The Dubai airshow is the fastest-growing show in the world and, with a sell-out for 2003, it is reinforcing the message that the region is leading the aerospace industry's recovery with its own boom.

Speaking at a pre-show press conference, Virginia Kern, chairman of show organiser Fairs and Exhibitions, said that with 550 exhibitors from 36 countries Dubai was firmly established as the world's third largest airshow. "In terms of sheer size, we are the third largest, but in terms of business we think we are the No 1."

The show has seen a growth of 12% over the 2001 event when it was badly hit by the 9/11 effect. "We saw a number of companies cancel at the last minute but they are back," she says.

"The excellent response the show has received from the international community comes as no surprise given the amount of civil aviation infrastructure investment taking place throughout the Middle East and the ongoing investment in fleet upgrades, renewals and expansions in the region.

"This year's tremendous turnout is a clear demonstration of the resilience of the aviation industry and testimony to the fact that this region has consistently led the bounce-back."

There are 85 aircraft on display this year – a record. However, no aerial display teams are flying.

Clive Richardson, the show's chief executive, says there is a 60/40 split between civil and military. The USA has the largest representation.

One major difference from the last show has been the increase in the number of Arab participants, "an indication of the expansion of the industry in the region".

Kuwait is an exhibitor for the first time and Jordan has a pavilion. "There were only a handful of Arab companies when we started in 1989," says Richardson. "There are 140 this year."

The Dubai Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) and the UAE Ministry of Defence are hosting 350 official delegations, while representatives of 70 international airlines and 75 government ministers will be in attendance.

However, Dubai International Airport is getting busier and closing the runways to commercial traffic for four hours each day for the flying display is becoming more of a challenge.

The DCA, which controls the airshow site, is confident it can meet the challenge. A hangar for the C-17 Globemaster can be converted to a third hall and the infrastructure is in place. "The show is not moving from here," says DCA's Mohammed Ahli.

Source: Flight Daily News