Air Show closes with US $21.3 billion sales tally

Pushing the figure up on the final day was a deal between Captain Mohammed Khashman, President and CEO of Jordan Aviation and Seabird Aviation of Jordan for two Seeker SB7-360 surveillance aircraft valued at around US $500,000.

"Jordan Aviation has enabled us to achieve penetration of the regional market rapidly and we are confident that this announcement will be the first of many similar orders. It is a great opportunity for our two companies to address a niche market with a unique product, ideally suited for the role of cost-effective aerial surveillance. With the increased demand for countries to control and protect their borders and infrastructure assets, Seeker is the optimal platform for this requirement where there exists today little or no credible competition," said Gilles Latour, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Seabird Aviation Jordan.

Meanwhile, organizers of Dubai 2005, Fairs & Exhibitions (F&E) say in excess of 35,000 professional industry visitors attended the show, which ran at the Airport Expo Dubai from November 20. The visitor tally is some 7,000 up on Dubai 2003 and 5,000 more than anticipated.

"This increase is clear evidence of the growth and development of the aerospace industry within the Middle East and its surrounding regions,"

said Virginia Kern, Chairman, F&E.

And F&E announced that Dubai 2007 - the 10th international aerospace exhibition, which will be held at Airport Expo from November 11-15, 2007 - will feature a specialized vertical pavilion dedicated to the aircraft interiors sector.

"We have researched this thoroughly with industry segment members who believe their own pavilion reflects growing market demand throughout the Middle East and India for both commercial and private aircraft - this is another example of the Dubai air show evolving to better serve the industry it partners," said Alison Weller, Aerospace Director, F&E.

And the initiative has been given an immediate welcome by the interiors sector. "We are very open to the idea which could work well for the industry by focusing genuine interest on the pavilion," said Marco Tonucci, Area Sales Manager, Aviointeriors.

"The Middle East market for my product category -aircraft seating - is now worth around US $500 million."

Vertical pavilions have led to growth in the Dubai air show with two pavilions - one for the training & simulation sector, the other for unmanned aerial vehicles - debuting at Dubai 2005.

Dubai 2005 was the largest Dubai air show featuring 726 exhibitors from 46 countries, 15 national pavilions and over 100 aircraft. The show was 25% larger than the previous exhibition, Dubai 2003, with growth being accommodated by the building of a third exhibition hall - Central Hall - at the Airport Expo site.