From a redesigned immersive show floor through to new high-tech and ultra-luxurious jets, eVTOL aircraft and several new and exciting content, the MEBAA Show will be the hub of business aviation

With a re-defined and revitalised programme to take networking to a new level and drive the business aviation industry forward, the show is drawing key industry players from across the world, including many new international exhibitors who aim to disrupt the sector through innovative technology.

The 9th edition of the MEBAA Show promises to be the most transformative edition ever. From a redesigned immersive show floor through to new high-tech and ultra-luxurious jets, blockchain-based assets, eVTOL aircraft and several new and exciting content and networking features, the show will be the hub of business aviation, say organisers.

Taking place from December 6 to 8 at the Dubai World Central (DWC) Airport, long-standing exhibitors such as Airbus Corporate Jets and Boeing Business Jets, amongst many others, will be showcasing world-class private jets and the latest innovation within the business aviation sector at MEBAA Show 2022.

Exhibitors will have a range of networking options and facilities at the show. A dedicated operators’ programme will bring together regional and international operators and a re-designed show floor ensures smooth traffic flow and increased networking opportunities. In addition, the MEBAA Connect feature will provide a new AI-powered mobile app which helps attendees facilitate business connections and pre-schedule meetings in advance.

This year’s show will also see the launch of a new conference. Biz Av Talks will offer the opportunity to learn from industry experts, hear the latest trends in business aviation and take part in interactive discussions with more than 30 global panellists and speakers. Covering key themes such as future aviation, sustainability, emerging markets, regulations and much more, it will reassess the dynamics of the industry, as well as offer a new perspective on business aviation and how technology can enhance the customer experience journey.

“Driven by advances in infrastructure, technology, technical support and talent, as well as the return of mega events, the rise of business aviation is a trend we are witnessing not only in the Middle East region but in many key markets internationally,” says Ali Alnaqbi, Founding and Executive Chairman of the Middle East & North Africa Business Aviation Association (MEBAA).

In the first half of 2022, business aviation or private flying activity was up by 22 per cent over the same period last year. There were 2.7 million flights globally, with business jet activity in particular up 27 per cent year-on-year and 21 per cent above pre-pandemic 2019 levels.

The Middle East market has been at the forefront of this rapid global increase in business aviation. The global private jet market is projected to reach $39.84 billion in 2025 from an estimated $25.87 billion in 2021, with the GCC region representing a major part of that growth.

Within the Middle East, the UAE witnessed the highest demand in private jet charter services by revenue in 2021, followed by Saudi Arabia. Qatar, Oman and Bahrain are all seeing increasing growth in this sector, says Alnaqbi.

The private jet market in the UAE is predicted to see the number of aircraft doubling by 2025 to reach 250 from about 150 private aircraft currently. The UAE is strongly positioned to capitalise on increased foreign investment and high-net-worth individuals, driven by a strong influx of international wealth and support from the Dubai government to make the emirate the private jet capital of the region, he says.

A key part of the GCC’s success in driving rapid growth in private aviation is a result of its advanced regulatory environment and leading infrastructure. Skilled talent, sufficient workforce, high levels of professional services and technical support have all enabled the region to continue advancing the business aviation sector over the past year, he says.

The upcoming FIFA Football World Cup 2022 Qatar will see a tremendous rise in domestic and international tourists travelling to the venues. This has led to inquiries for private jets in Doha reaching their highest ever levels.

Companies like DC Aviation Al-Futtaim (DCAF), a joint venture between Dubai-based Al-Futtaim and Germany’s DC Aviation, have experienced a major increase in demand for private jets, from the first week of December until the finals, which take place on December 18.

The MEBAA Show 2022 will gather industry leaders from across the globe to lay out the roadmap for business aviation in the future. The event will showcase new innovation and technology that is driving significant growth in business aviation, private jet, and the charter flight markets. With its new and unique features, the event will reassess the dynamics of the industry, offer a new perspective and will be host to a range of opportunities aimed at bringing the region’s business and private aviation community together again, says Alnaqbi.

Several regional and global players have already confirmed their attendance at the MEBAA Show, and new exhibitors for this edition include Executive Lifestyle, Tahseen, Ecommpay, VOO, Mirai Flights, Liberty Aviation, Prime Trip Support, Flight Consulting Group, AAL AG (Altenrhein Aviation) and AAS AG (Atlas Air Service), along with many more. These new exhibitors will showcase the latest in digital platforms for business and private aviation, blockchain-based assets, eVTOL aircraft and the most advanced technologies from leading manufacturers.

With a majority of airlines (84%) and airports (81%) predicted to spend the same or more on technology in 2022 compared to the previous year, digitalisation, block chain, AI, crypto-based payments – as well as sustainability – are key trends driving the industry forward.

There has been a strong shift in the value of business aviation over the last few years; passengers are seeking full control of their travel experience, with a smooth booking process, and a fully connected aircraft. Not only that, operators are also taking a holistic view to the new generation of passengers, reviewing business strategies to navigate the private passenger of tomorrow.

VOO, one of the many new exhibitors at MEBAA Show is the world’s first digital B2B marketplace for private jet travel, to search, book, manage and pay for private jet flights directly.

Also, in attendance will be Mirai Flights/Emperor Aviation, sharing details of its cutting-edge portfolio of services, including private jet charter experiences, with the network of key industry professionals.