Dubai Airshow opens doors on 15 November

Running for five days, from 15 to 19 November at Airport Expo, the biennial airshow is the foremost aerospace event in the Middle East and the fastest growing in the world.

With less than ten weeks to go, the Dubai Airshow has confirmed the showing of an awe-inspiring range of aircraft such as the advanced jet trainer Falcon L-15 from China-based AVIC, and a full-scale replica of the Eurofighter.

In the exhibition halls, the EADS stand will showcase an array of the group's exhibits, including two impressive full-scale mock-ups - the Airbus A350 XWB cabin, in which visitors can watch the "Shaping Efficiency" audio-visual presentation, and Eurocopter's 16-seater civilian helicopter, the EC175.

The Italian Airforce's Frecce Tricolori and Patrouille de France aerobatic teams will display the capabilities of the Aermacchi and the Alpha Jet trainers, respectively, in the daily flying display.

Alison Weller, Director of airshow organiser F&E Aerospace, expressed confidence that this year's Dubai Airshow will spearhead the aerospace industry's recovery, reflecting the 'green shoots' apparent elsewhere in the global economy.

"The past year has been a difficult time for the aerospace industry worldwide, with manufacturers, suppliers and service-providers facing a bleak and uncertain future.

"However, with a more bullish outlook for the coming year, especially within the Middle East region, I am cautiously optimistic that the Dubai Airshow will signal a return to a healthy marketplace and the opportunity for exhibitors and visitors alike to take advantage of the upturn."

Visitors to the show will hear about the exciting development plans for the Aerion supersonic business jet, which will fly executives at twice the speed of today's conventional business jets. A scale model will be on display on the Aerion stand.

Mubadala Aerospace, a business unit of Abu Dhabi's Mubadala Development Company is showcasing a number of companies from its aerospace portfolio, in what will be one of the largest participations at the show.

Homaid Al Shemmeri, Associate Director of Mubadala Aerospace commented: "As the UAE becomes a major force within the global aerospace industry, Dubai Airshow increasingly becomes an important platform for us to demonstrate our progress, showcase our companies and celebrate our partnerships.

"Solidifying our presence in our home country, Dubai Airshow provides an excellent forum for us to exchange ideas and engage with the people of the UAE who will play an important part in the development of this exciting industry."

In order to cope with the unprecedented growth of this year's airshow, floor-space has been increased by over 7,000sqm, with the addition of a new hall, and the number of hospitality chalets has risen to 114, with the floor-space of the double-storey chalets enlarged by 40sqm (20sqm on each floor).

"Gathering together for face-to-face discussion, negotiation and deal-making is an essential part of the Arabian heritage and we are affirming the importance of carrying on this tradition by offering more hospitality chalets to exhibitors," Ms Weller added.

Photo caption: The foreground shows the full-scale cabin mock-up of the new Airbus A350, in front of Eurocopters' full-scale mock-up of its 16-seater civilian helicopter, the EC175.