Dubai Air Show Takes Off With Optimism As Airlines Set To Make Major Aircraft Purchases

The biennial Dubai Air Show, a highly anticipated event in the aviation industry, opened its doors on Monday with airlines poised to make substantial aircraft purchases, marking a remarkable recovery from the groundings caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Despite regional security concerns, including the Israel-Hamas conflict and Russia's war on Ukraine, the five-day show at Al Maktoum Airport at Dubai World Central is set to be a platform for significant developments.

While the spotlight primarily shines on commercial aviation, arms manufacturers also have their share of the limelight. Two major Israeli firms, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. and Israel Aerospace Industries, are participating, signifying the growing importance of defence and security in the region.

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems went a step further by sponsoring a meeting of air force commanders at a luxury Dubai hotel on Sunday. This move underscores the delicate diplomatic balance maintained by the UAE, which established diplomatic relations with Israel in 2020, amidst tensions over the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Russian presence is another highlight of the event, despite being under sanctions by the US and other countries due to Moscow's involvement in the Ukraine conflict. Russian Helicopters and ROSCOSMOS, the Russian state space company, are participating, demonstrating the show's global reach.

The aviation industry has been making a remarkable comeback after the pandemic led to worldwide lockdowns and the grounding of aircraft. Al Maktoum Airport, which had served as a parking lot for Emirates double-decker Airbus A380s for months, is now witnessing a resurgence in air traffic.

According to the International Air Transport Association, air traffic has rebounded to 97% of pre-COVID-19 levels. Middle Eastern airlines, crucial for East-West travel routes, have seen a 26.6% increase in September traffic compared to the same month in the previous year, according to IATA.

Emirates, one of Dubai's main economic engines and a major player in the global aviation industry announced record half-year profits of $2.7 billion on Thursday. This figure represents a significant increase from $1.2 billion for the same period last year, indicating a potentially record-breaking year for the airline. Emirates has also taken steps to repay around $2.5 billion of the loans it received during the height of the pandemic to ensure its survival.

Tim Clark, President of Emirates, hinted at exciting developments during the air show, saying, "We've got a lot of big plans for the airline going forward. New fleet, larger numbers, larger network." This suggests the possibility of significant purchases from both Airbus and Boeing, which could lead to the hiring of new pilots and crew to support the expanded operations.

In addition to Emirates, Riyadh Air, a new Saudi carrier, is set to make waves in the industry as part of the kingdom's ambitious spending plans. In March, the airline made a substantial order for up to 72 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner jetliners, and it has further expansion plans in the pipeline.

Turkish Airlines is also making headlines with reports suggesting a record-breaking purchase of 355 aircraft from Airbus, including 250 A321neo aircraft. This major investment could mark a significant leap for the airline and reshape its future in the aviation sector.

As the Dubai Air Show unfolds, the industry's optimism and ambition are evident, with airlines and manufacturers gearing up for transformative deals and partnerships, despite the regional and global challenges that persist. The event promises not only to showcase the latest innovations and trends in aviation but also to set the stage for a brighter and more prosperous future for the aviation sector.

*Inputs from Arab News*