The first edition of Dubai HeliConference, the Middle East’s only dedicated conference for the helicopter industry, concluded on April 18 at the Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai.

The 2-day event was held under the support of HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and CEO and Chairman of the Emirates Group, and backed by the Dubai Helishow - the biennial Helicopter Technology and Operations Exhibition.

Honeywell, a Fortune 100 company that creates solutions for improving the quality of life of people around the globe, has stated that approximately 3,900 to 4,400 civilian helicopters will be delivered worldwide between 2017 and 2021.

Based on a five-year customer survey, 22% from the Middle East are expected to purchase civilian helicopters for fleet replacement or expansion, making it the second-highest new purchase rate.

As for the usage, 31% will cater to general utility while 27% will be for the corporate sector. In addition, 15% will be used in law enforcement, 13% for both emergency/medical and oil and gas use, and 1% by media.

With a highly optimistic purchase outlook for turbine-powered, civilian helicopters, Dubai HeliConference 2017 offered a perfect platform to gain industry insights, receive future outlook about the market, and meet stakeholders.