The upcoming Dubai Airshow is poised to be the largest in its history, with over 1,400 exhibitors from 95 countries converging in less than two weeks. This marks the 18th edition of the renowned event, reflecting a resounding comeback of the aviation and aerospace sectors, especially in the Middle East.
According to data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Middle Eastern airlines saw a remarkable 27.3% increase in traffic this August from the previous year. On a global scale, air traffic is nearly back to its pre-pandemic level, hitting 96%. Adding to the positive momentum, Dubai Airports reported a 49% surge in guests for the first half of 2023, culminating in a staggering 41.6 million visitors.
The Airshow promises a diverse showcase from over 1,400 exhibitors, including 400 debutants and 80+ startups spanning sectors from commercial aviation to emerging technology. A highlight will be the expanded space pavilion, partnered with the UAE Space Agency, where industry stalwarts like Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre and Dubai Electricity & Water Authority will exhibit collaborations shaping future travel.
One of the main attractions, the Airshow’s static and flying displays, will return, flaunting more than 180 cutting-edge commercial and military aircrafts. This provides manufacturers a golden opportunity to demonstrate their craft to the global aerospace community while treating visitors to a visual feast.
The industry’s robust growth is further echoed by airlines like Emirates, which reported its most lucrative year with a profit of AED 10.6 billion, and Etihad Airways which declared a record core operating profit of US$ 296 million for the first half of 2022.
In a recent statement, Tero Taskila, CEO & Chairman of Beond – the world’s first premium leisure airline, expressed excitement about unveiling their specialized aircraft at the Dubai Airshow, calling it a testament to their vision for redefining luxury air travel.
Similar optimism comes from Qatar Airways and Saudia Group, with both signaling vast profits and aggressive expansion plans respectively.
His Excellency Ibrahim Al Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, emphasized their transformation, saying, “We are entering a new era…to bring the world to Saudi Arabia and showcase what the Kingdom has from both tourism and business perspectives.”
Sponsored by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Dubai Airshow will run from 13-17 November 2023 at Dubai World Central. It stands as a testament to the industry’s resilience, innovation, and the endless possibilities the future holds.