudi Arabia, headquartered in Jeddah with operations in Jordan and the UAE. 

The show will also have two new features this year: the Abu Dhabi Heli Expo, which will showcase what’s new in the helicopter industry; and the Middle East Aviation Career Conference (MEAC), which will provide a platform for industry partners to discuss challenges and opportunities for aviation professionals and leaders. 

This careers conference is being sponsored by AMMROC the Advanced Military Maintenance Repair Overhaul Center (AMMROC) and a leader in military MRO.

Alongside an exhibition of aircraft and helicopters, visitors will be treated to an array of air displays at the show. Al Fursan, the aerobatics demonstration team of the UAE Air Force along with Red Bull Race Display and Breitling wing walkers will all be putting in a performance during the show.

Abu Dhabi Air Expo 2016 is expecting over 20,000 visitors from the aviation and aerospace industries and will occupy around 60,000 sq m of Al Bateen Executive Airport. A line-up of 300 manufacturers, operators and suppliers will be exhibiting and showcasing the latest technologies in private aircraft, helicopters, airport equipment and services, avionics, as well as insurance and financing.

In addition to the air expo, the Abu Dhabi Aerospace & Aviation Week will feature the Global Aerospace Summit, Unmanned Systems Exhibition and Conference (UMEX), and inaugural Simulation & Training Exhibition and Conference at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Centre (Adnec).