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CEPA introduces SOPA

10 June 2010

Based on the huge and positive response to CEPA's association activities, CEPA has grown to establish a daughter association in southern Europe to support private aviation in the region. The association SOPA (South East Europe Private Aviation) will focus initially on Cyprus, Greece, Turkey and Lebanon.

The geographic location of these countries is ideal for developing business aviation, particularly in the emerging market of Turkey, which is a primary driver in the region. SOPA will be based in Cyprus. Cyprus represents ideal hub for reaching countries in the Middle East, which are now going through post-war reconstruction. Also, because of business tax benefits, Cyprus has large growth potential. Cyprus is close to busy trade routes linking Western Europe and the Arab world to the Far East. Over 45,000 international businesses use Cyprus as a base for operations and the growth rate ranges at around 4%, well above the EU average.

“We will bring our know-how to the region and we will help, support and contribute to the development of business aviation platforms, continuously monitor the market, analyze it and play a part in forming business aviation in south east Europe. The support and development of business aviation is our highest priority, so we
work very close with governments and operators to connect all areas of general aviation,” says founder of SOPA, Dagmar Grossmann.

"Current research shows that the activities of Turkey as it moves towards EU accession together
with investments into post-war reconstruction and the growing economies of the Middle East countries
guarantees a positive business atmosphere for investors in the region. We believe that SOPA will be
helpful in the region by supporting potential investors and professionals in the business aviation field." she adds.

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