Introduction to the Summit

The General Civil Aviation Authority of the United Arab Emirates (GCAA) organized the recently concluded and the first-ever Aviation Investment Summit last 9th November 2015 in Dubai, UAE.

The Aviation Investment Summit coincided with the Dubai Airshow and was aimed at attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) in the aviation sector in the UAE. GCAA was reaching out to UAE-based aviation related entities and foreign investors/partners (i.e. global aviation companies and/or financial investors) to facilitate mutually beneficial conversations leading up to the Summit.

Based on ongoing discussions with UAE-based companies in the aviation sector, the following key areas of investment opportunities in the market had been identified:
  • Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) - engine, airframe, components
  • Training & Education - both vocational and academic
  • Ground Services - ground handling (passengers and cargo), catering, FBOs
  • Infrastructure - aircraft hangar services, airport development
  • Aircraft Recycling / Decommissioning
The Summit sought participation from potential investors interested in the opportunities highlighted above.