Analysts have predicted that investment in the Gulf Cooperation Council’s (GCC) aviation sector could rise to more than $200 billion in the next decade. New aircraft on order totals $120 billion but another $40 billion accounts for the 200 new aircraft budgeted for by Qatar Airways, and another $20 billion for airports and airport infrastructure in the UAE. Saudi Arabia has also announced a $20 billion programme to upgrade existing airports by 2020.
Additional investment is expected to develop corporate business jets, spare parts manufacturing industries, aircraft maintenance and catering facilities, technical and training institutes.