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'DAS one of the top shows in the world'

DUBAI - His Highness Shaikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Aviation Authority, and Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Airlines and Chairman of Emirates Group, said the Dubai Air Show (DAS) has become a top platform in civil and military industry world wide.

Speaking in an interview with “Nation Shield” Journal, ahead of the event, which will commence Sunday, Shaikh Ahmed highlighted Dubai Air Show 2009, which he said “comes to complement successes in this respect. He spoke about the Show’s extensions, current and future plans.

He underlined that the event reflects the importance attached to the Middle East despite the world economic crisis.

Excerpts of the Interview:

Dubai Air Show has become a national, as well as an international event. What is new in DAS 2009 edition? What are the main participants this time?

Dubai Air Show has become a top platform in civil and military industry world wide. This edition encompasses 900 exhibitors representing 48 countries which will put on display most up-to-date products. The Show reflects the importance attached to the Middle East despite the world economic crisis. DAS is set to connect top decision-makers and leading manufacturers for mutual benefit.

Would you shed more light on the steps which have been taken to increase DAS halls and chalets to allow for more participants?

The outdoor display area will host more than 100 all-type airplanes which will display their features and capabilities throughout the 5 day-event. As for DAS area, a 7000 square meter-extension was added to allow for the new “Emirates Hall”, thus bringing total halls to four and hospitality chalets to 114.

How do you comment on DAS which is being opened amidst the world financial crisis?

It reflects DAS as an important platform for commercial and military aviation sector to grow and prosper despite the world crisis. We are optimistic the Show will add to previous success stories considering the fact that DAS 2009 edition attracted the attention of top aviation and manufacturers from all parts of the world to display top notch jets and training systems. This will help regional civil and military sector to grow and will be an excellent opportunity for debating different issues of interest.

What about development plans to bolster DAS position on the international level?

Working teams have been set up to follow up minute details. A fourth hall was added and chalets were increased to accommodate more exhibitors.

What are your future plans for DAS 2011?

DAS 2011 will move to a new venue at Central World Dubai which is a built-to-purpose fully integrated city currently under construction at Jebel Ali to allow for more facilities commensurate with the expected needs of the world’s fastest growing air shows.

As the world economic crisis still drags on, how could it affect Dubai Air Show, Emirates Airlines and regional aviation market in general?

Aviation is a vital economic sector for the UAE in general and for Dubai in particular thank to the vision and unequivocal support of our wise leadership. Billions of dirhams have been allocated by the Government of Dubai to develop and increase Dubai Airport annual capacity to 60 million passengers which will be further increased to 75 million after opening Terminal 3.

The increasing number of participant exhibitors is another clue that we were not hit by the world economic crisis.