ADONE Events, organiser of the Middle East’s only dedicated general aviation exhibition Abu Dhabi Air Expo, has announced that the 2014 edition of the event will, for the first time, run in parallel with Avionics International.

Until now Avionics Europe, considered the leading exhibition for the global avionics industry, has always been held in Europe, but to reflect the increasingly global nature of the event and its growing contribution to the worldwide avionics sector the show has been renamed Avionics International and is moving to a larger location.

Avionics International will run its exhibition and conference on March 4 and 5 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec) with over 80 booths representing avionics manufacturers, IFE systems, Satcom innovations and flight management systems among others. In 2013, almost 1,000 visitors attended from over 40 countries with 262 delegates enjoying the learning and networking opportunities.

The third Abu Dhabi Air Expo will take place again at Al Bateen Executive Airport whilst Avionics International will be located at Adnec, which can accommodate the show’s expanding requirements, and is just a five-minute drive from the airport.

Avionics International 2014 will highlight and explore the technological, policy and design issues facing those in the industry whilst Abu Dhabi Air Expo will continue to bring together leading industry players from the general aviation sector to discover and explore the latest news, trends and industrial innovations.

“We are excited by the opportunity working together with Avionics International brings for the development of Abu Dhabi Air Expo,” said Didier Mary, show director. “Abu Dhabi is a focal point for the development of all types of aviation in the Gulf region and increasingly beyond as its global position connects the growing aviation markets of Africa and Asia with the established European markets. Whilst AD Air Expo focuses on the full spectrum of the general aviation community, Avionics International is appealing to those looking for the latest in cockpit and cabin technology. The two shows complement each other perfectly and we anticipate that by hosting the two events in parallel delegates, exhibitors and visitors will be able to really maximise their time whilst in Abu Dhabi.”

“It is a big change for Avionics International but one that we make with tremendous optimism and excitement. It’s the right move for Avionics International, and really adds value for our exhibitors and delegates running the event in parallel with Abu Dhabi Air Expo,” said Debbie Stanford-Kristiansen, international events director for PennWell, organisers of Avionics International.

A shuttle bus will link the two events for the convenience of delegates wishing to visit both locations. Abu Dhabi Air Expo will run from March 4 to 6 and include an extensive general aviation static display, daily air show and a meeting of the UAE Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association.