Dubai Airshow 2023 may Surpass Previous Records in Aircraft Orders

THE DUBAI AIRSHOW, which has made its mark as one of the most rewarding showcases in terms of aircraft orders and breakthrough technology displays, looks set to surpass its previous records on the back of a vibrant rebound the global aviation industry is witnessing.

The 18th edition of the airshow running from 13-17 November at the showpiece Al Maktoum International Airport, more commonly known as Dubai World Central, promises to be a critical point of convergence for the aerospace industry by providing a platform to showcase the latest innovations, trends, and products range that are going redefine the future of the aviation and space industries. The show will serve as an ideal platform for rethinking strategies, navigating uncertainty, and scaling up operations to ensure the smooth re-establishment of the industry in general.

To be staged under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, the Dubai Airshow will spotlight the latest trends in space technologies and efforts to localise the industry through the "Make it in the Emirates" campaign. It will also emphasise the pivotal role of startups in accelerating the realisation of sustainability goals in the sector.

With over 400 new exhibitors along with 80+ startups and a host of new and expanded features including the Advanced Aerial Mobility Pavillion, space zone, and much more, the 2023 edition will showcase an impressive lineup of the latest commercial, business, and military aircraft along with an exciting selection of eVTOLs and helicopters from both industry leaders and emerging players.

In addition to the largest display of the latest aircraft, both on the ground and up in the air, this year, the show will feature the Space Experience Programme, with the support of the UAE Space Agency, to bring together industry leaders, pioneering technology providers, space mission delegations, and engaging youth programs - all under one roof.

This year, the UAE celebrates 26 years since the beginning of its space program. The nation has made some huge strides in building national capabilities and earth observation, training astronauts, sending missions to Mars, and hopefully soon to the asteroid belt.

This year, Dubai Airshow will host a two-day conference, powered by Abu Dhabi Space Debate, focusing on key topics including Space and Climate Change, Space Capital Formation and Infrastructure Development, Mitigating Orbital Debris, Space & Security, Communications and connectivity, and Space Tourism.

This year’s show will host nine conference tracks, bringing strategic topics, while adding new focus areas of Passenger Experience and Diversity & Inclusion in Aviation. The conference will showcase over 300 returning and new speakers to deliver +80 hours of engaging content

Aircraft orders are a significant highlight of the Dubai Airshow, with transatlantic plane-makers Airbus and Boeing competing for big deals. At the 2021 Airshow, Airbus walked away with 404 orders, with Boeing taking just a quarter of that with 101 orders. Aviation enthusiasts can look forward to an exciting race by these two aviation giants at the show, and can also expect a wide variety of impressive aircraft on display.

A record-breaking 1,667 orders were placed for global aircraft in the first half of 2023. The latest report from ADS Group, the trade association for the aerospace, defence, security, and space organisations, highlights a 129 per cent increase in aircraft orders placed in the first half of 2023 compared to 2022 figures, led by record-breaking orders by Air India.

Air India has placed orders for 840 planes from Airbus and Boeing, including options to purchase additional 370 aircraft. The outstanding figure is driven by the most successful H1 for aircraft orders since ADS records began in 2010, with June and Paris Airshow announcements boosting the global aircraft order book. In the single-aisle aircraft market, orders reflect strong market confidence, with the 1,398 single-aisle aircraft ordered year to date being the highest order number on record.

The backlog of aircraft orders grew 11 per cent in H1 2023 to 14,462 aircraft. In the same period in 2022, the backlog increased by just 1.0 per cent. Aircraft manufacturers delivered 582 aircraft during the first half of the year, an overall increase of more than 13 per cent on the same period in 2022. Of note, in H1 2023, 85 wide-body aircraft were delivered, a 23 per cent increase year on year.

Considering current production and delivery dates, ADS has uplifted its forecast of 1,215 aircraft deliveries by the end of this year.

This would represent the largest number of aircraft delivered in more than three years and is a strong signal that aircraft manufacturing is on its way to pre-pandemic trends, despite ongoing supply chain issues.

— issacjohn@khaleejtimes.com