• Home
• News Article

Abu Dhabi launches new initiative in master plan for world class aviation gateway

APEX is key to expansion of Etihad Airways , creation of world-class airport and establishment of major aircraft maintenance, repair hub in UAE capital
Dubai, UAE, 1 October, 2006: Abu Dhabi is launching a unique international procurement event as part of its master plan to establish the UAE capital as one of the world's most sophisticated aviation gateways.

Taking place from 19-21 March next year, the Aviation Procurement Expo (APEX) is an important new initiative to assist the ambitious expansion plans of Etihad Airways , create a world-class international airport in Abu Dhabi and reinforce the emirate's position as a major aircraft maintenance and repair hub.

It will bring together aviation industry officials, engineers and procurement specialists with the world's leading aviation suppliers for whom there are enormous opportunities to capitalise on developments planned by the three major aviation players in Abu Dhabi.

Etihad, one of the world's fastest growing airlines with a current US$8 billion order for 29 new aircraft, has far-reaching plans to expand its international route network. Passenger levels are expected to grow by 150% from 1.2million in 2005 to 3 million by the end of this year, with equally strong cargo growth.

Etihad's expansion is being matched by a US$6.8 billion airport expansion and re-development project recently launched by the newly formed Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC).

Already well established as a major international aircraft maintenance and repair hub through the Gulf Aircraft Maintenance Company (GAMCO) , Abu Dhabi has a number of new aviation sector support facilities in the pipeline. Air France Industries is to open a Logistics Centre to handle Boeing and Airbus components, while Lufthansa is teaming with Amiri Flight to launch a VIP Maintenance centre.

"APEX is a highly targeted commercial forum aimed at face to face dialogue and discussion between the world's leading aviation suppliers and the key decision makers in Abu Dhabi aviation," said Nick Webb, director of Streamline Marketing Group, the event organisers.

"The event will allow Etihad, ADAC and GAMCO to view, test and procure a wide range of new products, services and technologies right on their doorstep. It will also enable them to develop a shortlist of pre-qualified suppliers for their procurement requirements in the future."

Taking place under the patronage of H.H. Dr Sheikh Ahmed bin Saif Al Nahyan, Chairman of Etihad Airways and GAMCO, APEX is divided into three identifiable sectors - aircraft, airports and airlines - each of which will have their own dedicated pavilions for suppliers at the new Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

The Airline pavilion, hosted by Etihad, will feature international suppliers of the complete range of products and services needed for the airline's massive fleet development programme, from aircraft interiors, inflight entertainment, flight simulators and flight deck equipment to catering, planning, security, financial services, training and management.

Hosted by GAMCO, the Aircraft Maintenance pavilion will house a wide range of aircraft maintenance and engineering services and products, from aircraft parts and tools, testing and measuring equipment to training and specialist MRO services, specialists that service airline in-house engineering teams, aircraft operations and MRO providers

The Airport Solutions pavilion, hosted by ADAC, will pull together a complete range of airport solutions and technologies including ATC, communications, security information technology, training, facilities management, display, signage, lighting, power, noise monitoring and handling systems.

The three sectors under one roof will give suppliers the chance to showcase their products to officials from the three Government hosts - ADAC, GAMCO and Etihad - as well as top industry experts, from airline CEOs and managers to purchasing directors and aviation consultants.

The exhibition will be complemented by a combination of procurement briefings, 30 minute private meetings, workshops, seminars, site visits, networking opportunities and a Conference - focusing on topical industry issues such as Aviation Finance and attracting other airline and aviation officials from around the region.

The launch of APEX comes at a time when the UAE is experiencing unprecedented aviation sector growth and continuing to forge ahead with massive airline purchases, airport expansions and exciting new aviation developments

Home to Emirates Airline, Etihad Airways , Air Arabia and Royal Jet, the UAE leads the region in planned aviation investment. The recently formed Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) has pledged US$15 billion in new regional aviation investments, and APEX will ensure that Abu Dhabi's aviation development programme contains the most advanced specifications possible.

-Ends-

Note to Editors:
Etihad Airways, patron and host of the "Airline Middle East" pavilion at APEX, is based in Abu Dhabi and is the national airline of the UAE. One of the fastest-growing carriers in the world, with a current US$8 billion order for 29 new aircraft, Etihad has far-reaching plans to expand its international route network. The airline is expecting to boost passenger levels by 150% from 1.2million in 2005 to 3 million by the end of this year, with equally strong growth on the cargo side

Gulf Aircraft Maintenance Company (GAMCO) , host of the "Aircraft Maintenance" pavilion at APEX, is owned by the Government Abu Dhabi and was established in 1987 to provide high quality and cost effective maintenance services for a wide range of aircraft, components and engines. GAMCO is the leading MRO provider in the region.

Abu Dhabi Airports Company ADAC, host of the "Airport Solutions" pavilion at APEX. Newly-formed, ADAC incorporates the Abu Dhabi Department of Civil Aviation and SCADIA (Supervision Committee for the Abu Dhabi International Airport Project). ADAC is responsible for operating all airports within the Emirate as well as expanding aviation infrastructure to meet Abu Dhabi's rapid development plans.

For further press information please contact:
Tony Lewis
Total Communications
Tel: + 971 4 336 9909
Fax: + 971 4 336 9905
Email: tony@totalcompr.ae

© Press Release 2006