Preview Of The Dubai Air Show 2007 & More News

(Guest Writer - Mr. A. Ahmad)

This years Dubai Air Show, is set to become the largest to date with up to 900 exhibitors from 47 countries and 11 pavilions with over 140 aircraft spanning from across the globe.

The event runs at the Airport Expo Dubai and features a wide range of new models which include strike fighters, trainers, VIP business jets and heavy cargo carriers.

Image courtesy of Dubai Air Show 2007

This year’s event will showcase its largest ever aircraft showing, including regional debuts from, the Cirrus SR22 G3 – the world’s fastest-selling, single-engined four-seater aircraft; the Eclipse 500, the forerunner in the Very Light Jet (VLJ) market and the quietest jet in history.

Also featured this year is the Dassault Falcon 7X, which is a long range business jet, and the Sino Swearingen SJ30, the world’s fastest, and longest ranged light jet. The Falcon 7x is definitely one to look out for as it claims to be the “first aircraft to be designed entirely on a virtual platform”.

As a celebration of the tenth anniversary of the international air show, this years spectacular flying display will feature performances from three of the world’s top aerobatics display team – Britain’s Red Arrows flying the BAE Systems’ training Hawk, the Patrouille de France in the Dassault/Dornier AlphaJet, and Spain’s Patrulla Aguila, flying the Casa C-101 Aviojet.

The Russian MIG-29 multi-role fighter aircraft, and the Block 60 Lockheed Martin F-16, one of the most popular attack aircraft in its class, will also take to the skies during the show’s daily flying display as will the Airbus A380, no doubt adorned in the company’s livery (or possibly even in Emirates colours) as it makes its return to the UAE.

Helicopters also feature heavily in this years show with the MD 902 Helicopter making its regional exhibition debut. Boasting state-of-the-art patented “NOTAR” (No Tail Rotor) technology, which increases passenger and bystander safety, reduces pilot workload and lowers external noise levels, the MD is a sought after model for EMS (Emergency Medical Services) throughout the region, especially as it is well equipped to deal with the Middle East’s high temperatures.

Joining military colossals MiG and the F-16, is the US Air Forces legendary fighter, the F-117A Nighthawk Stealth Fighter attack, the world’s first operational stealth aircraft, as well as Abu Dhabi-based Adcom Military Industries, which is displaying its Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Yabhon range including the new jet-powered, high-speed diving target drone, designated the ‘Yabhon HMD’.

“It is not just the size that is significant this year but the scale of new-to-market entrants and technology that will be on show,” said Alison Weller, the Director of Aerospace Division of Fairs & Exhibitions (F&E), which organises the event.

“Some 130 exhibitors from 24 countries are taking part for the first time – that’s one tenth of the show’s entire exhibitor profile – and all are seeking emerging opportunities.

This will ensure the 2007 Dubai Air Show lives up to the event’s well-earned reputation of being a truly B2B forum delivering genuine business outcomes.”

Among the newcomers this year are countries represented for the first time at a Dubai Air Show. These include the Cayman Islands, whose government registry is taking part; Afghanistan, represented by Safi Airways; Luxembourg by maintenance service provider CAE Aviation and the Philippines being represented by Beechcraft spares stockist, Aerospace Products International.

Dubai Aerospace Enterprise, the global aerospace manufacturing and services corporation headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is also to make its debut as the event’s first-ever host-sponsor.

Image courtesy of DAE / H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum

The move is a clear indication of Dubai’s growing importance on the global aerospace stage and the Dubai Air Show’s role of attracting world-class companies.

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A very big and kind thanks to our guest writer for the entry today.

Image courtesy of Cathay Pacific

The day has also started out on a big note for Boeing. Unlike Airbus which traditionally saves order announcements for looming air shows, Cathay Pacific today announced that it would be placing a large order for more Boeing 777-300ER’s.

As part of this new order, the airline has also ordered 10 Boeing 747-8F’s. These airplanes will be delivered between 2009 and 2012. A further 14 purchase rights have been taken on the 747-8F.

Questions still remain as to whether the Hong Kong based airline will emulate regional rivals and select the A380 for its large airplane requirement, or whether the 747-8F now opens the way for the 747-8I to step in.

After taking delivery of five Boeing 737-800’s last week, Ryanair is in talks to firm up more of the type from options secured back in early 2005.

With only a few days to go before the start of the show, it is already gearing up to be the best the UAE has ever seen.

3 comments November 8th, 2007