AIA Lunch with U.S. Ambassador

On Tuesday, November 15, AIA members had the opportunity to meet with U.S. Ambassador Michael Corbin over lunch to discuss the UAE market. Ambassador Corbin specifically sought out smaller and mid-size companies for the lunch and was joined by representatives from the Department of Commerce Foreign Commercial Service.

Ambassador Corbin expressed his strong support and commitment to assisting U.S. companies that wish to enter the UAE market specifically and the Middle East market in general. AIA would like to thank Raytheon who generously hosted the lunch with Ambassador Corbin at their chalet.

U.S. Troops Supporting our Aircraft

Airman First Class Brandon Coffill of Tucson, Arizona is the Crew Chief for the F-15C at the Dubai Air Show. He’s spent the past two months deployed for the Air Expeditionary Wing. This is Brandon’s first air show, “it’s a privilege to be able to work on the F-15 and to keep it mission ready. Strengthening our ties with the UAE Air Force has been an incredible experience but I’m looking forward to seeing my family and friends back home and to having a good old fashion home cooked meal.”

V-22 Osprey Appears at Air Show

For the first time ever, the V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft travelled to the air show, and it is clearly a show highlight, having appeared in a three-page spread in an air show daily magazine. V-22 pilot Major BJ DeBardeleben commented, “The V-22 is the best of both worlds--you get to be both a helicopter and an airplane. The planes capabilities make the state of Texas turn into the size of Rhode Island. The V-22 recently flew from Afghanistan to Greece to provide more capability for the UN operation in Libya.”

Troops get ‘coined’

Deputy Secretary of the Air Force for International Affairs Heidi Grant visited AIA’s chalet to offer her thanks to the troops and to specifically recognize three troops for their outstanding service during the air show. Captain Julia Palmer, Technical Sergeant Tim Livengood and Master Sergeant Charles White all received the SAF/IA coin in recognition of their dedication to the mission.

U.S. Ambassador’s Reception

The second full day of the Dubai Air Show closed with the U.S. Ambassador’s reception. U.S. Ambassador Michael Corbin thanked attendees for their commitment to the Middle East market and stressed the importance of international sales in building relationships with U.S. partners and allies. Over three hundred air show participants attended the reception. Special thanks to The Boeing Company, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman and Raytheon for sponsoring the reception.