MEBAA
CONVENTION NEWS
DECEMBER 6, 2022
DAY 1
AINONLINE.COM
MEBAA chairman urges bizav to give back
Ali Alnaqbi
The Middle East Business Aviation Association (MEBAA) has voiced deep concern over the unprecedented campaign being waged by the environmental lobby on the industry’s viability. “Business aviation is under attack,” Ali Alnaqbi, MEBAA’s founding and executive chairman, told AIN. Alnaqbi—who is also chair of the governing board of the International Business Aviation Council—cited a growing chorus of disapproval regarding the inequalities inherent in the industry, including a declaration this summer by the French transport minister that restrictions should be placed on business aviation. Further, he said increased efforts to track aircraft and passenger identity were ominous developments. “In the U.S., there are many who are unhappy about business aviation,” Alnaqbi said. “We need as an association and as an industry to work closely together. We need to start giving back. We cannot only take. We do not exist just to do business and make money, leaving communities or countries without any support. We need to start thinking in humanitarian or charitable terms. We need to think about other elements that will help us pay something back to the countries where we are operating.” Alnaqbi’s comments are compelling given the Middle East’s reliance on oil exports. However, the region is also alive to the need for renewables, as major plans for multiple green-hydrogen and solar energy projects make clear. continues on page 37
DAVID McINTOSH
by Peter Shaw-Smith
FUTURE FLIGHT Sustainability the Hydrogen Way
CHARTER EXPANSION Growing Fleet and Customers
MagniX plans to add hydrogen fuel cells to its propulsion product line | 10
VistaJet has expanded rapidly with acquisitions and customer access options | 26
SERVICE PROVIDER Expanding in Middle East Region
ENVIRONMENT Making Cabins Green
Jet Aviation is building on its FBO and MRO capabilities to serve Middle East customers | 14
Business jet cabin design is increasingly seeking new levels of sustainability | 30