• 25 November 2013
  • | Dubai Airshow

Dubai Airshow makes history

Biennial event reaches new heights in a new venue; order book tops US$200 billion

Organisers, F&E Aerospace and exhibitors of the biennial Dubai Airshow are celebrating a historic event, which was held at the new Dubai World Central aerotropolis for the first time this year.

The world’s leading aviation companies and organisations descended on the 645,000 square metres site, which features a purpose-built 42,870 square metres exhibition hall - about the size of seven football fields. Some 1,046 exhibitors from 60 countries took part in the show, which drew a trade attendee intake of 60,692.

The order book exceeded US$200 billion with an exact figure of $206.1 billion – bulging with aircraft, parts and MRO deals, in a show that reflected the growing importance of the MENASA region as the world’s aviation hub.

Sharief Fahmy, CEO of Dubai Airshow organisers, F&E Aerospace said: “Dubai Airshow this week stepped into the record books of aviation history, breaking all records in terms of the value of deals done. The world’s most powerful aerospace companies now come to Dubai to do business, in what is now the world’s most exciting, innovative and business-friendly environment.”

Fahmy is not the only one who is thrilled by the success of the Dubai Airshow.

Aircraft manufacturer Boeing chose to use the event to launch its new 777X series, billed as the world’s largest and most efficient twin-engine jetliner. The US$95 billion deals announced at Dubai Airshow with Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways and Lufthansa made the 777x the largest product launch in commercial jetliner history by value.

Charlie Miller, Boeing’s VP, international corporate communications, said: “Dubai 2013 has been a truly historic and record-breaking airshow for The Boeing Company. We would like to thank our hosts for the organisation of such a momentous event at the stunning new airshow venue.”

Dubai Airshow 2015 looks set to be an expanded event, with Fahmy commenting: “It might seem impossible to improve what is clearly now a benchmark for global aviation industry events, but we listen to feedback, and constantly strive to deliver beyond expectations.”

Dubai Airshow 2013 saw a number of activities within the event; such as the Gulf Aviation Training Event (GATE), a two-day forum made up of global experts in training and recruitment in the industry, which caused an industry stir with its urgent call for 460,000 new pilots over the next 20 years to keep up with industry demand.

The new Skyview grandstand area – open to the general public – was a roaring success, with thousands of people enjoying the daily airshow flying display, as well as a host of entertainment options to keep the whole family entertained.

Dubai Airshow is organised under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and in co-operation with Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Dubai Airports, Dubai World Central and the UAE Armed Forces.

Caption: UK RAF aerobatic team, the Red Arrows at the Dubai Airshow. Picture: SAC Craig Marshall, Crown Copyright/MoD