EADS/Airbus and Boeing, the two largest Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) in the world, have confirmed their positions as Foundation Partners of Global Aerospace Summit 2012 to be held in Abu Dhabi from 16th- 19th April.

As Foundations Partners, EADS/Airbus and Boeing will play a key role contributing to the development and shape of the Summit program content, and already have representatives on the Summit’s Advisory Board which also includes personnel from Mubadala Development Company, Booz & Company, Abu Dhabi Aircraft Technologies (ADAT), Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC), Sanad Aero Solutions, and Etihad Airways.

Global Aerospace Summit 2012 is an exclusive, invitation only, international forum bringing together international and regional senior executives from across the aerospace, aviation and space sectors for a four day event that will promote cross industry thought leadership and discuss future growth strategies.

The format combines two days of high level debate-led discussions on aerospace, aviation and space, followed by two days of field trips to aerospace and aviation facilities. There will also be closed door discussions, a private procurement meeting program, and a careers development program targeting vocational and professional development.

Commenting on Boeing’s involvement in Global Aerospace Summit 2012, James Albaugh, President and CEO, Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said: "The Global Aerospace Summit 2012 in Abu Dhabi will be an excellent platform for thought leadership across our industry. Boeing is pleased to participate and help make this Summit relevant to the needs and demands of our industry now and in the future."

Marwan Lahoud, Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer, EADS/Airbus added: "Through a collaborative effort and a cohesive plan, Abu Dhabi is demonstrating to the world at large that it has the potential to become a major hub for aerospace, aviation and space innovation and development. Our position on the Summit’s Advisory Board as well as being a Foundation Partner for the event itself, allows us to play a role in ensuring that Global Aerospace Summit 2012 can harness the collective insight from some of the leading figures within the industry."

In addition to the confirmation of Boeing and EADS/Airbus as Foundation Partners, the list of confirmed speakers for Global Aerospace Summit 2012 continues to grow. Representing the space and satellite industry is George T. Whitesides, CEO and President of Virgin Galactic. At the Summit there will be panel led discussions focusing on the future of Space and Aerospace Markets, Satellites as tools for national economic development, and the new era of commercial space business.

"The level of response and participation from such leading global companies and representatives is indicative of the position that Abu Dhabi is building for itself in the aerospace, aviation and space industries. We look forward to next year’s Global Aerospace Summit as we believe that it will have a major impact in shaping policy and decision making for the future," said Homaid Al Shemmari, Executive Director of Mubadala Aerospace.