The 18th edition of the Dubai Airshow was a resounding success, bringing together more than 1,400 exhibitors hailing from over 95 countries. The event boasted a stellar lineup, featuring 350+ distinguished international speakers, 80+ innovative startups, and 20 country pavilions. The show also presented a spectacular display of 190+ aircraft, both on static exhibits and engaging in dynamic flying displays. With the latest innovations and advancements on display, the most thrilling airplanes taking to the skies, sustainable and advanced air mobility developments, and huge deals being signed, the Dubai Airshow was a pivotal glimpse of the global aviation industry especially that of the Middle East.

DISPLAY DECORUM

Boeing’s Beasts. Among the standout displays at the Dubai Airshow was Boeing’s invitation to visitors to step inside the 777-9, one of the four test aircraft in the 777X programme. Scheduled for certification as a widebody, long-haul airliner in 2025, the 777-9 is equipped with cutting-edge GE9X engines and distinctive folding wingtips, marking a significant leap in capability and efficiency for the big twin family.

Making its public debut was the Boeing 777-300ERSF, a passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversion engineered by Israel Aerospace Industries’ Bedek Aviation Group. Originally a regular passenger aircraft with Emirates Airline, this prototype conversion showcased the future of freighter capabilities, illustrating the adaptability of existing aircraft for cargo operations.

Boeing is on the verge of a pivotal moment in its journey toward certifying the 777X—achieving type inspection authorisation (TIA). With its sights set on securing US FAA approval by 2025, the aerospace giant showcased the flight test vehicle WH001, a 777-9, at the Dubai Airshow. This strategic move aims to not only garner momentum but also instill confidence in customers who have collectively placed orders for well over 300 of these widebody aircraft.

Satcom Direct’s Plane Simple Ku-band Terminal. The Dubai Airshow witnessed a significant milestone for aviation connectivity in the UAE as Empire Aviation Group announced its plans to deploy Satcom Direct’s Plane Simple Ku-band terminal. This advanced two-line-replaceable-unit aircraft connectivity system will undergo installation by ACC Columbia Jet in Hamburg, Germany, on a Bombardier Global XRS, showcasing the industry’s commitment to cutting-edge technology.

Leonardo’s AW169 Utility Helicopter. Leonardo showcased the latest skid-equipped version of its AW169 utility helicopter, underlining its versatility in various operational scenarios. This helicopter, recently delivered to Italy’s Guardia di Finanza, exemplifies Leonardo’s commitment to delivering adaptable solutions for diverse mission requirements.

DYNAMIC FLYING DISPLAYS

The opening act of the 2023 Dubai Airshow’s flying display was a spectacular flypast featuring a diverse array of aircraft representing both military and commercial services for the United Arab Emirates. The Armée de l’Air et de l’Espace (French Air and Space Force) took center stage during the event, presenting a captivating in-flight demonstration of the Rafale. An Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent, featuring the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas and Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv, was also present at the biennial Dubai Airshow. The Tejas was featured in static and aerial displays, while the Sarang Helicopter Display Team showcased their formation aerobatics skills. This marked the Tejas and Sarang teams’ second consecutive appearance at the Dubai Airshow, following their participation in 2021.

The People’s Liberation Army Air Force August 1st, or Ba Yi Aerobatic Team, showcased their skills in the Chengdu J-10 multirole fighter, paying homage to the founding date of the People’s Liberation Army. Russia’s aerospace industry, despite facing restrictions at various global aviation exhibitions, made a substantial impact at the Dubai Airshow. The Russian Knights display team, featuring a mix of Sukhoi Su-30SM and Su-35S fighters, returned to Dubai with a remarkable presence.

The Dubai Airshow audience was treated to the awe-inspiring display of the Dassault Mirage 2000-9 fighter jet from the United Arab Emirates, leaving a lasting impression on spectators.

The UAE’s F-16 Block 60 Desert Falcon Fighter took to the skies, demonstrating the capabilities of these aircraft that have been a part of the UAE’s fleet since 2004.

The Calidus B-250 Light Attack/Trainer Aircraft, developed in Brazil and built in the UAE as part of the Bader programme, presented its capabilities, contributing to the diverse lineup of aircraft at the Dubai Airshow.

A FLIGHT OF DEALS

New Zealand Airline Academy Limited (NZAAL) Takes Flight. This announcement, encompasses a fleet expansion of 10 aircraft. NZAAL’s strategic selection includes eight single-engine P2008 JC models meticulously designed for nighttime visual flight rules (VFR) operations. Complementing this lineup is a single-engine P-Mentor IFR trainer, boasting RNAV capabilities and equipped with a ballistic parachute. Rounding off the order is the versatile P2006T light twin, promising a multifaceted approach to aviation training.

Airbus and Emirates Seal the Deal. Emirates, the flagship carrier of the UAE, inked an agreement for an additional 15 A350-900 widebody aircraft. This strategic move elevated the total A350-900 order for Emirates to an impressive 65. On November 15, Ethiopian Airlines added to the momentum by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for an extra 11 A350-900s. This agreement positions the African carrier’s total backlog for the A350 at 33 units, encompassing 4 of the larger A350-1000 model.

Flydubai and CAE Pioneer Aviation Training. Flydubai and CAE joined forces to establish a state-of-the-art pilot training center in Dubai. This $56 million facility is slated to house six fullflight simulators dedicated to Flydubai’s Boeing 737 MAX fleet.

Diamond Aircraft Delivers Excellence. In a notable moment of delivery, a Middle East-based customer embraced the future of aviation by taking possession of the Diamond Aircraft Industries DA50 RG at the Dubai Airshow.

Oman Air Soars into Cargo Excellence. Oman Air welcomed its first-ever 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF) at the Dubai Airshow. The decision to integrate the BCF into its fleet aligns seamlessly with Oman Air’s strategic vision, propelled by a remarkable 42 per cent year-over-year surge in cargo business volume during the initial half of 2023.

Bengaluru’s Skyward Ascent with Eve Air Mobility and Hunch Mobility. Eve’s pioneering role in India was solidified with the signing of a letter of intent (LOI) with Hunch Mobility, encompassing the purchase of 200 eVTOLs and the adoption of the company’s urban air traffic management solution.

Air Arabia’s Propulsion Power Play. A substantial order for 240 CFM Leap-1A engines was unveiled, underlining Air Arabia’s commitment to powering its existing mandate for 120 Airbus A320neo family aircraft, including the A321XLR. This comprehensive deal extends beyond engine procurement, encompassing a multi-year services agreement and the inclusion of spare engines.

Air Cairo Elevates Service Commitment. Air Cairo formalised a multi-year service agreement. This comprehensive pact encompasses show visits for a remarkable 28 Leap engines, powerhouses propelling 14 A320neos within the Egyptian carrier’s operational fleet.

CFM Propels Flydubai’s Ambitions. This strategic collaboration is designed to provide robust support for 222 LEAP-1B turbofans, the dynamic force propelling Flydubai’s Boeing 737 fleet. This groundbreaking deal extends its reach to engines already in active service and those slated for future orders, totaling 80 aircraft.

Eve Air Mobility Expands Vertiport Horizon. Eve Air Mobility received a letter of intent from Swedish vertiport developer KookieJar. This strategic alliance positions KookieJar as Eve’s tenth Urban ATM (air traffic management) customer and fifth vertiport partner. The agreement solidifies Eve’s Urban ATM system’s entry into Dubai, fostering an innovative approach to urban air mobility.

Gulf Air’s Maintenance Commitment with Joramco. Bahrain’s national carrier, Gulf Air, solidified its commitment to seamless operations by extending its maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) contract with Jordan Aircraft Maintenance (Joramco). This strategic collaboration ensures fleet support services for an additional four years.

Emirates’ Visionary Investment in Engineering Excellence. The renowned airline aims to construct a sprawling 1-million-sq-m engineering facility at the Dubai World Central site. This visionary undertaking, slated to support the airline’s fleet and operational needs well into the 2040s, further contributes to the burgeoning MRO complex at Dubai’s second airport.

Honeywell’s AAM Unit Soars to $10 Billion. Honeywell’s Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) unit proudly declared its phenomenal success, raking in over $10 billion in business.

Boeing and Zero Petroleum’s Sustainable Initiative. In a collaborative stride towards sustainability, officials from Boeing and Zero Petroleum inked a pivotal agreement aimed at accelerating the development of synthetic sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Leveraging the Fischer–Tropsch power-to-liquid process, this innovative SAF is meticulously designed for use as a 100 per cent drop-in fuel, distinctively avoiding any mixing with jet-A.

Boeing’s latest Commercial Market Outlook (CMO), unveiled on a compelling picture of the Middle East’s aviation landscape. Projections indicate a remarkable expansion, with the regional airliner fleet poised to more than double by 2042. The forecast envisions the delivery of a staggering 3,025 new jets, with a diverse range that includes 1,350 widebody models, prominently featuring the Boeing 777-9 showcased at the Dubai Airshow. The comprehensive outlook anticipates 1,570 narrowbodies, 70 purpose-built freighters, and 35 regional jets, marking a significant evolution in the region’s aviation footprint.

The Dubai Airshow 2023 has not only provided a platform for industry leaders to present their latest innovations but has also paved the way for collaborative discussions and partnerships that will shape the future of aviation. The dynamic displays and groundbreaking technologies featured at the event underscore the resilience and forward momentum of the aerospace industry on a global scale.

This is the second and final part of the Dubai Airshow report. The first part had appeared in issue 11/2023.