Of royals and rotors: Choppers taking off

In the Middle East’s market for executive travel, business jets have a well-established presence. Another segment of privileged transportation, one with underused potential, is the market for helicopters. Demand drivers for helicopters in the region have traditionally been oil, royals and defense—three components of a flourishing helicopter market that many Arab countries have no shortage of. Additionally, the region has been engulfed by the increased security concerns in the post-9/11 world that have pushed global helicopter sales upwards. “Helicopter sales are not only increasing in the Middle East but really worldwide, the primary reasons being increased oil prices and the need for security post 9/11,” Dan Pranke, Middle East sales director for American helicopter manufacturer Bell, told Executive. Nonetheless, sales of helicopters between Dubai and Cairo have been less than they could be, especially in the corporate and VIP markets. Sales managers for some of the industry’s major manufacturers blame