Who's who of aviation world jet into Dubai

dubai - Over 160 of the latest commercial, business and military aircraft are on display

The static display at the Dubai Airshow 2017 features a breathtaking array of over 160 of the latest commercial, business and military aircraft, including many flown from around the world in addition to those from the UAE.

Visitors to the show have been dazzled by the latest aviation marvels, including new to this year's display such as the Sukhoi Superjet 100 and the Japanese Air Force Kawasaki C2. In addition, first time exhibitor Calidus is displaying two aircraft: the B-250 Bader and the TX-C.

Also on display is the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner, Airbus A350X Wide Body, the newly unveiled 777-300ER, Airbus A400M and Ukraine's Ahtohob - 70.

Emirates Airline and Etihad Airways are showcasing their flagship A380s. However, the star of the static display is Emirates' 100th Airbus A380 with the portrait of Sheikh Zayed, the Father of the Nation, on it livery. Flydubai is showing its Boeing 737 MAX 8. Among other aircraft on the static park are Honeywell Boeing 757-200 and Diamond DA50 Super Star.

Military aircraft line-up on display includes SU35, Dassault Rafale, the Taqnia/Antonov AN-132, the IOMAX S2R-T660 Archangel and a PAC JF-17 Thunder. In addition, helicopters are well-represented with a Turkish Aerospace Industries T129 Atak Helicopter, the Motor Sich Mi2 and Mi8 MSB-T.

The display also features unmanned aerial vehicles, such as the Turkish Aerospace Industries Anka MALE Class UAV.

Business aircraft
Business aviation, a market, which is growing in the Middle East, is always heavily represented at the Dubai Airshow and this year is no exception with around 50 business aircraft parked on the static site, including a Gulfstream G650ER and Bombardier Global 6000, while Emirates Airline has on display its all business class ACJ319.

The flying displays include aerobatic teams PLAAF August 1st Air Demonstration Team from China; the Russian Knights and the UAE's Al Fursan.

Also taking to the skies daily are an Airbus A350 and a Beriev BE200 ES demonstrating its fire-fighting ability. There are helicopters including the TAI T129 attack helicopter performing for the first time at the Dubai Airshow and large number of military aircraft such as a US Airforce F16, UAE Mirage 2000 and a Taqnia AN132.

The purpose-built static park also features the Motor Sich Mi2 and Mi8 MSB-T helicopters. Jean Boulle Luxury of Luxembourg is showcasing the world's first diamond-coated business jet, making its public debut. The aircraft, a large-cabin Bombardier Global Express, is painted with aviation-grade Sun King Diamond Coating created by Jean Boulle Luxury, producing "amazing multichromatic reflections" on the aircraft.

- issacjohn@khaleejtimes.com