Emirates, DXB at ‘full’ capacity

The Dubai Airshow attracted industry experts and leaders from all over the world from the aviation, aerospace, space, and defence sectors. The airshow featured nearly 150 countries, including 20 country pavilions, and new additions from the Czech Republic, Belgium, Brazil, Israel, and Slovakia.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group has said that the Dubai Airshow has made strides to become one of the world’s major aviation and aerospace events since its inception in 1989. The fact that the airshow was able to attract 1,200 exhibitors this year, including 370 new ones from 148 countries, demonstrates its significance. According to him, the firms of the sector are looking up to the Dubai Airshow to help chart a new course for the industry following the pandemic. His Highness said the airshow is the largest aviation and aerospace event held since the pandemic began. The 17th edition of the Dubai Airshow, which runs till November 18, is aiming for a record number of visitors, he said.

The event, according to HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed, offers a chance  for the industry to explore new partnerships and alliances. Many firmas announced multibillion-dollar deals for aircraft, services, infrastructure, and defence during the airshow. His Highness expressed optimism that the event will spur new developments that will enhance global firms efficiency thus enabling firms to regain their growth momentum.

During the Dubai Airshow, Emirates Airlines announced deals related to aircraft and a revamping customer service as part of the company’s effort to maintain high-quality standards. The company’s performance is linked to the reopening of key destinations and the easing of travel curbs around the world. His Highness noted that global cooperation is vital for the international aviation sector to return to pre- pandemic levels and that discussions with authorities in various cities to resume normal flight schedules are ongoing.

Sheikh Ahmed, speaking about the UAE aviation industry and the outlook for Dubai airports, said with the reopening of Concourse A, Dubai International Airport (DXB) will return to full operational capacity next week, providing the country’s aviation sector a boost.

His Highness also expressed confidence that, during the next 12 months, both Emirates and DXB will return to pre-COVID levels.  He said efforts are being made to coordinate with other countries and aviation authorities across the world, which will make this possible. His Highness stated that Dubai authorities are working to restore the high passenger numbers before the pandemic, when DXB handled 90 million global passengers annually, making it one of the busiest airports in the world.

His Highness praised Emirates SkyCargo for leveraging its cargo transportation capabilities from DXB and Al Maktoum Airport to aid supplies to nations in combat against the pandemic in last two years. During the crisis, His Highness said, Emirates took the lead in using its logistics infrastructure to transport vaccines, medical supplies, and equipment around the world.