Browse
related articles
The increase in visitors was reflected in the show's biggest-ever exhibitor numbers - 890 companies from 47 countries, with 150 first-time participants - plus an additional 7,000sqm in floor space to accommodate the anticipated surge in exhibitors, as the eyes of the aerospace industry turned to the Middle East region for signs of an upturn.
And they were not disappointed: The Dubai Airshow closed with a declared onsite order-book in excess of $14bn, including sales of civil and military aircraft, helicopters, engines, plus agreements for heavy maintenance, cabin refurbishment and crew management processes.
While the UAE accounted for the largest country share, it represented less than a third of the overall tally at just over 17,000.
A notable increase in visitors from North African states was reflected in the onsite orders placed.
Airbus closed lucrative deals with Ethiopian and Senegal Airlines, along with Nepal and Yemenia. The aircraft maker's COO - Customers, John Leahy commented, "We had a good airshow, better than many expected, but our industry is not out of the woods yet. There will be a difficult winter ahead of us, but with the deals we made in Dubai and the interest in our products that we saw here, Spring may not be that far away."
Ministers of Defence, presidents and CEOs of airlines, plus chairmen of civil aviation authorities attended as part of the 511 civil and military delegations at the Dubai Airshow and their active participation was noteworthy.
Alison Weller, Director of airshow organiser F&E Aerospace, said:
"Our assigned delegation officers were involved in organising tours and meetings throughout the five days of the airshow and the exhibition halls, and static park area were thronged, right up until the doors closed."
"Exhibitors favour the Dubai Airshow because it's strictly a trade-only exhibition - visitors are there to see the latest products and services and negotiate deals. Without doubt, this Dubai Airshow has been a platform for doing business, giving exhibitors a better and more profitable return on investment," Weller added.
A significant number of companies have already signed up to the next Dubai Airshow at Airport Expo, Dubai, from 30 October to 3 November 2011, taking advantage of the prize freeze on exhibitor space which continues until the end of 2010.
Siba Sami Ammari
