DUBAI, 31 January 2007 — National Air Services (NAS) of Saudi Arabia — leading provider of aviation services in the Middle East — placed order for 20 Hawker 750 aircraft worth $250 million yesterday, Raytheon Aircraft Company (RAC) said on the eve of the first annual Middle East Business Aviation (MEBA) conference here. It is expected to take delivery of the first aircraft during the last quarter of this year.

Major deals are expected to be announced today and tomorrow at the two-day Middle East Business Aviation (MEBA) conference and exhibition being held at Airport Expo Dubai.

“This is the largest single order we have received from the region,” RAC’s International Sales Vice President Sean McGeough told Arab News.

“NAS has become the international launch customer for the new Hawker 750 light mid jet by ordering as many as twenty aircraft for use in operations in the Middle east,” he added.

With an estimated value in excess of $250 million, the 20 aircraft order is the largest single order on record in the region.

“This is an exceptional order and we are delighted with the value proposition this airplane brings to the market” said Ted Farid, vice president, New Business Development of RAC.

“This order will help NAS to meet the demand for private aviation solutions in the region, Taher Agueel, chief executive officer of NAS, said, adding that “currently we operate 35 flights and we have plans to add 75 more flights in due course”.

“As the leading provider of private aviation services in the Middle East, NAS continues to invest in the future of this rapidly expanding sector. The region’s economic trends are all pointing upwards, and demand for aviation services is expanding in line with such growth. We are proud to be the international launch customer for the new Hawker 750, which we believe will quickly become the first choice for private aircraft users across the region,” he pointed out.

The new Hawker 750, announced at the National Business Association convention in the US in October 2006, will be a 2,100 nautical mile range airplane strategically positioned with the largest fuselage in the light mid-size aircraft segment. It is derived from the Hawker 800 series airframe, well known for its cabin, extended range, exceptional payload capabilities, reliability and comfort unique to the Hawker brand.

Meanwhile, MEBA 2007 organizers said that a number of exhibitors at the B2B event have signaled their intention to unveil substantial regional developments which will reflect the growing importance of the business aviation sector in the Middle East’s ever expanding aerospace mix.

“MEBA 2007 has expanded from 2005’s one-day conference format into a two-day conference and exhibition complete with aircraft display,” said Virginia Kern, chairman, Fairs & Exhibitions (F&E).

MEBA 2007 has been organized by F&E on behalf of the Middle East Business Aviation Association (MEBAA).

The event has received strong international support attracting over 90 exhibitors from 20 countries promoting a range of products from aircraft to interiors and chartering services.

The show will feature a static park display of 30 aircraft, a media corps of over 60 journalists and an anticipated industry-visitor turnout of over 2,000. Visitors from 52 countries have pre-registered their attendance.

Aircraft on display range from a prototype of the Kestrel — which will be the first plane to be manufactured in the GCC, the rotary wing of MD helicopters 902 Explorer, the Beechcraft Turboprop, the light jets of Cessna, the mid-size of Brazilian planemaker Embraer and Hawker, to the larger business jets from Dassault, Gulfstream, Airbus and Boeing.

“Some aircraft will be used for customer demonstration flights and all will be open for visitors to tour and assess what is available in all shapes, sizes and fittings,” said Alison Weller, director Aerospace, F&E.

Sheikh Ahmed ibn Saeed Al-Maktoum, president, Department of Civil Aviation, Government of Dubai, will deliver the keynote address today which will cover major aspects now impacting Middle East and international business aviation.

Sheikha Lubna Al-Qasimi, UAE Minister for Economy, will present the keynote address tomorrow, discussing how the world of business aviation reflects the region’s economic progress.

MEBA 2007 is open from 9.00 a.m to 17.30 p.m.