Page 46 - World Airnews Magazine October Edition 2020

BUSINESS
AVIATION

MEBAA SHOW MOVES TO

FEBRUARY

By Izzy Kington

li Ahmed Alnaqbi, founding and
Aexecuti ve chairman of the Middle

East and North Africa Business Aviation

Association (MEBAA) has written to stake-

holders informing them of the decision to
postpone the show to February next year.
“We have been closely monitoring the
spread of COVID-19 over the past few
weeks as well as developments on travel
restrictions from governments around the

world.
“After very careful consideration of the

situation and taking into account invaluable

feedback from you, our exhibitors and oth-
er stakeholders, we believe the decision to
postpone the event is in the best interests
of the health and safety of all exhibitors,
visitors, contractors and staff,” said Alnaqbi development of the sector and companies for business aviation in general, with many

in a letter posted to the site. should be advised to invest carefully,” he companies experiencing difficulties to the

He said the postponement would allow said. point where some have come close to

the organisation and stakeholders to better He said business aviation provided shutting down.

position themselves and for new initiatives smaller, private terminals and aircraft He is optimistic about the prospects of

to take place. with fewer people on board, which meant business aviation for 2021 and highlighted

These include access to hours of new business aviation can deal with the impact that ensuring health and safety is the num-

content through thought-leadership sem- of COVID-19 more effectively. ber-one priority for the industry.

inars and workshops along with a pre-ar- “Business aviation has always had some “Everybody is excited to attend the ME-

ranged meetings programme to facilitate degree of natural physical distancing in BAA show as this will bring confidence back

connection and networking between place and as such it is less difficult for com- for business and private aviation.”

visitors and exhibitors. panies within this industry to adapt to the The MEBAA Show is set to return to

In addition, the brand-new Luxury Travel new normal,” said Alnaqbi. Dubai, UAE, on 22-24 February 2021 at

Operators Segment will allow attendees to “We expect to see an increase in demand DWC, Airshow Site.

meet and network with regional and global in private flying and we will see oppor- The event will showcase the latest tech-

high-end travel operators tunities open up. We are witnessing new nologies, insights and business opportu-

He said he remained positive with regard groups of people who usually used to fly nities as well as view the latest products

to the demand for business aviation both on commercial airlines now choosing to fly and services from manufacturers, avionics

globally and specifically in the Middle East. privately.” firms, charter companies and aircraft

“There are significant opportunities for Alnaqbi said 2020 has been a tough year resellers.Q
REGIONAL TYPES
As demand between Malta and

Italy has decreased dramatically
due to the COVID-19 pandemic,
Alitalia has been deploying regional
types on the route rather than the
standard Airbus A320. EI-RDG was
seen slowing down along runway
31. The airframe was delivered
new to Alitalia Cityliner in 2012.
Photographer : Mario Caruana
World Airnews | October 2020
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