Jet industry upbeat on future

Abu Dhabi Air Expo: As the corporate aviation sector in the region continues to recover, business jet makers and private operators are upbeat ahead of the Abu Dhabi Air Expo on Tuesday.

As the region's corporate aviation sector continues to recover, business jet makers and private operators are optimistic ahead of the Abu Dhabi Air Expo on Tuesday.

Industry players expect new regional operators due to increased globalisation of regional trade.

Dassault Falcon, a part of the Dassault Aviation Group, will showcase the Falcon 900LX and Falcon 2000LX. It plans to grow its Middle East fleet by 10 per cent over the next year and a half and is expected to deliver six Falcons to Middle East customers in the next few months.

"2012 proved to be another positive year for the company, concluding with an order from Wallan Aviation for two Falcon 900 business jets," said John Rosanvallon, the president and chief executive of Dassault Falcon.

"The Middle East business jet market is maturing. The region has world-class infrastructure including magnificent new airports. The economy is growing and the future remains promising."

Meanwhile, Qatar Executive, the private jet charter division of Qatar Airways, will showcase its Bombardier Global 5000.

More than 12,000 visitors are expected at the three-day show. A total of 150 companies from more than 70 countries will take part, including Canada, the United States, Germany and France.