The 2001 Dubai air show was rocked by the effects of 11 September, but this time the event was back with a vengeance, with exhibitor space up 12%. The emirate is enjoying a tourist boom which is helping to fuel the phenomenal expansion of flag carrier Emirates. The show saw few order announcements, but those there were - including Emirates' deal for Engine Alliance GP7200 powerplants for its second tranche of Airbus A380s and Qatar Airways' for Bombardier Global Expresses - were significant. And while they may not have made the headlines, hard negotiations were taking place behind chalet doors among defence suppliers and the region's rulers and senior officials, and a full complement of military aircraft was on show. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, crown prince of Dubai and United Arab Emirates defence minister, vowed that the show would double in size in 2005, which will require fast investment in new exhibition halls. Max Kingsley-Jones, Peter La Franchi and Murdo Morrison report
Source: Flight International
