Boeing Company’s latest market outlook report forecast that Middle Eastern airlines will buy 1,710 commercial jets worth $300 billion over the next 20 years. The health of the air travel industry in the Middle East is better than in other regions, and is driving good investment opportunities in aircraft financing. John Matthews with Boeing Capital Corporation said “The Middle East was the only part of the world to see air passenger growth during the current downturn.”
Mr. Matthews is managing director for the Middle East and Africa at the aircraft manufacturer’s customer financing unit. Matthews said the growth during the downturn is an indication of good industry health, and with less competition in the financing marketplace, provides great opportunities for people with capital willing to invest. Matthews and Mike de Graffenried, Chief Executive of Qatar First Investment Bank, co-hosted Boeing Company’s first Financier and Investors Qatar Roundtable at the Four Seasons Hotel.
