Nov. 8-12
Three companies, whose capabilities span from the ocean floor to satellite orbit, join the New Hampshire Office of International Commerce next month at the Dubai Air Show (Stand 1856), which will feature more than 1,000 exhibitors representing 60 countries and draw over 60,000 people to five day event.
This will be New Hampshire’s first appearance at the biennial air show, one of the largest trade shows in the Middle East. The Dubai Air Show runs from Nov. 8-12.
The New Hampshire Office of International Commerce booth includes representatives from AQYR of Hollis, provider of satellite communications hardware; HALO Maritime Defense Systems of Newton, designer of sea barriers; and Transupport of Merrimack, a stocking distributor for gas turbine engines. Funding for participation in the air show comes from a State Trade Export Promotion grant. All three companies are members of the New Hampshire Aerospace and Defense Export Consortium.
“This is a premiere event for New Hampshire to showcase its aerospace and defense capabilities,” said Tina Kasim, program manager for the Office of International Commerce, part of the New Hampshire Division of Economic Development. “Our companies are eager to be out in front of the decision makers who will be at the show and as a state, New Hampshire is ready to show how its aero/defense industry can meet the demands of a growing Middle East market.”
The companies’ representatives say their presence at the air show provides valuable exposure.
“Participating in the show gives us the ability to present our product to a worldwide audience, which we could not do on our own,” said Mark Wheeler, director of business development for AQYR. “By being at the Dubai Air Show, we’ll be able to seek out local and regional companies for distribution and sales partnerships. We’ll have access to military, government and commerce officials and all of these together increase our visibility and capabilities in a way we could not achieve on our own.”
HALO Maritime Defense Systems’ CEO Paul Jensen said that even though his company designs defense barriers for use at sea, the government and military officials with whom he needs to connect will be at the air show. Being part of the New Hampshire booth will also be a benefit.
“For American companies, this lends credibility – people trust you and recognize that you are not a ‘suitcase salesman,’” he said.
For Transupport, being visible at an international venue is important.
“It’s a global economy and as a small New Hampshire business, this gives us an opportunity to branch out in an ever changing market,” said company vice president Ken Foote.
With more than 300 companies and manufacturers in the state involved in the aerospace and defense industries, New Hampshire will be one of six states exhibiting at the Dubai Air Show. The Office of International Commerce will promote the industries, highlighting its advanced composites manufacturing capabilities and other innovative technologies.
For more information about the Office of International Commerce and upcoming programs, contact Kasim at 603-271-8444.
Lorna Colquhoun
Communications Director
Division of Economic Development