UAE capital Abu Dhabi is hosting the 44th Annual General Meeting (44th AGM) of the Arab Air Carriers Organization (AACO), taking place this week (28-30 November 2011).

It is the first time the emirate has been chosen as the venue for the event since 1983.

Representatives from all Arab airlines are attending the meeting taking advantage of the opportunity to discuss the issues the region’s aviation industry faces, both formally and informally.

Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the UAE, is flying delegates in from all over the region and hosting them during their stay.
Etihad Airways Chief Executive Officer James Hogan said: “Abu Dhabi is proud to host the 44th AGM, especially as it coincides with the UAE’s 40th anniversary celebrations. The Middle East aviation story has been the industry’s most exciting over the last 10 years, though we still face many barriers to growth and progress.

“This meeting is an excellent opportunity for delegates to not only gauge the progress we have collectively made over the preceding 12 months, but to also come together on issues that affect us all. With our partner ADAC and ADTA, we are all welcoming delegates and showing them the best that Abu Dhabi has to offer.”

The Arab Air Carriers’ Organization is an alliance of Arab airlines established in 1965 by the League of Arab States. Its goal is to promote cooperation, quality and safety standards among Arab airlines.

Other attendees to the AACO AGM include representatives from aircraft and engine manufacturers, aviation consultants, fuel suppliers, leasing companies and ground handling services providers.