Abu Dhabi, Feb 25 (IANS/WAM): The Abu Dhabi Air Expo 2014, a leading general aviation exhibition in the region, got underway Tuesday.

Held under the patronage of Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, national security advisor of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and vice-chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, the show was officially inaugurated by Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, chairman of Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority, who made a tour of 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 Feb 27.

“Abu Dhabi Air Expo serves as a dynamic marketplace and networking platform for aircraft enthusiasts and businesses searching for the best aircraft and general aviation-related services,” Ali Majed Al Mansoori, chairman of Abu Dhabi Airports, said.

"The show helps to significantly boost the footprint of general aviation industry in Abu Dhabi, which forms part of an ongoing effort to support the development of new business sectors and diversify the Emirates' economy," he added.

Al Bateen Executive Airport welcomed nearly 5,138 aircraft in 2013.

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 aircraft, 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 all, more than 17,000 visitors are expected to visit the show that is being held on more than 80,000 square metres area.

"The private aviation market is witnessing tremendous growth in Abu Dhabi and the wider region, and the numbers speak for themselves,” Al Mansoori said.

“The companies participating at the show stand to gain a unique vantage point to reach out to vibrant markets across the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) region, including the Middle East, North Africa and south and east Asia region."