DUBAI, U.A.E. – The Dubai Airshow, which is running at the Airport Expo Dubai in the United Arab Emirates until November 19, is now rivalling its Paris and Farnborough counterparts in terms of global stature, according to exhibitors.
The 2009 event –the 11th and largest in the annual series with 890 exhibitors from 47 countries – is said to have shaken off its regional show status and taken up the mantle of a truly international showcase.
John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers, said Dubai is now stacking up well against Paris and Farnborough for global importance.
Leahy was speaking after Airbus announced its second order of the show, 10 Airbus A320s to Yemenia Airlines, worth US$ 700 million.
“Dubai has always been a very strong regional show, but now it has become just as important on the world stage, and it has broken into the international arena in a similar way to the events at Paris and Farnborough,” he said.
Airbus and Yemenia Airlines signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the Dubai Airshow today, with the order expected to be firmed up in about one month and delivery of the first aircraft expected in 2011.
Yemenia Airlines board member Saleh Alawaji added: “Our long term strategy is to grow with an integrated fleet of super efficient and reliable aircraft.”
The announcement followed hard on the heels of yesterday’s order confirmation, by Ethiopian Airways for 12 Airbus A350XWBs, with a list price value of US $3 billion.
Meanwhile, Shane O’Hare, President and Chief Executive Officer of luxury private jet operator Royal Jet believes the Dubai Airshow has now consolidated its position as one of the world’s leading industry events.
“We have had a presence at every airshow, and we just love this show. It’s not only the perfect venue for us to communicate to the media, but it is an ideal meeting place for discussions with clients and suppliers.
“I also get the feeling that this year the Dubai Airshow has consolidated its position as one of the most important airshows globally.”
O’Hare was speaking after hosting a press conference where he outlined his company’s solid growth throughout the past year, beating its own forecasts despite the global economic downturn.
“Business has grown in a declining market, therefore clearly increasing regional market share. Other aspects of the business, including our brokerage service, aircraft management, medical evacuation services, Saudi initiatives and fixed base operations are all making significant contributions to the financial health of the company,” he said.
The exhibitors’ vote of confidence came as a huge boost for Dubai Airshow organisers F&E Aerospace which has grown the show by 10% in exhibitor turnout in a tough international market.
“The growth speaks for itself and says much about the value the industry places on this event,” said Alison Weller, Aerospace Director, F&E Aerospace. “We are already receiving interest in the 2011 event, perhaps prompted by our move to peg space prices for bookings made by the end of this year. With the addition of the temporary Emirates Hall, there is room to grow the event further over the coming two years.”
