Dubai Air Show's Helicopter Pavillion sells out

The new Helicopter Pavilion, which has been added to the Dubai air show profile for the first time, has sold out with some of the biggest names in the rotorcraft business participating.

The pavilion, introduced by show organisers Fairs & Exhibitions (F&E) to give added focus to the rotorcraft industry, is being introduced at Dubai 2003, the eighth international aerospace exhibition being held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates next month.

"The speed at which the pavilion has filled clearly justifies our decision to elevate this segment of the aviation industry within the Dubai air show," said Clive Richardson, Chief Executive, Aerospace Group, F&E.

Among those participating in the pavilion are Bell Helicopter - Edwards Associates, Hawker Pacific, the leader in aircraft sales and product support, the rotary-wing modifier Aviation Accessories, Sikorsky, Rotor Blade Inc, Defence Optical, ITT, Litton and Schweizer - the US manufacturer of light turbine-powered helicopters.

The Helicopter Pavilion will be in the East Hall of Airport Expo Dubai, where Dubai 2003 will be held from December 7-11.

"This truly was an industry-led initiative and the results show it was a much-needed one," said Alison Weller, Project Manager, Aerospace Group, F&E. "It will serve both the manufacturers and suppliers of the rotocraft industry and will certainly feature prominently in Dubai 2005 as well.

This result clearly shows that vertical industry focus groups are the way for the future and other similar initiatives are being actively investigated for Dubai 2005," added Weller.

Meanwhile, F&E has disclosed that Dubai 2003 is on the verge of a house-full scenario with all 88 chalets booked and only an extremely limited space left.

"In all around 500 companies from 35 countries will be participating with 13 national pavilions, of which the USA is the largest with over 60 exhibitors, and among which Jordan and Ukraine feature for the first time," said Richardson.

Dubai 2003 is organised by F&E in conjunction with the Department of Civil Aviation, Government of Dubai and in collaboration with the UAE Armed Forces.