The leading aerospace event in the Middle East, Dubai Airshow 2021, witnessed participation from more than 104,000 attendees across five days (from 14-18 November). Deals worth USD 78 million were announced during the event. According to a release, Dubai Airshow 2021 was officially the biggest edition since its commencement in 1989. There was a 50% increase in trade visitors compared to its pre-pandemic edition held in 2019.
“USD 78 billion worth of deals truly shows that the industry has an exciting and prosperous future with partnerships and collaboration at its heart,” Timothy Hawes, Managing Director at Tarsus Middle East, organisers of Dubai Airshow 2021, said.
A spree of deals at Dubai Airshow 2021
Airbus announced orders totalling 408 commercial aircraft (269 confirmed orders and 139 committed orders) at the event. Indigo Partners portfolio airlines announced a confirmed order for 255 A321 Neo aircraft, including 29 XLR. This included Wizz Air ordering 102 aircraft (75 A321neo and 27 A321XLR); Frontier 91 aircraft (A321neo); Volaris 39 aircraft (A321neo) and JetSMART 23 aircraft (21 A321neo and 2 A321XLR).
At another end, Boeing announced the orders of 72 of its 737 Max from the new Indian airline Akasa Air. It also announced orders for 11 of its 737-800BCF cargo planes from aircraft leasing company Icelease, nine converted 767-300BCF freighters from DHL, and orders for two of its long-range 777F freighters from Emirates SkyCargo. Boeing also received four orders of passenger planes and freighters from Air Tanzania and three of its widebody 777-300 passenger jets from UAE-based aviation services provider Sky One FZE.
Prestigious contracts signed at Dubai Airshow 2021
The UAE’s Ministry of Defence signed AED 22.5 billion worth of contracts with European, American and Asian contractors and suppliers at the Airshow. The UAE Air Force and Air Defence (Afad) awarded a contract worth Dh11 billion to Abu Dhabi-based advanced technology firm Edge Group’s subsidiary GAL for the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) and specialised support services for the UAE Airforce and Air Defence.
Tawazun Economic Council (Tawazun) and Airbus signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) under which the latter will establish a wholly-owned facility in Abu Dhabi. Tawazun also signed a Euro 216.9 million deal with Aeroter to purchase 100 VRT500 helicopters.
The Dubai Airshow is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The next edition will be in 2023 at Dubai World Central (DWC), Al Maktoum airport.
