How is the aviation industry in the Middle East being affected by the global economic downturn?
AB: In my personal opinion, the economic downturn could affect our industry either up or down. The current global situation is bound to affect the GCC/ME countries but when, how long and how strong the effect will be is yet to be seen. More owners/operators of aircraft in US are bound to be looking for a home base in the Middle East, Russia and Brazil just to name but a few. High demand has been seen on the light jets and the mid-size jets as clients become more careful about their spending hence down grading from big to small. However the off balance sheet clients have made a life style decision to use private jets and they are not willing to go back to commuting otherwise BM: The Middle East commercial airline sector has been affected by a shortage of pilots – is the business aviation sector similarly affected? AB: Little over three months ago, I would have said “Yes, most definitely, there was a shortage”. But that is not the case and the scenario has changed, since the number of CV
