The Middle East Business Aviation Association (MEBAA), the industry forum representing the region's business aviation community, is eyeing an increased role on the global stage as it gears up for a strong participation in EBACE (European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition) 2011, the premier annual exhibition for Europe's business aviation industry. Taking place from May 17-19 in Geneva, Switzerland, EBACE 2011 will showcase nearly 460 exhibiting companies from around the world, covering more than 36,000 square meters. More than 60 aircraft, including nearly every major business aircraft design in current production, will be on display at the exhibition. “Our participation in EBACE continues our strategy of creating global awareness for MEBAA by taking it beyond the shores of the Middle East and supporting the growth of the region's business aviation industry through focused activities that have a global profile and reach,” said Ali Ahmed Al Naqbi, Founding Chairman of MEBAA. “As the leading exhibition of its kind in Europe that brings together business leaders, government officials, manufacturers and key decision-makers from across the business aviation spectrum, EBACE offers us unparalleled opportunities to increase our brand awareness and provides the right platform to build meaningful global relationships that could be harnessed to help the region's business aviation industry achieve its full potential,” Al Naqbi added. The Middle East is among the fastest growing business aviation markets worldwide and is recognized as one of the most important global markets for top-of-the-line corporate jets. MEBAA estimates the Middle Eastern business aviation market to expand 15-20 percent per annum over the next six years to become a $1 billion per year industry by 2018. The Middle East Business Aviation Association was established to become the principal forum for gathering, understanding and communicating the needs and benefits of business aviation within the Middle East to businesses, governments and media worldwide. The Association is committed to serve the needs of its members in ways that enhance safety, security, efficiency and acceptance of business aviation throughout the region. As part of its ongoing efforts to promote business aviation in the region, MEBAA had recently hosted the fourth edition of the Middle East Business Aviation Show, the flagship exhibition for the region's business aviation industry and the third largest event of its kind in the world. MEBA 2010 attracted more than 6,200 visitors from 77 countries, 53 aircraft on the static display and featured over 330 exhibitors from around the world. __
