Newsroom

UAE Becomes 70th Affiliate of IAOPA

Frederick, MD – The United Arab Emirates has joined the International Council of Aircraft Owners and Pilot Associations (IAOPA) as its seventieth affiliate worldwide.

AOPA and IAOPA President Craig Fuller made the presentation to AOPA UAE President Yousif Al Hammadi, who serves as the Deputy General Manager of Al Bateen Airport, at this week’s Abu Dhabi Air Expo. There are currently 33 members in the organization, headquartered at Al Bateen Airport, with plans to have 80 members by the end of 2012.

There are approximately 90 general aviation aircraft in the Emirates, some of which are foreign registered. The official roster lists 566 UAE private pilots, 60 percent of whom are foreigners. There are 16 airports within the UAE, most of which are open to general aviation.

AOPA UAE sees a demand for general aviation in their region and plan to promote and facilitate its growth. The organization has plans to work with UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority, airport operators, aviation businesses, young people’s groups, and training organizations. 

“The reported use of general aviation aircraft is growing in the region and firms are looking to establish themselves here. Local officials are saying that private aviation in the Middle East is expected to experience a 20 percent growth rate,” said Fuller. “We are pleased that AOPA UAE has expressed a strong desire to work with IAOPA and its affiliates to help build a strong general aviation community within the country.”

IAOPA represents the interests of AOPA affiliates all over the world, comprising more than 450,000 general aviation and aerial work pilots and aircraft operators. The council was formed in 1962 to provide a voice for general aviation in world aviation forums.

- AOPA –

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March 8, 2012