The Middle East is continuing its trend in the growth of new aircraft deliveries, according to data released here at MEBA 2012 by Wichita-based aircraft manufacturer Hawker Beechcraft Corp. (HBC Chalet A12), which says it is picking up a good proportion of new orders for turboprops.

“We are well positioned to benefit from an increase in demand in the Middle East and lead the turboprop category in the region with a market share of more than 70 percent for our King Airs,” said Scott Plumb, HBC vice president of sales, Europe, Middle East and Africa.

Overall business aircraft deliveries in the region increased more than 130 percent between the 2002-2006 and 2007-2011 periods, according to the HBC data. In the latter period, 246 turbine aircraft were delivered to the Middle East versus 106 deliveries in the preceding five years. A total of 626 turbine business aircraft are currently based in the region, according to the airframer. Saudi Arabia accounts for 21 percent of the fleet, followed by the UAE with 17 percent. Aircraft deliveries to these countries increased, respectively, by 146 percent and 250 percent in the periods analyzed.

HBC itself expects to gain from the continued growth, though the company is currently in bankruptcy and plans to sell or shutter its business jet division.