Airshow to Spur Global Aviation Recovery

DUBAI — The success of Dubai Airshow in drawing increased international participation despite the financial crisis will help galvanise the world’s aviation and transport industry and strengthen belief that a global recovery is under way, His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said.

By Issac John

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Published: Sun 15 Nov 2009, 11:06 PM

Last updated: Thu 2 Apr 2015, 8:24 AM

The steady growth and continued success of Dubai Airshow, which is among the world’s three most sought-after aerospace industry showcases, underscores the UAE’s growing prominence as a global aviation hub and a vital bridge between the East and the West, Shaikh Mohammed said in a statement given to the Nation Shield magazine published by the UAE Armed Forces.

“The 11th edition of Dubai Airshow adds a new chapter to the UAE’s long record of achievements,” he said.

This consistent success of the show has made it a “must event” on the agenda of top corporations involved in air industry, aviation technology, marketing, supply, construction and management of airports, as well as top officials of defence, civil and military aviation in friendly countries.

“This track record makes Dubai Airshow the fastest growing exhibition in the world,” Shaikh Mohammed said.

“It is most gratifying to see that the UAE example is being followed by many countries which came to realise how important air transport industry in diversifying sources of income,” he said.

The success of the show in attracting increased number of participants, higher number of visitors and the quality of exhibits coincides with our ongoing efforts to strengthen the UAE’s pioneering position as a strategic bridge between East and West in global air transport business. Over the past few years, the region’s air transport industry has achieved distinct growth in the number of airports and quality of service, Shaikh Mohammed said.

“This remarkable success in aviation industry has strengthened our confidence, optimism and pride, and served as a motivation for more hard work and greater emphasis on quality, excellence and innovation. This record can only be kept by reaching new horizons through our ongoing plans and projects,” Shaikh Mohammed said.

He said all aviation related projects in the UAE were progressing as per schedule. “The third terminal of Dubai International Airport was completed and put into operation last year, and flydubai, the low-cost carrier, was launched this summer, while national airlines continue to grow and expand to become key players in the world air transport network.”

In a separate interview with the Nation Shield, General Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, said that the consistent successes achieved by the Dubai Airshow underscored the confidence of the global aviation industry in the ability and efficiency of UAE nationals in the organising such major global events.

“It is my pleasure to express our deepest satisfaction with Dubai International Air Show 2009 as a source of national pride. The continuous success of the Show, which has rightly become a top global platform, reflects worldwide belief in our ability to organise this unique event,” the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince said.

“The increasing number of participant exhibitors and leading international aviation corporations reflects the farsightedness and sound policy of His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and the support of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and Their Highness, the Members of the Supreme Federal Council and Rulers of the Emirates,” General Shaikh Mohammed said.

He said the UAE’s strategy dwells on making optimal use of this distinctive forum and build bridges of cooperation and friendship with all countries. “The purpose is not only to transform the UAE into a regional centre for top-of-class international exhibitions and conferences, but also as a hub for the world economy in trade, industry, technology, science and re-export.”

“We seize this opportunity to reiterate our strategy of strengthening air transport and aviation infrastructure to turn the UAE into a top international hub for aviation in the next few years and to render the aviation sector an artery for national economy and a main source of diversified income,” General Shaikh Mohammed said.

The advanced displays at the Dubai Air Show provide decision-makers and civil and military officials “in the sisterly and friendly countries with a unique opportunity to keep in touch with the latest developments in civil and military aviation industry and meet defense needs to bolster national security,” he said.

“We are confident that the organising committee and all other parties involved in Dubai Airshow will bring the show unprecedented success commensurate with the UAE’s standing and its pivotal role on the regional and international arenas,” the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince said.

issacjohn@khaleejtimes.com


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