JEDDAH, 10 October 2005 — At least 100 aircraft of different types, a sizeable number from the business jet arena, will be among the exhibits at the Dubai 2005 slated from Nov. 20-24.
The show’s expansive exhibitor lineup will have a significant Saudi presence. The Airport Expo Dubai is the venue for the 9th international Aerospace exhibition, which will include some “first time” features.
“The strong Saudi presence expected at the show is testimony to the Kingdom’s growing aviation and aerospace sectors and reaffirms the position of the Dubai air show as a major global aviation calendar rendezvous,” Clive Richardson, chief executive of Dubai 2005, told a press conference at Radisson SAS Jeddah on Saturday night.
Its “first time” pavilions include one dedicated for training and simulation, and another for specialized unmanned aerial vehicles. A Middle East business aviation conference on Nov. 19, a day before the official opening of the show, is the event’s another “first.”
Show highlights also include the Middle East debut of the third generation, Airbus A380 superjumbo, Sweden’s Gripen new generation, multi-role fighter jet and Korean Aerospace Industry’s T-50 advanced trainer/fighter-lead-in-trainer — the “Golden Eagle.”
More than 700 exhibitors from 43 countries will participate in the show. “One hundred of exhibitors, or 14 percent, are new to the Dubai air show,” Richardson said. “Participation of at least 60 of the world’s top 100 aerospace suppliers will highlight the show’s reputation as the event to do business,” he added.
Over 30,000 trade visitors from 110 countries and 150 official delegations from 55 countries are expected to take part in the event, which has been expanded to meet increased demand for space.
The new central hall now links the existing east and west halls, and the airport expo’s expansive reception building will bring an additional 10,000 sq m of space to the show.
The Dubai government’s department of civil aviation (DCA) has provided nine additional double-storied chalets, and Dubai 2005 will feature 64 double and 18 single storied units.
“A powerful mix of officials and corporate aviation industry representatives are expected to converge on the venue,” Richardson said, adding that the delegations program is coordinated by Fairs & Exhibitions, which organizes the Dubai air show in conjunction with the DCA and the UAE Ministry of Defense.
The Kingdom’s standing as one of the world’s biggest markets for private aviation services will be in spotlight both at the conference and the show. “It will be highlighted with the participation of the Kingdom’s National Air Services, the Middle East’s largest and fastest growing corporate and private aviation service provider,” he said.
What is more, he added, the Kingdom has lately developed into an exporter of industry services and expertise, aside from being a major market for the world’s aerospace products, as will be demonstrated at Dubai 2005. Other Saudi companies taking part include spare parts and logistics service providers, aviation fuel specialists and business aviation players, all looking to capitalize in the unprecedented growth of the region’s rapidly developing aerospace industry.
Riyadh’s Al-Raha Group for Technical Services, which provides aircraft spare parts, logistics, and repair and refurbishment of aircraft ground support equipments, is making its debut at the show. Another Saudi aviation player expected to leave its mark is Saudi Advanced Industries Company.
Arabian Fuels Technology Center — the Kingdom’s major provider in technical support to gasoline, diesel and aviation fuel and a petroleum transportation specialist, and Riyadh’s Advanced Electronics Company are among the other Saudi participants.
“Since its inception in 1989, the Dubai air show has served as a barometer to Middle East aviation growth, and this incisive role continues,” Richardson said terming its biennial shows as a “success.”