UAE dominates corporate aviation in MENA, says aviation body

Approximately 35-40 per cent of the Middle East and North Africa’s business or corporate aviation movements take place in the UAE, entrenching it as a major hub in the region. 

This is according to Ali Ahmed Alnaqbi, who is the founder and executive chairman of the Middle East and North Africa Business Aviation Association (MEBAA).

Speaking at the Third Conference on Aviation Alternative Fuels (CAAF/3) of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), Alnaqbi revealed that the number of private or business aircraft operating in the UAE has surpassed 500, with over 200 registered in the country. The surge in aircraft activity highlights the UAE’s increasing dominance in the business aviation sector.

Alnaqbi emphasised the significance of the recently signed cooperation agreement between MEBAA and the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). The agreement aims to strengthen collaboration, boost business and private aviation, and elevate the sector’s overall activity. The ultimate goal is to further enhance the UAE’s position as the primary base and headquarters for business aviation in the entire region.

The collaboration involves the establishment of specialised committees in operations, registration, ground handling, and more, aimed at advancing the industry. Alnaqbi stressed that this partnership with the GCAA will expedite the registration process, positioning the UAE as the central hub for business and private aviation services in the region.

Commenting on sustainability in private aviation, Alnaqbi, also the President of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development based in Canada, highlighted the commitment of the business and private aviation sector to using sustainable aviation fuel. The goal is to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. He mentioned ongoing trials, including a recent journey of a Gulfstream G600 aircraft from the US to Central Europe using alternative fuel.

Addressing concerns about emissions from the business and private aviation sector, Alnaqbi clarified that the percentage is negligible, constituting no more than 0.02 per cent of the aviation sector’s emissions and around two per cent of total global emissions. This underscores the sector’s dedication to adopting sustainable practices and aligning with global environmental goals.