One-to-one with organisers of Dubai Airshow 2015

Michele van Akelijen, Managing Director, F&E Aerospace: This will be the second Dubai Airshow taking place at the purpose built Dubai World Central, Airshow Site. This includes a 46,650 square metres exhibition hall and a total site footprint of 645,000 square metres.

2. AB: How have procedures changed in light of the flood damage in 2013?

MvA: Although the weather at the Dubai Airshow 2013 was extreme and unusual for the region, the engineers have revisited the network of rainwater pipes.  All the pipe supports have been reinforced and checked, with over 15,000 manhours dedicated to this.  The network has been rigorously examined and has withstood several incidents of stormy weather since the work was completed. Of course we do hope that the weather will remain sunny for the Dubai Airshow from the 8-12 November for all of our exhibitors and visitors.

3. AB: How many exhibitors are you expecting this year, compared to 2013?

MvA: The Dubai Airshow 2013 had 1046 exhibitors from 60 countries and for 2015 we are expecting over 1100 exhibitors.

4. AB: Has the subsidies row between US and Gulf carriers impacted the number of American exhibitors?

MvA: The Dubai Airshow 2015 has a large number of returning US exhibitors including Boeing, Engine Alliance, GE and Honeywell, plus some new ones including Telephonics, and Aerion returning after a break of six years. In fact, the US Pavilion has doubled in size from 659 square metres at the 2013 show to more than 1300 square metres for 2015. With Dubai’s location as a hub for the aviation industry the Dubai Airshow represents the centre of the aerospace industry and attracts 1100 exhibitors from over 60 countries.

5. AB: Have you seen an increase in Iranian exhibitors or interest in this market since the US-Iran deal?

MvA: As the Iran sanctions have not yet been lifted, and are not predicted to do so before next year, this has not had an effect on the Dubai Airshow. We will of course revisit this should the sanctions be completely lifted in the future, and Dubai Airshow welcomes all opportunities that encourage trade between our exhibitors and attendees.

6. AB: What new elements will be in place for 2015?

MvA: Some of the new sectors at Dubai Airshow 2015 include the addition of the 3D Print pavilion and we have added two new conferences: the Airport Safety and Security Conference and the Offsets Conference. In addition, Dubai Airshow 2015 will feature UAVs in the flying display for the first time ever.

The Dubai Airshow has always been at the forefront of the industry, growing every year since its inception in 1989 and has doubled in size since 2001.The addition of these segments is a natural step to integrating other facets that increase the value to visitors and exhibitors alike.

7. AB: Can you give any insight into what planes will be on display?

MvA: The Dubai Airshow 2015 is expecting over 160 Civil, Military and business aircraft ranging from helicopters to passenger jets to be on display, where attendees will experience first hand many of the industry’s key aircraft parked on the static at the Dubai Airshow. Some examples that we can currently confirm include an Airbus Military C295, an Emirates Airlines A380 and a Qatar Executive G650ER.

Of course we cannot speak for all of the exhibitors who have not yet confirmed what aircraft they are bringing, but historically we have seen some game-changers and we hope that will continue at the 2015 Dubai Airshow.

8. AB: Do you have any early indicators of level of deal signing expected?

MvA: The 2015 Dubai Airshow will aim to build on the success of 2013. With regards to the order book, it’s not something we are aware of until the show is up and running. The Dubai Airshow is not just about the order book, but represents every sector in the Aviation industry, providing the right platform to not only do business but also help promote product launches, new innovations, technologies and exhibitor news, with our 1100 exhibitors coming from 60 countries to be part of it.

9. AB: Has the recent security issues seen a rise in presence or interest from defence companies?

MvA: The defence industry has traditionally represented 50% of the exhibitors at the Dubai Airshow and this remains the same for 2015. We are expecting many returning defence exhibitors including Adcom, BAE Systems, Eurofighter, Dassault Rafale, Lockheed Martin, Northrup Grumman and Saab, plus new ones such as Denel from South Africa and Roketsan from Turkey.

10. AB: Boeing has predicted in the past that sales will be low in the Gulf, is this something you are preparing for?

MvA: We will find out about any orders placed during the show when they happen, and while we hope to see a healthy level of deals, the Dubai Airshow focuses on so much more than the order book. Some of the new features we are adding for this year, such as the 3D print pavilion and new conferences are increasing the reach of the Dubai Airshow and adding value for our attendees.

3D print for example, has been called by PricewaterhouseCoopers a ‘game changer’ for the aerospace and defence industry, while Geekwire has stated that there are currently 20000 3D printed parts in use on Boeing aircraft. The addition of the 3D print pavilion will add another aspect to the Dubai Airshow which has always been at the forefront of the aerospace industry.

In addition the Dubai Airshow can also be used to draw attention to any key issues or aspects of the industry, such as ‘Futures Day’ designed to inspire the next generation of aerospace professionals in the UAE, or GATE – Gulf Aviation Training Event – which for 2015 will focus on pilot training and human factors vs automation, as well as flight tracking systems.

11. AB: Has the oil price slump had any impact on the show and attracting exhibitors? Have you offered any payment financing options or discounts?

MvA: Tim Clark predicted earlier this year that the airline industry is set to reap the benefits of changes in oil prices, and that confidence is already returning to the industry and reinvestment in aircraft and infrastructure in many parts of the world – a promising sign for aviation. The Dubai Airshow represents all sectors of the aviation industry and we are looking forward to welcoming all attendees to DWC, Dubai Airshow Site in November.