Dubai Air Show 2007 opens

Dubai: The 10th Dubai Air Show began on Sunday with Emirates Airlines placing at least two major orders from Airbus and Boeing.

His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, opened the event, which showcases 850 exhibitors from 50 countries.

More than 140 aircraft are on display at the five-day exhibition, which is the world's third largest air show. The event is for industry professionals only and runs until November 15.

Organisers said there was a 40 percent increase from when the event was last staged in 2005.

The show features 11 country pavilions and first-time representation from the Cayman Islands, Afghanistan, Luxembourg, the Philippines, and Ethiopia.