Sales memorandums, fractional ownership, alliances, expansion programmes define fourth day of Dubai Airshow 2009

As the declared onsite order book of the event, which continues at the Airport Expo Dubai until Thursday evening, November 19 passed the $13bn mark with European plane-maker Airbus signing a memorandum of understanding with soon-to-launch Senegal Airlines for six aircraft, news came that Dubai's Emirates Group has joined hands with the Senegalese Government to support the carrier, which is due to begin operations next year and has a majority private sector shareholder base.

The MOU with Airbus is for four A320s plus two A330-200s worth a total of $670m.

The Emirates Group alliance came following a high-level meeting between HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group and His Excellency Karim Wade, Senior Minister, Ministry of International Co-operation, National Planning, Air Transport and Infrastructure of Senegal. Under the alliance, the Emirates Group will assist the airline in both its start-up and post launch phases with commercial support, technical expertise, training and aviation-relation goods and services.

The move comes as the Western African Republic looks to become a major continental aviation player.

"Senegal is strengthening its aviation industry and is building a new international airport called the Blaise Diagne Airport. The new, technologically-advanced airport combined with a brand-new, modern airline will make Senegal a major aviation force in Africa as well an internationally," said Minister Wade.

"Emirates is a world-leading company known for its innovation and superior produce and service and has agreed to share its knowledge, expertise and experience to support us in establishing Senegal Airlines."

Sheikh Ahmed said the alliance signposted Emirates' strategic interest in Africa where it serves 17 destinations.

"We will add value to the aviation infrastructure of Senegal," he said. "This agreement comes into effect immediately and is of a long-term nature."

Meanwhile Aviation Link Saudi Arabia (ALSA) signed an undisclosed value contract with NetJets Middle East Program for the use of a Hawker 750 for five years. The move, said ALSA's CEO, Abdulaziz Al-Rowaished would enable the company "to provide executive services to our VIP customers in a proper and timely manner."

And the recently-launched Mutahida Airways of Abu Dhabi which offers the latest Boeing 747-400 simulator in a by-the-hour service out of the UAE capital has announced plans to expand after only a year in start-up operating out of a hangar at Mina Port in Abu Dhabi city.

The service, which made its exhibition debut at Dubai Airshow 2009, had would-be pilots, airlines and airport operators waiting in the aisles. Ahmed Mohammed Al Dhaheri, Founder, Mutahida Airways said the service was being sought by amateurs with a passion for flying and professional aviators for both training and entertainment.

"We are eyeing expansion which would see us operate between four and five simulators and become the first certified training centre in the Middle East with this specific type of technology," he said.

Meanwhile Dubai Airshow organisers F&E Aerospace confirmed that the stealth-technology Lockheed/Martin Boeing F-22 Raptor - the fifth generation fighter aircraft - will take to the skies in the event's final flying display tomorrow.