Running for the 11th time this year, the biennial airshow is currently the foremost aerospace event in the Middle East and one of the fastest growing in the world. In 2007, the event smashed all its previous records with a 40% rise on 2005 participation with 850 exhibitors from 50 countries and a sharp rise in visitor numbers to 45,421 from 131 countries, establishing itself as the third largest airshow in the world after Farnborough and Paris. Although a planned move to a larger purpose-built site at the Dubai World Central aviation community in Jebel Ali was scuppered by the market crash, demand for exhibition space at this year's show is still unprecedented and the addition of a fourth hall, sponsored by Emirates, to the current site will expand the show by another 7,025m2, bringing the size to a total area of 325,513m2. There are also more hospitality chalets than ever before, with 114 available and the floor space of double storey structures enlarged by 40m2 each. Among the many attractions, organiser F&E Aerospace has confirmed the presence of a wide range of aircraft, including the advanced jet trainer Falcon L-15 from the new Chinese OEM AVIC and a full scale replica of the Eurofighter Typhoon. In the exhibition halls, the EADS stand will showcase an array of the group's exhibits, including two full scale mock-ups of the Airbus A350 XWB cabin and Eurocopter's 16 seat civilian helicopter, the EC175. Visitors will also be able to hear about new development plans for the Aerion supersonic business jet, which will fly executives at twice the speed of today's conventional business aircraft, with a scale model on display. Mubadala Aerospace will also be showcasing a number of companies from its aerospace portfolio in what will be one of the largest stands at the show. Alison Weller, director of F&E Aerospace, expressed renewed confidence that this year's event will spearhead the aerospace industry's recovery, reflecting the growing mood within the industry throughout the global economy that things are beginning to improve: “The past year has been a difficult time for aerospace 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 provide an opportunity for exhibitors and visitors alike to take advantage of the upturn. “With the ambitious orders made at the recent Paris Airshow, primarily by top aviation companies in the Middle East, I believe the global aerospace industry can look to this region for future indications of recovery.” The previous event also set a high benchmark not only for business but event growth that if matched, will provide substantial grounds for optimism and growth in the region. In 2007, the total value of deals announced at the show amounted to $155.5 billion with 540 aircraft purchased. This is a huge leap over 2005, when these totals amounted to $21.3 billion and 197 aircraft. The Dubai Airshow will also play host to the Dubai International Air Chiefs Conference (DIAC) for the defence sector on Sunday 14th, which will bring together nine commanders from the most prominent air forces from around the world to share insights and strategic perspectives on today's most pressing issues. Over three sessions, topics including air force transformation, air power interoperability, electronic warfare, early warning techniques, network centric operations, future and present UAV operations, new generation training aircraft and the role of AEW&C (Airborne Early Warning and Control) aircraft in missile and air defence, will be covered. www.dubaiairshow.aero
