Dubai Airshow: Largest ever show gets under way

Their Highnesses Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai and Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces officially opened the 11th and largest Dubai Airshow today.

The joint opening prompted aviation and aerospace industry observers to comment on changing UAE industry dynamics - with Abu Dhabi's move into advanced composite aero structure manufacture seen as a forerunner of things to come. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed last week laid the foundation stone of the STRATA manufacturing facility, initiated by Mubadala Development Company in Al Ain, the capital of Abu Dhabi's Eastern Region.

The two Sheikh Mohammeds toured the show, which features 890 companies from 47 countries and 13 country and regional pavilions, stopping to board several of the 130 aircraft on the static park. They were accompanied by a large contingent of visiting delegation heads and ministers.

A380 visit

The extensive royal tour visited the Airbus A380 when Tom Enders, Airbus chief executive, invited the royal entourage onboard. After the tour Enders said: "When we came here in 2007 the aircraft displayed here was the first one, now we can see many, not just here but across the globe."

And, just to underline the point an A380 dutifully took off behind the royal tour.
Enders added: "We are here to talk to our many customers in what is still a vibrant region for the air industry. For sure these are difficult times and we are in a deep recession, but the signs, especially here in the Middle East, and here at this show, are that things are improving. There will be difficult times for the next three years I'm sure, but there are still forecasts that there will be 25,000 more aircraft flying in 20 years time."

The royal party stopped to take a look at the Alenia Aeromachi M346 Master. There they spoke to Alenia Aeromachi's Chief Test Pilot Olinto Cecconello and he said: "Both their Highnesses were very interested in our aircraft and being pilots they were particularly interested in the technical specifications of the aircraft."

In a message to show participants, Sheikh Mohammed said the show clearly demonstrated the resilience of the UAE's events and exhibitions industry and the country's commitment to economic and technological advancement.

"The events and exhibitions industry remains as strong as ever in the UAE, which places great importance on this sector as evidenced by provision of the finest facilities available," said Sheikh Mohammed. "Within the context of this show we are extending our hands to others to foster friendly relations and cultural and scientific communication. We do so to continue our economic, cultural and technological advancement."