AIR transport key players and decision makers are to meet in Egypt at a summit to discuss business concerns and share the joys of Egypt's bi-annual airshow and expo, Amirah Ibrahim reports Civil aviation authorities are getting prepared for the AVEX International Airshow 2010 in Sharm El-Sheikh. The event is Egypt's only airshow which was inaugurated in 2005. It will take place from 7--10 November at the Red Sea resort Sharm El-Sheikh International Airport. The latest airshow is organised by Naseba, a business information company, and co-hosted by the Egyptian Ministry of Civil Aviation. Last week, the organisers invited the media and industry partners to a launching media conference in Cairo. The conference brought together Scott Ragsdale, chairman of Naseba group, Ibrahim Manaa, chairman of Egyptian Holding Company for Airports and Air Navigation (EHCAAN), and Hussein Massoud, chairman and CEO of the national carrier, EgyptAir. "Sharm El-Sheikh was selected as the strategic geographical location to host the prominent airshow. Everything is being done to promote Egypt as a country to visit," Ragsdale said. According to Ibrahim Mannaa, EHCAAN Chairman, 85 companies have confirmed participation in the event. "We are confident that the airshow will outperform its previous success, taking the aviation industry to a new level, and put the region's aviation sector in the spotlight more than ever before," Manaa said. The Aviation Ministry and civil aviation authorities have paved the way to put the Egyptian air transport industry back on track, with more infrastructure and legislation. "We are on the right path to make Cairo International a regional hub and thus create a new reality for Egypt's air transport industry," Mannaa added. The AVEX exposition plays a main role in the region and welcomes leading international businesses and buyers associated with small and mid-sized aircraft for a business-focussed aviation exhibition. As Africa and the Middle East are at the forefront of the development of the aviation industry, with expanding air traffic and projects, this event is one of the leading expositions in the world with regards to aviation and its latest technologies. Figures show that the value of the airplane market is estimated at $80 billion in Africa and $390 billion in the Middle East. Total upcoming airport projects in Sudan, Tunisia, Libya, Morocco and South Africa are valued at $2.4 billion. Average traffic growth in Africa is estimated by 5.7 per cent. This year, the air show is expected to present "a fresh new look," with special events. The area is 40 per cent larger than in previous years and there 30 per cent more aircraft displays. "There will be 36 exhibitors and we are expecting more than 1,500 visitors this year," Manaa explained. Key exhibitors include Boeing, Airbus, Gulfstream, Embraer, Bin Laden Group, EgyptAir, Fraport, Dassault, Aeroport de Paris and Thales. EgyptAir is a key sponsor of the event, being the official carrier of the airshow. "We believe the airshow is growing more and more and as the national carrier we stand strongly behind the Egyptian expo," stated EgyptAir Chairman Hussein Massooud. "EgyptAir is prepared for the event with more flights linking Sharm El-Sheikh to other airports, so that tourists, visitors and citizens get easy access to attend the event. We are ready with new packages to launch in Europe and the Arab region to attract tourist. "Thanks to the African and Middle East region's unmatched growth, AVEX has become a bigger success than we expected. We are excited about Egypt providing strong sustainability in aviation on the world map," Nicholas Watson, AVEX Airshow project director, said. The fourth edition will contain a number of key attractions. The expo will bring together exhibitors and professionals from airports, airlines, aircraft manufacturers and MRO's handlers. There will be an aircraft showcase park where small to mid-sized aircraft and business chalets will be featured. The custom jet show will bring some of the region's most advanced luxury and customised aircraft to the airshow. A unity summit is a new addition to take place during the event. On 9 November, a forum gathering key industry players and decision makers will take place featuring speakers from influential associations related to aviation. Entertainment will include aerobatic performances by Egyptian, Arab and European aerial teams.
