DUBAI, 8 December 2003 — The world’s largest civilian and military aviation companies are vying for a slice of the lucrative regional market at the Dubai air show, which opened here yesterday. The competition to supply the booming regional airlines with the latest and fastest jumbo jets and the Gulf governments with state-of-the-art fighter planes and air defense systems has pitted the United States against the Europeans. About 550 exhibitors from 36 countries are taking part in the 8th International Aerospace Exhibition, which runs until Dec. 11. Organizers say the United States has the biggest presence at the show with 80 private companies and a US Department of Defense delegation led by General Michael “Buzz” Moseley, vice chief of staff of the US Air Force.
