Dubai's Business Aviation Operations To Move To DWC

Rumors that business aviation – like cargo movements – would be encouraged to move away from Dubai International airport in Deira to DWC have been rife within the aviation community for some time.

Neighboring Sharjah International Airport – just 15 minutes from Dubai International – has worked with the UK’s Gama Aviation to develop FBO services for private aviation that they believe will choose to  fly to Sharjah rather than DWC as it is closer to Dubai’s business center.

But speaking at the pre-MEBA event Bu Qara’a was adamant the move was going ahead.

“This is part of the long-term migration strategy of shifting general aviation from Dubai International Airport to Al Maktoum International Airport . During this initial phase, we will utilize the VIP terminal within the passenger terminal. Shortly thereafter, we expect the first business aviation operations to commence out of DWC 's Aviation District in mid 2013," he said.

Dubai Airports – operators of DWC – are understood to have talked to the business aviation community association MEBAA, to make sure the services will work.

Founding chairman of MEBAA, Ali Al Naqbi described DWC as “a landmark venue.” He said: “In the future, this airport will grow into an important gateway for business aviation and it has been a privilege to involve ourselves with its development so early in the process.”

Business aviation operators will get the chance to see the new location next week when the MEBA show opens at the passenger terminal on Tuesday.

The fifth edition of the aviation showcase will have more than 46,500 square metres of outdoor static display featuring up to 50 business aircraft from leading international manufacturers, including Airbus, Boeing, Gulfstream, Bombardier, Dassault and Embraer. 

Khalifa Al Zaffin, the executive chairman, of DACC, said: "The aviation sector is an important contributor to Dubai's economy. The business aviation and general aviation segment is an area we see tremendous opportunities for growth and this is one of the reasons we are extremely proud to support MEBA and Middle East Business Aviation Association (MEBAA) by hosting the fifth edition at DWC . It is the perfect alignment of the Government of Dubai's vision to develop DWC to meet the on-ground capacity and business needs of the wider aviation industry and MEBAA's goals to help support the growth of the general aviation segment within the region. The event also provides us a valuable opportunity to showcase DWC 's world-class infrastructure and facilities that are on the ground and ready for business.

“DWC 's Aviation District is the perfect platform for business aviation and demonstrates the Dubai Government's long term commitment to the industry. DWC merges both soft and hard infrastructure with the necessary conditions to help the industry grow and flourish, as well as create new opportunities for all players."