New aircraft launches, business deals and aircraft purchases were announced on first day of the MEBAA Show, the largest business aviation show in Middle East and North Africa.

Organised by the Middle East and North Africa Business Aviation Association (MEBAA), this year’s event truly global with first time attendees from Asia and nearly a third (27 per cent) of the 460 exhibitors hailing from the US.

MEBAA Chairman Ali Ahmed Al Naqbi said: “There remains a strong appetite for business aviation in the Middle East and North Africa. On this first day alone, we have seen a number of public announcements regarding joint ventures, launches and deals. The regional business aviation sector clearly faces a strong future, bolstered by the MEBAA Show.”

Excitement was high on the first day of the event, which saw 45 aircraft on static display, and a lengthy royal tour from HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chief Executive and Chairman of Emirates Airline & Group.

Boeing Business Jets (BBJ) took advantage of the perfect audience to announce the sale of its first BBJ MAX 7 to an undisclosed customer based in the Asia Pacific region. 

“The BBJ MAX 7 is an exceptional business jet and we know our customers will be thrilled with the airplane,” said David Longridge, president, Boeing Business Jets, who added that the aircraft will be available in 2022. 

“The 7,000-mile range will connect key city pairings – like Dubai to New York - that were previously not possible in a BBJ, and increased cabin and cargo space makes this an unbeatable business jet.”

He said the Max 7 is the aircraft the company has wanted to launch for 20 years. “But we wanted to ensure the Max 7 not only had the increased range, but could operate with a 'real world' interior.” He said technically, it has taken this long to produce the aircraft which offers greater range without compromise on interior – in fact, the Max 7 is 6ft 4in longer than other BBJs, allowing more living space on board.

A number of other firsts on day one included first-time exhibitor GI Aviation's announcement of receiving its Air Operator's Certificate (AOC) from the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority, enabling the start of commercial flights with its fleet of Swiss-made Pilatus PC-12NG aircraft.

GI Aviation's General Manager Marios Belidis told visitors his company is delighted to pioneer a convenient and efficient method of flying for the region, promising an 'exemplary' charter service for the existing charter market and the first/business class traveller, with its 6-8 seater single turbo-prop aircraft. 

Honda Aircraft chose the MEBAA Show to debut its new HA-420 light jet in the region, featuring a unique over-the-wing engine mount configuration. Honda Aircraft president and CEO Michimasa Fujino told media the company's presence at the event is designed to engage with prospective clients, examine market opportunities and to help identify a regional representative for sales and maintenance of the $4.85 million jet. 

Middle East Airlines (MEA) confirmed its purchase of a second Embraer Legacy 500 business jet for its private-jet affiliate, Cedar Executive. The second aircraft is expected to enter into service in mid-2017.

Cedar Executive, based at Rafic Hariri International Airport, Beirut, started operations with a brand-new Legacy 500, delivered in January 2016. Cedar Executive offers private jet charter travel for customers, along with FBO services.

“Cedar Executive has exceeded customer's expectation with a high-end premium service in its first year of operation. It is a pleasure to be part of this accomplishment by supplying the aircraft that combines the comfort, technology and performance desired for the ultimate travel experience”, said Marco Tulio Pellegrini, President and CEO, Embraer Executive Jets, with Fouad Fawaz, Cedar Executive CEO promising guests a “world class, blissful experience.”

China's Deer Jet announced the finalisation of its acquisition of major shares in UAS International Trip Support (UAS). UAS is now flight support partner for Deer Jet's 90 strong aircraft fleet, including the world's only BBJ 787 in VVIP configuration, the so-called 'Dream Jet'.

Omar Hosari, UAS Co-owner/founder and CEO, said the deal is designed to increase both companies' influence in the international aviation sector. “Our clients can now expect a broadened range of services delivered to the same levels of efficiency, quality and operational excellence they have come to expect from us,” he said.

Deer Jet founded Hong Kong Jet, and has acquired shares in Asia Jet and Hawker Pacific. Chairman and President Zhang Peng says his company intends to “expand its global range through strategic partnerships.”

The biennial three-day MEBAA Show runs until tomorrow at the airshow site in Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai South (Dubai World Central).