The 10th edition of the MEBAA Show, held from December 10-12, 2024, at DWC – Airshow Site in Dubai, marked a significant milestone for the business aviation industry in the Middle East and North Africa. This record-breaking event showcased the latest innovations, facilitated crucial networking opportunities, and set the stage for transformative deals in the sector.
Record-Breaking Attendance and Participation
The MEBAA Show 2024 saw unprecedented engagement from the global aviation community:
- Over 10,000 attendees from 100 countries
- 145+ exhibitors representing 35 nations
- 65+ new exhibitors joining the show
- 30 aircraft on display, including 11 new models
- 110+ media representatives covering the event
- A remarkable 29% increase in visitor numbers compared to the previous edition
Key Announcements and Deals
The show floor buzzed with significant announcements and deals that are set to shape the future of business aviation:
- RoyalJet’s MoU with Airbus for the purchase of three ACJ320neo aircraft, with options for six more, valued between $330 million and $1 billion
- IC Leasing’s acquisition of a second Dassault Falcon 2000LXS
- Falcon’s comprehensive rebranding initiative and investments in fleet expansion
- Comlux’s inauguration of a state-of-the-art facility and maintenance center at DWC
- Honeywell’s MoU with Sino Jet for advanced connectivity solutions
- Victor’s launch of the world’s first Arabic jet charter app
- Joby and Jetex’s collaboration on electric aviation charging systems
- Alpha Star and Lufthansa’s MOU for a collaborative MRO facility in Saudi Arabia
Innovative Show Features
MEBAA 2024 introduced several new features to enhance the attendee experience:
- Operators Lounge: A dedicated space for scheduled meetings and networking
- Startup Hub: Showcasing innovative solutions from global startups
- MEBAA Connect App: An AI-powered tool for lead generation and meeting scheduling
- Next Gen: Interactive workshops inspiring future aviation leaders
- Platinum Guest Program: Tailored experiences for U/HNWIs
- AAM Pavilion: Highlighting the latest eVTOL technologies
- Runway Party: An exclusive evening of luxury and AI-driven entertainment
BizAv Talks: Shaping Industry Discourse
The BizAv Talks conference program featured:
- 20+ sessions covering critical industry topics
- 60+ speakers, including 70% C-suite executives
- 13 hours of insightful content
Discussions centered around three key themes:
- The Next Frontier of Business Aviation
- Driving a Sustainable Future
- The Business of Business Aviation
Luxury Boulevard: Where Aviation Meets Opulence
A new addition to the MEBAA Show, the Luxury Boulevard created a unique synergy between private aviation and luxury lifestyle brands. This exclusive area provided a platform for high-end brands to connect with ultra-high-net-worth individuals in a targeted setting.
Digital Success and Media Impact
The MEBAA Show’s digital initiatives played a crucial role in its success:
- 151,141 website views (52% increase from 2022)
- 2,383 mobile app downloads
- 1,094 scheduled meetings via the app
- 4,193 connections made through the platform
The event also generated significant media coverage:
- 320 pieces of coverage (55% increase from 2022)
- 961 million audience reach (645% increase)
- 7.93 million estimated views (101% increase)
Looking Ahead
As the MEBAA Show 2024 concludes, the business aviation industry looks forward to the next edition, scheduled for December 8-10, 2026. With its proven track record of facilitating industry growth, fostering innovation, and providing unparalleled networking opportunities, the MEBAA Show continues to solidify its position as the premier business aviation event in the Middle East and North Africa region.
Source: https://mebaa.aero