Business | Aviation
Dubai 2005 records sales worth Dh55b on first day
The ninth international aerospace exhibition got off the starting block with a strong start with total orders of more than $15 billion (Dh55 billion) signed on the first day.
- By Kokila Jacob, Staff Reporter
- Published: 00:00 November 21, 2005
The ninth international aerospace exhibition got off the starting block with a strong start with total orders of more than $15 billion (Dh55 billion) signed on the first day.
 Sankha Kar/Gulf News An F16 of the UAE Air Force at Dubai 2005 at the Dubai Airport Expo Centre. |
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After the official inauguration, he took an extended tour of the air show that lasted more than two hours. Oganisers said this was the largest Dubai air show with 726 exhibitors from 46 countries, 15 national pavilions, an expanded official delegations programme representing 88 countries and over 100 aircraft on display including around 40 business jets.
The largest orders of the day were placed by Emirates airline which announced firm orders for 42 Boeing 777 aircraft in a deal worth $9.7 billion at list prices. Emirates also signed an agreement, valued at $2 billion, to purchase GE90-115B jet engines for all the Emirates 777s. This was the largest-ever order for the Boeing 777 family.
Saudi Arabia's National Air Services made firm commitments for five Airbus A318 Elites with an option for five more a deal valued at $2.50 billion. Kingfisher airline of India announced a $350 million deal for ATRs.
Shaikh Mohammed broke his three-hour tour of the show to appear at a press conference by Emirates, where the carrier announced the firm orders.
Emirates chairman Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum said: "We are investing in more new aircraft to meet the escalating demand for Emirates services from our customers across the globe. This new order will support the airline's growth plans, and enhance our fleet's versatility."
Shaikh Mohammad toured the static park calling at the Boeing 777 and the new generation super jumbo the Airbus A380 making its Middle East exhibition debut at the show. The aircraft is taking part in the Dubai 2005 daily flying display sporting Emirates' colours.
Accompanying Shaikh Mohammed during the tour were Oman's Minister of Defence, Badr Bin Saud Bin Hareb Al Bosaeedi, the Chief of Staff of the Kuwaiti Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Fahad Al Amir and Swedish Air Force Chief, Major General Jan Andersson who is visiting the show to support the Middle East debut of the Gripen first, next-generation jet fighter which is appearing in the Dubai 2005 daily flying display.
"These orders have really got the show off to a flying start and are justification of our claim that this is the true business-to-business show," said Virginia Kern, Chairman, Fairs & Exhibition (F&E).
Dubai 2005, which is organised by F&E in conjunction with the Department of Civil Aviation, Government of Dubai and in co-operation with the UAE Armed Forces, runs until November 24. The show is open to professional industry visitors only.
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