With inter-country investments on the rise, the demand for private jets has also risen in the Middle East. MEBAA itself has grown rapidly and has about 190 members, including 40 private jet operators.

The business aviation market in the Middle East is now at a crucial stage in its development and is poised to reach an annual value of $1 billion by 2018,” states Al Naqvi, the founding chairman of Middle East Business Aviation Association (MEBAA). His words are likely to be reflected at the next edition of Middle East Business Aviation (MEBA) event to be held at Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport from December 11 to 13, 2012. MEBAA itself has grown quite rapidly and has about 190 members, including 40 private jet operators. In the lead article “Jet-setting in the Middle East,” R. Chandrakanth establishes that with inter-country investments on the rise, the demand for private jets has also risen in the Middle East.

Nevertheless, the business aviation market is growing and business aviation operators—be it in the Middle East or elsewhere in the world—are not just looking for technical specifications but outstanding aircraft interiors as well. Deepanjali Bhas in her article on “Business Aviation Interiors Getting Better”, states how original equipment manufacturers are wooing the end-user with the inside experience; plush seating, space to meet and discuss options for in-flight entertainment, food and beverages that are just a button away. Speaking about the state of regional airports in India, Group Captain (Retd) Joseph Noronha gives a simple recipe for the success of regional aviation—make more airports wherever there’s a clear economic reason to do so.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) not only operates under extreme variations in topography and climate, but also a large variety of aircraft which pose multifaceted ‘flight safety’ challenges. In an interview with Air Marshal (Retd) V.K. Bhatia; Air Marshal A.P. Garud, Director General, Inspection and Safety (DG IS), spoke at length about the measures taken to improve operational capabilities and flight safety record of the IAF.

The People’s Liberation Army Air Force is spreading its wings on the high-altitude Tibet Autonomous Region. In “In Focus” and “Forum”, Air Marshal (Retd) Bhatia has analysed how the IAF measures up to the emerging air threat from its northern neighbour. According to him, one of the major reasons for India’s defeat in its conflict with China (1962) has been the non-use of the combat arm of IAF. Air Marshal (Retd) B.K. Pandey also speaks on similar lines in the “Last Word” as he says that the launch of SupremeSat I is a case of missed opportunity for India and the collaboration between China and Sri Lanka in space technology is a matter of concern for India.

The year-end has brought good news for IAF. Textron Defense will soon begin supplying 512 CBU-105 sensor fused munitions under a $257.73 million contract signed in 2010. The weapon, which deploys independently guided sensor fused BLU-108 units will be deployed from IAF’s Su-30MKI and Jaguar aircraft. This issue also fine points about nEUROn unmanned combat air vehicle stealth technology demonstrator which has successfully completed its maiden flight.

With the New Year approaching and the year 2012 coming to an end, it would be a good idea to revisit important events as they took place. Snapshots 2012 gives a pictorial ‘look back’ on how the year has gone by—happenings, achievements, acquisitions, diplomatic endeavours, et al. We at SP’s Aviation wish you a Merry Christmas and a Very Happy New Year!