The Middle East has been the rising star of the aerospace industry over the last two decades bolstered by a natural strategic location and concerted efforts from operators and governments to foster the market. 

Middle Eastern growth is fuelled by passenger numbers and a clear eastward movement of the global centre of activity. The Dubai Airshow, taking place from November 17 to 21 at DWC, Dubai Airshow Site, is the ideal location for the industry to take advantage of the associated growth opportunities.

“It is clear that the aerospace industry in the Middle East is on the cusp of incredible growth,” said Michele van Akelijen, managing director of show organisers Tarsus F&E LLC Middle East. “When you look at the potential for businesses, it’s no wonder that this year’s Dubai Airshow is expecting a large number of new exhibitors from around the world. The show really is the best global platform for the aerospace industry, and business in the region places a premium on face to face networking, making this year’s show a truly unmissable event,” he added.

Dubai Airshow 2019: focussing on business aviation

IATA estimates by 2037, the Middle East market will reach 501 million passengers achieved by a CAGR of 4.4 per cent. Airbus predicted in its recent forecast that by 2023 that both UAE based hubs will be in the top 15 Mega Aviation Cities, with Dubai taking the top position.

To attain this status, the UAE is investing in infrastructure, a trend that is seen across the whole Middle East region. Reports suggest there were $50 billion worth of aerospace investments underway in 2018; from greenfield airports in Kuwait to upgrades to Bahrain’s air traffic control systems. 

INVESTING IN TECHNOLOGY

As growth in passenger movements continues to grow across the Middle East, increasingly technology has been implemented to manage the progression. IATA has a bold plan to implement globally the ONE ID concept where all of a passenger’s details (passports, flight details, boarding passes) are stored on a single token which can seamlessly be read by airlines, customs and immigration, and even ground transportation. Although it is at the concept stage, Dubai International Airport has been one of the first to adopt the latest screening technology as part of their ‘Smart Tunnel’, launched at the end of 2018.

It is not the only technology the UAE has implemented to manage passenger and traffic movements.  They have invested in the Hub Monitor system to allow all departments involved in an aircraft’s movement to track its progress and turn around. Similarly, UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Searidge Technologies to develop Artificial Intelligence in managing its aviation activities to achieve greater efficiencies, safety and commercial outcomes.

New exhibitors to the event this year include technology and solutions focused companies ready to drive the industry forward. Among them are Italian technology providers Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence and aviation services Airports World Company who have recently expanded across the Middle East with the launch of its UAE base.

BUSINESS AVIATION

The Dubai Airshow 2019 is expecting business aviation to be a significant part of the event. Business aircraft movements in the region are predicted to reach 175,000 by 2020. The prediction, made at the Middle East & North Africa Business Aviation Association (MEBAA) Conference, Dubai in December, underlines the industry’s growth in the region, and is reinforced by key players in business aviation demonstrating their commitment to the Middle East’s leading aerospace event. In addition, the UAE is expecting an increase in private jet landings next year as a result of Expo 2020, leading to increased opportunities for the industry.

Key business aviation OEMs will be represented at the show, including Boeing Business Jets, Gulfstream, Dassault Aviation, Airbus Corporate Jets, Textron and Pilatus who will be joined at the show for the first time by Citadel Completions. Exhibitors at the event represent the whole business aviation supply chain, from OEMs to interiors, completions specialists to FBOs including Jet Aviation and DC Aviation, private airports such as Al Bateen Executive Airport; and gourmet catering firms, providing an ideal platform for those in the industry to network and forge relationships to take advantage of the opportunities offered.

“Business in the region relies on face-to-face meetings and personal relationship building,” said van Akelijen. “The fantastic thing about the Dubai Airshow is that it provides a truly global stage for all aspects of the aerospace industry, and business aviation is always extremely highly represented. I look forward to welcoming the industry to Dubai in November.”

During the show, the MEBAA will host the International Standard for Business Aircraft Handling (IS-BAH) and International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BOA) workshops within the show itself. Developed by the International Business Aviation Council (IBAC) in conjunction with the National Air Transportation Association (NATA), these workshops will enable business aviation professionals to achieve best practices and standards.

The Dubai Airshow 2019 is expecting 1,300 exhibitors and up to 87,000 trade visitors across the five days. “The growth in representation from around the world demonstrates the interest from all sectors of the industry and global reach of the Dubai Airshow” added van Akelijen.