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Mebaa backs UN food programme

Dubai, November 20, 2013

The Middle East Business Aviation Association (Mebaa) signed a deal with the United Nation’s World Food Programme to donate $20 with every Mena private flight, at the ongoing Dubai Airshow.

Ali Ahmed Al Naqbi, founding chairman, said: “Our new ‘Fly and Feed’ programme is a commitment from Mebaa to support this most worthy cause."
 
“Many people perceive our industry as a tool for high net worth individuals. But this is not quite true. It’s a tool for productivity and profitability. Our intention is to support the WFP, a great cause. With this, we want to change the perception of business aviation,” he said.
 
The regional industry would be worth $1 billion by 2018 and have up to 1,375 registered business aircraft by 2020, up from around 500 registered aircraft today, said Al Naqbi.

The airshow has been supporting the WFP since 2005. This year’s event features a dedicated humanitarian pavilion, showcasing more than 15 charitable organisations, air operators and supporters in order to encourage more key aviation players to join their efforts.
 
Capt Cesar Arroyo, WFP chief, Aviation Service said: “The aviation arm of the WFP is the first-line air transport service provider to the humanitarian community, operating in remote, challenging environments, where no safe surface transport or commercial aviation options are available.”

Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi-based Adcom Systems has donated a $54.5 million Unmanned Aerial Vehicle system to the United Nations Environment Organisation for humanitarian and environmental purposes.
 
The system, invented, designed and manufactured in the UAE, is designed as a multi-functional, remotely piloted flying platform.

Dr Ali M Al Dhaheri, CEO, said: “The civilian version of the UAV can carry up to 18 air-drop containers for search and rescue survival equipment. Two extra heavy load pods can carry bulky and extra heavy air-drop containers, while one cargo hold can be utilised for humanitarian and environmental missions.”

"The UAV can travel for up to 40 hours, with an operational speed of between 200km/h to 650km/h, and a maximum altitude of 16,764 m, he said.

It will be used for search and rescue operations, and eco-imaging missions, he added. - TradeArabia News Service




Tags: UN | Food | programme | donate | Mebaa |

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