Aerospace

The F&E Aerospace division based in Dubai produces some of the world's leading aviation and aerospace exhibitions and is widely recognised as one of the most influential names in the industry's event sector.

The Aerospace portfolio consists of five events dedicated to connecting buyers and sellers across the entire spectrum of aerospace and related industries.

In Numbers

• $63 billion total order booked at Dubai Airshow.
• 3% revenue growth in Dubai Airshow.
• 56,548 visitors to the Dubai Airshow.
• NEW Gulf Aviation Training Event (GATE) launched.

The Aerospace portfolio consists of five trade events. In addition, 2011 saw F&E Aerospace take its first step into public events through its partnership with the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) to produce the Al Ain Aerobatic Show.

The 2011 Aerospace calendar opened with the third running of MRO Middle East, the maintenance, repair and overhaul event organised with joint- venture partners Aviation Week. This highly successful niche event once again drew a large attendance from the Middle East engineering and airlines industries. With over 1800 visitors and more than 100 exhibitors the annual event proved its steady growth trajectory continues and that strong regional demand for an event of this nature exists.

As MRO Middle East drew to a close the Al Ain Aerobatic Show opened its doors the following day. Despite the loss of two show days due to unfavourable weather conditions the remaining two days proved to be an overwhelming success with 71,000 people in attendance. In addition to the spectacular flying display the event featured entertainment on the ground, a family fun area and static display and exhibition area. Feedback on the event from the public, corporate sponsors and event owner, the ADTA, was that the introduction of F&E management had greatly improved the show. The stage is set for F&E to further develop the event over the next 4 shows when it moves dates to be held over UAE National Day weekend in November 2012.

The Gulf Aviation Training Event (GATE) was launched at the 2011 Dubai Airshow in recognition of the pressing demands on the aviation training industry to supply crew in line with the demand created by the booming airline industry in the Middle East. A conference led event with an adjoining exhibition; GATE 2011 was well attended and very positively received by the training industry. A follow up event is planned for 2012.

Aerospace events for 2011 drew to a close with F&E Aerospace’s flagship event – the Dubai Airshow. Once again the Middle East aerospace industry demonstrated resilience to the wider economic downturn as evidenced by the show’s order book which closed in excess of $63 billion. The twelfth edition of the biennial event attracted its highest-ever exhibitor turnout with 960 companies from 50 countries and over 56,000 visitors in attendance. With the Middle East aerospace industry continuing to grow the Dubai Airshow is widely recognised as a major highlight in the international aerospace events calendar.