Dubai Airshow eyes 10% rise in exhibitors

SHOW STAR: The F22 Raptor will be one of Dubai Airshow's biggest attractions.

The number of exhibitors at this year’s Dubai Airshow is expected to grow by 10 percent despite the impact of the global economic crisis on the aviation industry, it was reported on Wednesday.

Show organiser F & E Aerospace said compared to world-famous shows such as Farnborough and Paris, Dubai's show, which starts on November 15, was growing "at a rapid rate".

“We have obviously not been immune to the economic situation. We haven’t had as many companies come back as we have done in the past, but we are growing at a rapid rate compared to some of the other shows, like Farnborough and Paris," said F & E Aerospace director Alison Weller in comments published by Arabian Supply Chain.

“Not only that, but a number of new companies have signed up to the show after witnessing the growth of passenger traffic in the Middle East, so they know this is an area to do business in and focus on, especially during the bad times,” she added.

The trade-only show was expected to be held at the new giant airport in Jebel Ali, Dubai, but due to ongoing delays the show has had to be relocated from Al Maktoum International Airport, back to its original home at Airport Expo.

“Some 850 exhibitors attended the show in 2007, and this is expected to reach around 900 by the opening day of the show,” Weller added.

However, the outdoor static display for 2009 is expected to be smaller than that at the previous show in 2007, a reflection of the economic downturn, Weller admitted.

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