Press Release

Dubai Airshow Opening Takes On UAE Flavour Mohammed Bin Rashid and Mohammed Bin Zayed Team Up For Joint Inauguration

release date: 15th November 2009

Dubai Airshow 2009, the 11th and largest in the biennial series, was officially opened today by Their Highnesses Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Makoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai and Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

The joint opening prompted aviation and aerospace industry observers to comment on changing UAE industry dynamics – with Abu Dhabi's move into advanced composite aero structure manufacture seen as a forerunner of things to come. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed last week laid the foundation stone of the STRATA manufacturing facility, initiated by Mubadala Development Company in Al Ain, the capital of Abu Dhabi's Eastern Region.

The two Sheikh Mohammeds toured the show, which features 890 companies from 47 countries and 13 country and regional pavilions, stopping to board several of the 130 aircraft on the static park. They were accompanied by a large contingent of visiting delegation heads and ministers including HRH Prince Feisal Bin Al Hussein, Special Assistant to Jordan's Joint Chief of Staff and HE Sayyid Badr Bin Saud Al Busaidi, Minister in Charge of Defence for the Sultanate of Oman. The UAE VIP contingent included Their Highnesses Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE Minister for Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President, Department of Civil Aviation and Chairman, Dubai Airports, Sheikh Tahnoon Bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Ruler's Representative in the Eastern Region and the Crown Prince of Ajman, Sheikh Ammar Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi. Also present were Their Excellencies Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Higher Education; Sheikha Lubna Khalid Al Qassimi, the UAE's Foreign Trade Minister and Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansoori, UAE Minister of Economy.

The extensive royal tour started on the static park with a visit to Dassault Aviation's Rafale Omnirole fighter. This was quickly followed by a stop at the impressive Airbus A380 when the royal entourage was invited onboard by Tom Enders, Airbus President and Chief Executive.

After the tour Enders said: "When we came here in 2007 the aircraft displayed here was the first one, now we can see many, not just here but across the globe."

And, just to underline the point an A380 dutifully took off behind the royal tour. Enders added: "We are here to talk to our many customers in what is still a vibrant region for the air industry. For sure these are difficult times and we are in a deep recession, but the signs, especially here in the Middle East, and here at this show, are that things are improving. There will be difficult times for the next three years I'm sure, but there are still forecasts that there will be 25,000 more aircraft flying in 20 years time."

The royal party stopped to take a look at the Alenia Aeromachi M346 Master. There they spoke to Alenia Aeromachi's Chief Test Pilot Olinto Cecconello and he said: "Both their Highnesses were very interested in our aircraft and being pilots they were particularly interested in the technical specifications of the aircraft."

In a message to show participants, Sheikh Mohammed said the show clearly demonstrated the resilience of the UAE's events and exhibitions industry and the country's commitment to economic and technological advancement.

"The events and exhibitions industry remains as strong as ever in the UAE, which places great importance on this sector as evidenced by provision of the finest facilities available," said Sheikh Mohammed. "Within the context of this show we are extending our hands to others to foster friendly relations and cultural and scientific communication. We do so to continue our economic, cultural and technological advancement."

Dubai Airshow watchers have been quick to define changing dynamics within the show – with this year the focus slanting more heavily towards the military sector. Charles Alcock, Editor, International Aviation News Airshow Editions, said sentiment at the show was more vibrant than many had expected.

"Coming from the West where we continue to look for renewed signs of an end to the downturn we have been reminded here that it is not the case the world over," he said. “There is buoyancy beyond our expectations.

"On the civil side the airlines here appear to be in a state of 'pause' which is not a bad thing and on the defence side the situation is much more dynamic. Several major discussions are continuing and we could expect announcements at the show from the UAE government. Other Gulf States also appear to be stepping up their defence modernisation and the major world industry players are here to ensure they have a voice in these important discussions.

"What is also interesting is the move by Mubadala into composite manufacturing which could be the start of a bedrock of aerospace industry development in this region. The dynamics of the show are changing with the planning and announcements of recent years now coming to fruition."

The changing regional industry dynamics and potential for major aerospace announcements has drawn an extensive worldwide media corps of over 800 journalists and commentators.

"Interest is as strong, if not stronger, than ever with anticipation of orders building," said Alison Weller, Aerospace Director, F&E Aerospace, which organises the show.

Dubai Airshow 2009 runs until November 19 and is open to industry visitors only.