Mohammad lauds Dubai International Aerospace Exhibition

Dubai:  His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, stressed that the Dubai International Aerospace Exhibition, which has become one of the three major aerospace exhibitions in the world, continues to confirm its position through the steady growth of the number of participants, the volume of participation, the number of visitors and the quality of exhibits representing the finest products created by the human intellect in aviation industry.

In a statement to the Nation Shield (Dira Al Watan) magazine issued by the UAE Armed Forces, on the occasion of the 11th edition of the Dubai Air Show and Dubai International Aerospace Exhibition 2009, Shaikh Mohammad said the success of the exhibition "accompanies the enhancement of the position of our nation in air traffic across the world and the consolidation of its status as an international destination and a bridge between East and West.

"The continued successes of the Dubai Air Show and Dubai International Aerospace Exhibition has brought it into such a level whereby the world's major aviation firms and the companies in the fields of technology, marketing and supply and construction and management of airports, as well as senior defence officials, and civil and military aviation representatives in the sisterly and friendly countries keep the event as an unchanging item on their agendas," Shaikh Mohammad said in his statement.

Following is the text of the statement:

"The 11th Dubai Air Show adds a new success to the UAE's long record of achievement. The show, one of the three most important international parades, comes to strengthen its world-renowned reputation in various aspects: volume and number of participants, number of visitors and the quality of top-notch products in the aviation industry.

"This continuous success made the show an-all time event on the agenda of top corporations involved in the air industry, technology, marketing, supply, construction and management of airports, as well as top officials of defence and civil and military aviation in sisterly and friendly countries — a record which makes Dubai Air Show the fastest growing exhibition in the world.

Bridge

"This success coincides with ongoing efforts to strengthen the UAE's pioneer position as a strategic bridge between East and West in the air transport business worldwide. It is most satisfying that the UAE's example is being followed by many countries which came to realise how important the aviation industry is in the diversification of sources of income, either through access to direct air transport economies or in being involved in world trade movements and the tourism industry.

"The recent developments over the past few years led to a distinct growth in regional air transport, airports and quality of service, thus maximising the region's quota — now the fastest growing — worldwide.

"This successful record, which is only a step in a long journey, has strengthened our self-confidence, optimism and pride, and served as a motive for more hard work and more emphasis on quality, excellence and innovation. This record can only be kept by launching into new horizons — a fact driven home by our ongoing plans and projects in all fields.

"We are thankful to the Almighty that our air transport projects are moving ahead according to preset schedules. The third terminal of Dubai International Airport was completed and put into full operation last year, and flydubai, a low-cost air transport company, was launched this summer, whereas national air transport companies continue to grow and expand as an active part of the world air transport network.

"On this occasion it gives me pleasure to welcome exhibitors and distinguished guests to the 11th Dubai Air Show. It is worth mentioning that the success of this show, which comes close on the heels of the world financial crisis, comes to give the air industry and transport worldwide a strong push forward, and to give us hope that the worst is over for the world economy and that recovery is underway.