Bahrain 2012: MENA Aerospace anticipates 40% annual growth

Eisenschmid (pictured) is bullish about prospects for business aviation in the Middle East, despite last year’s dip in charter sales. He said that although the uprisings last year affected the market, that things had improved “considerably” since June.

He added that he is pleased to see companies like Comlux moving into Bahrain and believes that the country’s proximity to Saudi Arabia – the largest charter market in the Gulf – will attract business aviation providers. He said: “We welcome competition – it is healthy for us and good for the market. Competitors often become clients and suppliers. That’s how the industry works.”

Bahrain’s location is ideal for business aviation, given its wealthy Saudi, Kuwaiti and Qatari neighbours. “The market here is small, but the real attraction is our proximity to the Saudi market, along with access to Qatar, Iran, Iraq and Pakistan,” added Eisenschmid. 

“Organisations attempting to get an AOC in Saudi demand aircraft maintenance and there are not enough facilities to support them. We run our maintenance and management divisions 100% to Western standards.”

One example he cited: Bahrain Airport does not charge for landing or parking, so operating costs are lower than they are in Dubai.

Mena is active in several areas across the industry and recently opened a large hangar at Bahrain Airport, which it leases out to both its own subsidiaries and other aviation entities. However, Eisenschmid believes that the company’s business charter division could see the most growth in 2012. He said: “The shell shock has worn off and people had to get back to business.” 

For all the hive of activity taking place in the Middle East aviation community today, one sector has been sadly lacking – aircraft owners wanting to install VIP interiors have had to fly their aircraft elsewhere. Mena Aerospace aims to change that. At the Dubai Airshow last year Mena, in conjunction with Canada’s GAL Aviation, announced that they would establish GAL MENA, a Bahrain-based joint venture that will provide interior design, refurbishment and installation services for corporate jets.

Eisenschmid attributes Mena’s success to the fact that it operates several businesses, such as a line maintenance organisation and a parts support centre for airlines. The company received its Bahraini air operator’s certificate (AOC) in January 2009 and flies a Bombardier Challenger 300 as well as a Boeing 737 freighter.

“We have survived through the recession thanks to the totality of services we offer,” said Eisenschmid.

Mena’s foray into cargo proved to be a huge success, as did adding a training division, which has helped supplement its business aircraft charter division during the downturn. He adds: “It is difficult for companies to make a go of it with just one or two business lines, unless they diversify or can change their model quickly.”