OREANDA-NEWS. Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Advisor, and Vice Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, His Excellency Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority and a member of the Executive Council today officially inaugurated Abu Dhabi Air Expo 2014, the fastest growing general aviation exhibition in the region. H.E. toured the exhibition and visited a number of aircraft exhibiting companies, to view the latest trends and innovations in the general aviation industry.

The show is taking place at Al Bateen Executive Airport, Abu Dhabi's dedicated business aviation airport, and will conclude on 27th February.

The opening ceremony was also attended by the honorary attendees from Royal families and government dignitaries together with a number of senior dignitaries from the GCC.

Running alongside the three-day show is a unique art exhibition by artist Shaikha Al Yazia Bint Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan that features Paper Planes installation from her Spontaneity Series art collection. The art exhibition is showcased at the Gulf Center for Aviation Studies (GCAS) located within Al Bateen Executive Airport premises.

Al Bateen Executive Airport welcomed nearly 5,138 aircraft in 2013 and recorded approximately 1,295 visiting aircraft using the airport last year.

The show has attracted more international and local exhibitors' participation than ever before with over 170 companies showcasing latest innovations and development in the aviation sector, relating to non-commercial aircrafts, jets, helicopters, equipment, manufacturers, services, pilot training schools, accessories, avionics, insurance and financing. Key exhibitors include: Dassault Aviation, Airbus Corporate Jets, Embraer Executive Jets, Bombardier, Gulfstream, Bell Helicopter, Boeing Business Jet and Daher Socata.

In partnership with Abu Dhabi Airports, and in response to the robust market interest for aviation services, a new area has been dedicated to Airport Suppliers.

In all, more than 17,000 visitors are expected to cruise the aisles looking at more than 80,000 sq. metres of the latest in general aviation tech - an over 30% increase in exhibition space compared to last year.