Dubai Airshow 2023 Attracts Huge Crowd; New Deals Signed
Dubai, NFAPost: Amid the looming shadow of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, the 18th Dubai Airshow is attracting visitors across the globe and multiple business deals are also signed.
Bringing together over 1,400 exhibitors from 148 countries, the largest ever edition of the event got off to a flying start on 13th November at Dubai World Central (DWC), under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
A highlight of this year’s Dubai Airshow is the static display, boasting a new benchmark with over 180 commercial aircraft, including Airbus’ A320P2F, A321neo, A330neo, A400M Atlas CMk1, H225 (Helicopter), and C295. Embraer’s E195-E2 will make its public debut with a new livery, and Boeing will showcase a flying demonstration of its highly anticipated 777-9.
Leading and emerging airlines from around the world will showcase new concepts, with Saudia presenting a Boeing 787-10 featuring a new brand livery and a flyadeal Airbus 320neo. The world’s first premium leisure airline, Beond, will feature its state-of-the-art Airbus A319 on static display, among other industry-leading aircraft.
Space exploration takes center stage in the 2023 edition, with an expanded Space pavilion and a dedicated two-day conference program in partnership with the UAE Space Agency. The event will gather high-profile leaders, government officials, and change-makers to push the boundaries of possibilities in space.
The UAE Space Agency will use the Airshow as a platform to showcase its latest initiatives, including the Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt, the Planet X Challenge, and the Space Economic Zones program. In alignment with the Year of Sustainability for the UAE, Dubai Airshow will also highlight advancements in sustainable aviation fuel and innovations in cleaner forms of aviation technology.
Sheikh Maktoum said the significant participation of prominent global players in the aerospace sector at the event and the rapid expansion of the Airshow since its inception, reflects Dubai’s growth as a major international aviation hub and a platform for industry stakeholders to explore new growth possibilities for the aviation industry.
Emirates placed an additional order wide-body aircraft with Boeing worth $52 billion, said Sheikh Ahmed. The airline is signing a purchase agreement for 55 additional Boeing 777-9s and 35 Boeing 777 8s. Including the previous orders, Emirates will now have a total order of 205 Boeing 777X on board. Deliveries for the 777-9s will start from 2025, said Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group.7-9
Beyond fleet expansions, get ready for Boeing’s B777-9, Gulfstream’s cutting-edge jets, and Qatar Airways’ impressive lineup. It all starts with Riyadh Air unveiling its new look, marking an exciting entrance into the scene.
There are 180 aircraft on display, including the Boeing 777-9, new liveries – Riyadh Air, Embraer’s new profit hunter ‘Tech Eagle’, eVTOL vehicles and more.
First Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the UAE Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum hailed the success of the event, saying it is a crucial contributor to industry development.
Dubai Airshow serves as a forum for decision makers and innovators in the industry to discuss ideas and solutions that can shape a new future for this vital industry. The substantial volume of deals signed during the event signifies its potential to open up new opportunities for the industry, His Highness added.
Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) has signed a memorandum of understanding with EANAN, a UAE technology company, for research and development (R&D) initiatives in the UAE.
The strategic partnership aims to provide a formal basis for R&D work between the parties, ensuring high safety and security of unmanned heavy cargo and vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in Dubai by improving the regulatory framework for unmanned aerial vehicles.
It will also create a dedicated area for testing various flight modes of unmanned aerial vehicles and support the development of the aviation industry in Dubai through various collaborations.
The signing was in attendance of Mohammed Abdulla Ahli, CEO of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, and Rashid Hamdan Bin Khadim Al Nuaimi, Chairman of EANAN, and was between Ahmad Ali Belqazi, Executive Director Aviation Safety & Environment Sector, DCAA, and Ali Al Ameemi, CEO of EANAN Aviation.
