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Dubai Air Show in Nov Set to Draw 900 Exhibitors

DUBAI — The Dubai Airshow in November is expected to draw a bigger crowd, with some 900 exhibitors and 50,000 visitors from nearly 50 countries seen participating in the bi-annual event.

The show which will run from November 15 to 19, will expectedly, be dominated by Middle Eastern companies that are estimated to account for 25 per cent of exhibitors.

Firs and Exhibition said it was optimistic about the prospects for the show, despite the steep downturn in the aviation industry that resulted from the global economic slump.

The exhibit is being held at a time when global airlines are slashing jobs and reducing routes to stem losses in the wake of rising fuel prices and reduced passenger traffic. International passenger traffic is expected to decline by 4 per cent in 2009, while cargo volumes are forecast to fall by 14 per cent, according to the International Air Transport Association.

IATA estimated airline losses this year to widen to $11 billion from an earlier forecast of $9 billion due to weaker revenues and high oil prices raising operating costs. The Middle East though continues to be a lucrative market, managing to maintain a double-digit growth in passenger traffic for much of the year as regional carriers continue to expand fleets and routes. The show is also welcoming nearly 200 first-to-market exhibitors from 20 countries, including key first-time participants — Abu Dhabi Airports Company, the Bin Salem Group and Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation.

rocel@khaleejtimes.com