Returning with its 18th edition, the Dubai Airshow took off from November 13, 2023 to go on till November 17, 2023 at the Dubai World Central, Dubai Airshow Site. This high-profile international event offered a glimpse into the ever-evolving world of aerospace and also to be a platform for strategic networking, a showcase of state-of-the-art aircraft, knowledgebuilding conferences, and much more.

This edition, opened doors to pavilions from over 20 countries, each displaying its groundbreaking products and technologies. The event features four co-located conferences, including Aerospace 2050, Aviation Mobility, Vista, and the Airworthiness and Safety Conference. These conferences span a total of nine different tracks and run throughout the event, providing a deep dive into the industry’s latest trends and developments. New to the DAS was an updated conference agenda that delves into key topics, such as the future of air travel and passenger experience.

A GRAND AIRBORNE SPECTACLE

Over 180 aircraft graced the event, ranging from business jets to drones, commercial airlines, military jets, helicopters, and more. Highlight of this edition was the spotlight on the future of transportation, with electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft taking center stage.

Leading global aviation companies, from Airbus to Boeing, Dassault to Embraer, Emirates to Etihad, Gulf Helicopters to Gulfstream, Pilatus to Qatar, and many more showcased their most advanced aircraft. The Dubai Airshow 2023 hosted over 1,400 exhibitors, showcasing 180+ aircraft on flying and static display. The show had over 80 hours of captivating content being presented by more than 300 industry experts, from technology to sustainability, air traffic management, and cargo, delving into the industry’s latest trends.

The airshow was also a stage for many exciting displays and debuts. India’s LCA Tejas, Pakistan’s JF-17, China’s J-10C aircraft were among the display candidates. Russia’s aerospace sector made a substantial impression at DAS, boasting a spacious dedicated pavilion adjacent to the static display. This presence underscored the return of the Russian Knights display team from the air and space force, showcasing a fleet of Sukhoi Su-30SM and Su-35S fighters. It was also a debut for Russia’s re-engined Ilyushin Il-76MD-90A transport. UAE Mirage 2000- 9, Airbus A350-1000, F-15QA, F-16, Dassault Aviation’s Rafale, HAL Dhruva Sarang display team, the Italian Air Force aerobatic display team, Fursan-al-Emarat (UAE Knights) aerobatics team were among the highlights from the Flying Display.

SPACE EXPLORATION AND ADVANCED AERIAL MOBILITY

The Space Experience Programme, led by the UAE Space Agency, took center stage, hosting a carefully curated space delegation program and a two-day content conference. It was the largest Space pavilion in the history of the Dubai Airshow, focusing on driving innovation and sustainability in the aerospace industry.

An exciting addition was the brand-new Advanced Aerial Mobility pavilion. It offered the chance to marvel at cutting-edge innovations in flight technology, presenting the latest eVTOLs, drones, and UAVs. The Dubai Airshow 2023 set a spotlight on the burgeoning flying taxi market. Dubai is at the forefront of the growth of disruptive aerial transportation, fast becoming the future of aviation. With the development of aerial taxi vertiports taking place in the city, the Dubai Airshow was the perfect platform for exploring a range of aerial transport solutions, including drones, UAVs, UAMs, and eVTOLs. The event featured an eVTOL flying display, showcasing the capabilities of these innovative future transport methods. Dubai’s visionary plans for flying taxis by 2026 made this display all the more exciting.

The Aerospace 2050 stage at DAS featured dedicated tracks for sustainability, space (powered by Abu Dhabi Space Debate), and the NextGen Leaders. The NextGen Leadership programme is dedicated to nurturing young professionals within the aerospace, defence, and space industries.

The Aviation Mobility stage brought together decisionmakers to discuss the latest trends and challenges across the broader aviation spectrum. Whether it’s Advanced Aerial Mobility, Air Traffic Management, or Passenger Experience, these diverse tracks share key insights of the industry.

A STAGE FOR EXCITING ORDERS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Dubai Airshow is certainly a hub for orders and contracts; as well as a stage for significant announcements. In the 2021 edition, orders worth over $74 billion were added to the industry’s order books, and military contracts worth more than $6.1 billion were inked. This year, many exciting new aircraft launches and sustainability partnerships were expected throughout the week and the first two days of the show set the tone for the same.

On the inaugural day of the Dubai Airshow 2023, Tawazun Council, an independent governmental entity collaborating closely with the Ministry of Defence and security agencies to optimise value through acquisition systems, announced the signing of nine agreements with both local and international companies. Tawazun Council inked four contracts with local companies on behalf of the Ministry of Defence, totaling AED 2.7 billion. This included a significant AED 2.14 billion ammunition procurement contract with Halcon and two contracts with International Golden Group: one amounting to AED 338 million for providing Technical Support for Aircraft, and the other valuing AED 13 million for the Purchase of Engines and Parts for Aircraft. Additionally, a contract worth AED 20 million was signed with Air Dynamics Solutions for Technical Support, Purchase of Spare Parts, and Aircraft Repair. The agreements with international companies comprised five deals totaling AED 2 billion. These encompassed a contract of AED 1.62 billion with the Chinese company CATIC for the procurement of an Air Show Aircraft and its Accessories, a contract of AED 326 million with the French company Thales LAS France SAS for the purchase of Detection Radars, and a contract of AED 3.5 million with the US company “IOMAX” to provide Technical Support for Armament Systems, as well as the Purchase of Spare Parts, Maintenance, and Repair Work for Aircraft.

Some of the other key announcements during the first two days of the show include:

• Boeing kicked off the Dubai Airshow with a substantial day, amassing orders, options, and purchase rights nearing $100 billion. Key commitments featured solid orders from Emirates Airline for ninety 777X and five 787 Dreamliner widebodies, and thirty 787s from FlyDubai. Continuing the announcements, Boeing secured a deal with Scat Airlines for seven 737-8s, substantially expanding the carrier’s fleet in Kazakhstan. The sequence of orders included SunExpress Airlines securing up to ninety 787 MAX narrowbodies, Egyptian Air leasing 18 737-8 Maxes, Royal Jordanian acquiring nine 787s, and Royal Air Maroc obtaining two 787s. Ethiopian Airlines reinforced its commitment with firm orders for 11 Boeing 787-9s and 20 737 MAX 8s, marking its return to MAX jets since the 2019 grounding. The airline also holds options for 21 additional MAX jets and 15 extra Dreamliners, coupled with an agreement for cabin enhancements with Boeing Global Services.
• Air Baltic is expanding its fleet, aiming to reach 100 aircraft by the end of the decade. At DAS 2023, the Latvian carrier solidified its commitment by placing a firm order for 30 Airbus A220-300s, bringing its total order to 80, with an option for an additional 20 aircraft. EgyptAir is set to enhance its fleet with an order for 10 Airbus A350-900s, scheduled for delivery in 2025, supporting the airline’s expansion plans.
• Emirates made a grand entrance at DAS 2023 with a substantial $52 billion procurement of Boeing aircraft. The airline also disclosed contracts awarded to Safran, totaling over $1.2 billion. This includes a $1 billion deal for the latest Safran Seats, covering Emirates’ new fleet of Airbus A350, Boeing 777X-9, and existing Boeing 777-300 aircraft. The agreement encompasses seats for Business, Premium Economy, and Economy classes for the Emirates Airbus A350 and the Boeing 777X-9, representing a substantial export order for the French company. This move is part of Emirates’ ongoing investment in France and Europe.
• General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI) has entered into a partnership with the UAE’s Edge Group to integrate intelligent weaponry onto the MQ-9B SkyGuardian remotely piloted aircraft (RPA).
• Abelo has secured a deal for up to 20 ATR 72-600 aircraft, with the lessor placing a firm order for 10 ATR 72-600 and holding options for an additional 10.
• A contract valued at AED 23 million was signed with the Chinese company Poly Technologies to provide a Technical Support Contract for Aircraft Systems. Another deal was finalised with the Greek company Sielman Defense Manufacturing Maintenance at a total value of AED 3.67 million for Technical Support, Repair, and Maintenance of the Hawk Air Defence System.
• Pratt & Whitney inked a 10-year agreement with Emirates to maintain and support the airline’s 116 PW980 auxiliary power units (APUs) installed on its Airbus A380 aircraft.
• ArcosJet has committed to acquiring 10 of Lilium’s eVTOL aircraft, which will be offered to private buyers in the Middle East. At DAS, a mockup of the four-passenger Pioneer Edition of the eVTOL vehicle is on display, showcasing its 30 ducted-fan engines in the wing and canard.
• Archer Aviation plans for the introduction of air taxi services in India. The electric vehicle was showcased at the Dubai Airshow, where Archer aims to solidify its presence in the UAE through a partnership with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, an announcement made by the US startup last week.
• AeroGuard Flight Training Center placed an order for 90 Piper Archer TX piston single-engine aircraft.
• A Diamond Aircraft Industries DA50 RG was delivered to a customer based in the Middle East.
• Honeywell unveiled two agreements to expand its support network in the Middle East and North Africa. The ten-year deal with Saudia Technic grants a global license to service the 331-500 auxiliary power units installed in the Boeing 777. This full-service MRO organisation is set to become Honeywell’s inaugural authorised service center in the Middle East for the 777’s APU.

As three more days remain at the Dubai Air Show, a lot more action awaits in the sky, at the pavilions, at the exhibition site, and at the discussion stages, at the Dubai Airshow Site of DAS’ 18th edition.

This is the first part of the Show Report. The second and final part of the show report will be published in issue 12/2023.