Russian businessmen, who see private aircraft as a 'must have' tool for corporate success, are fuelling increasing orders for jets and turboprops. Others are chartering aircraft for international business missions. "Moscow airports are handling more than 100 business flights a day", says Alexander Yevdokimov, general director of the exhibition Jet Expo. "Many European executive charter operators are eager to join those that have already entered the growing market provided by the former Soviet Union. Manufacturers are keen to expand their sales."

He adds: "All professionals agree that Russia has a bright future in business aviation. Analysts

predict this increasing trend will continue into 2007 with more and more aviation businesses being attracted to Moscow."

Jet Expo 2007, being held from 19 to 21 September, is expanding the scope of the show to accommodate exhibitor requests. "We will repeat the profile and static display in Aviation Business Terminal at Vnukovo-3 but include more special events and presentations for corporations and the business elite," says Yevdokimov.

Crocus Expo, the international exhibition centre, features an expanded pavilion infrastructure with bank offices, food courts, restaurants, cafes, free parking spaces for 15,000 cars, taxi-booking service and eight conference halls.

Yevdokimov says: "Prior to 2006 in Russia and Eastern Europe, there wasn't an airshow or exhibition specifically dedicated to business aviation. Business aviation professionals and clients see Jet Expo as an opportunity to meet face to face."

More than 200 exhibitors are planning to take part in Jet Expo 2007 including aircraft manufacturers, Russian and foreign executive aircraft owners and operators, charterers, designers and manufacturers of aircraft interiors and additional equipment ground handling service providers; maintenance centres, insurance companies, airports, business terminals, caterers and fuel service centres.

The exhibition could be of special interest to European charter operators wishing to extend their business in Russia: "According to our initial predictions more than 6,000 will visit Jet Expo 2007," Yevdokimov says. This compares with Jet Expo 2006 when 96 companies from 19 countries took part and there were 3,500 visitors.