Al-Ahram Weekly | Sky High | Business on the tarmac

Dozens of aircraft are displayed at Sharm El-Sheikh Airport while others are performing aerobatic shows. Meanwhile, reports Amirah Ibrahim, aviation industry and business leaders are busy making their own deals on the airside

Egypt's small and mid-size aircraft expo launched its activities yesterday in Sharm El-Sheikh marking the third edition of the event. AVEX Air Show & Aviation Expo, organised by the Monaco-based global business information company "naseba", is held from 5-8 November 2008 at Sharm El-Sheikh International Airport. It gathers the small and midsized aviation industry's leaders to meet with potential and existing customers and conduct business in an exclusive environment.

The AVEX static jet showcase park features 30 of the sleekest new small and mid-sized jets including the Airbus 318 Elite which is going to be displayed for the first time giving potential customers the chance to experience for themselves the comfort and spaciousness that it offers. Other jets displayed include SJ30 Jet, Cessna's Citation Mustang and Sovereign, Legacy 600, Premieria, King Air 350, Bonanza, G200 and G450, the Learjet 60XR, Swearingen SJ30, Piper Seminole, Helicopter EC135 from Eurocopter, and Dash-8 from Bombardier.

"Not only will AVEX feature an exhibition area and static displays but will also host the MENA Business Aviation Congress and Awards, aerobatic performances by Red Bull's Flying Bulls and the Egyptian Silver Stars as well as an exciting Entertainment Pavilion," explained Nicholas Watson, naseba Group Sales Director and AVEX Project Director as he revealed a remarkable programme for the event.

On Tuesday, the day prior to the official opening, the expo hosted the MENA Business Aviation Congress, opened by Ahmed Shafik, Egypt's aviation minister. Renowned names in the aviation industry, such as Arab Air Carriers Organization, Abu Dhabi Airports Company, RAK, Egyptian Holding Company for Airports and Air Navigation, Egyptian Aviation Academy and ICAO participated in the congress.

The Trade Days, organised on 5-6 November, purely focus on business and VIP networking. Business executives, royals and government heads have the opportunity to meet and conduct business with both private and public aviation corporations and organisations, displaying commercial and business aircraft, related equipment, accessories and services related to the small and mid-sized aviation industry.

The Public Days, taking place on 7-8 November, are open to aviation enthusiasts, Sharm El-Sheikh tourists as well as Egyptians who want to learn about small and mid-sized aviation while having access to the Grand Entertainment Pavilion. This exclusive Pavilion promises attractions that include the Go-Kart Racing Track, the vertical lift Sky Dive Fan and the AVEX Terminal Party in partnership with PASHA Night Club.

Throughout the event, stunning aerobatic performances are being executed by leading teams including Red Bull's Flying Bulls, the Egyptian Silver Stars and the Royal Jordanian Falcons, the two laterer teams made previous contributions to AVEX's first and second editions. On their way to AVEX, the Flying Bulls stopped by Cairo to perform for the first time over the Nile River. There are two air shows daily during the Public Days.