The billion dollar show

Dubai: As thunderous as the F16 that roared through each day's demonstrations and as heavyweight as the mathematically improbable Airbus A380 that belly danced past the Burj Al Arab to open the event, Dubai's ninth air show shocked and awed in a devastating display of aerial supremacy.

More than $30 billion worth of deals were announced over the five days of the show. That's the biggest number in the event's history, breaking the previous record of $15.6 billion worth of deals announced in 2001. The number of aircraft sold, 197, was also the highest.

In the battle between Boeing and Airbus, Boeing won the lion's share of deals with 66 confirmed orders worth $13.18 billion. Airbus followed with 87 aircraft orders worth $9.13 billion.

'Biggest', 'longest', 'widest' ? if there was a superlative the air show merited it.

The world's largest passenger jetliner ? the Airbus A380 Superjumbo ? and the world's longest range aircraft ? Boeing 777-200LR Worldliner ? were major attractions at the show.  

The single biggest deal was signed at the show by Emirates airline, which placed an order for 42 Boeing 777s in a $9.7 billion deal.

There was an end of the show announcement by Airbus that AerCap had signed a letter of intent for the purchase of 70 Airbus A320 family aircraft. AerCap was formerly known as debis AirFinance.

The show witnessed a 25 per cent growth in terms of exhibitors taking part. Dubai 2005 was the largest Dubai air show featuring 726 exhibitors from 46 countries, 15 national pavilions and over 100 aircraft.

Organisers Fairs & Exhibitions (F&E) said more than 35,000 professional industry visitors attended the show, which was 7000 more than the Dubai 2003 and 5000 more than anticipated.

The total value of deals signed during the show went up the last day with the agreement signed between Jordan Aviation and Seabird Aviation of Jordan for two Seeker SB7-360 surveillance aircraft valued at around $500,000.

"This increase is clear evidence of the growth and development of the aerospace industry within the Middle East and its surrounding regions," said Virginia Kern, Chairman, F&E.

F&E announced that Dubai 2007 ? the 10th international aerospace exhibition, which will be held at Airport Expo from November 11-15, 2007 ? will feature a specialised vertical pavilion dedicated to the aircraft interiors sector.

"We have researched this thoroughly with industry segment members who believe their own pavilion reflects growing market demand throughout the Middle East and India for both commercial and private aircraft ? this is another example of the Dubai air show evolving to better serve the industry it partners," said Alison Weller, Aerospace Director, F&E.

"We are very open to the idea which could work well for the industry by focusing genuine interest on the pavilion," said Marco Tonucci, Area Sales Manager, Aviointeriors.

"The Middle East market for my product category ? aircraft seating ? is now worth around $500 million."

Organisers said vertical pavilions have led to growth in the Dubai air show with two pavilions ? one for the training and simulation sector, the other for unmanned aerial vehicles ? debuting at this show.

Showstoppers

Airbus A380 Superjumbo ? world's largest passenger jetliner
Boeing 777-200LR Worldliner ? world's longest-range aircraft
Jebel Ali Airport City ? world's largest airport development
Korean T50 supersonic jet trainer aircraft
Largest gathering of business/luxury jets