Dubai aerospace expo takes off amidst fanfare

By T.S. Shankar

DUBAI, NOV. 4. The largest ever aircraft announcement by the Emirates Airlines, totally valued at a whopping $15 billions hogged the limelight of the 7th Dubai-2001 international aerospace exhibition, which got off to a glittering start at the Dubai International airport on Sunday.

After the formal ribbon cutting ceremony by the Crown Prince of Dubai and the UAE Defence Minister, Mohammed bin Rashid al Makotum, and closely followed by the letter signing ceremony by Chairman of Emirates Airlines, Mr. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al- Maktoum, with the CEO of Airbus, Mr. Noel Forgeard, the thirteen aircraft and the international aerobatic team's display by the Britain's Red Arrows, the Patrouille de France and Italy's Frecce decorated the bright skyline.

The Emirates Chairman said, addressing a press conference, Dubai being developed as an important hub of air travel in future, the airline was acquiring 25 Boeing-777s, 22 Airbus-380s (the superjumbos), eight Airbus-340-600s and three Airbus-330s by the end of the decade.

Today, it adds a further 15 Airbus-380s to give it a total fleet of 22 firm orders, valued at $7 billions plus an option for another 10. On the other hand, the 25 new Boeing-777s in two versions valued at $6.6 billions, eight Airbus-340-600s worth $1 billions, and three Airbus-330s valued at $415 millions, all totally worth - $15 billions, which the airline would raise without any subsidy from the Government to boost the Emirates Airlines fleet to 100 by the year 2010.

``Our country today stands four-square at the cross- roads of the world and has transformed itself into a major player on the global stage. Our goal now is to expand its dynamic growth into every area of commerce, tourism and transport'', Sheikh Mohammed said, adding these orders for new aircraft are part of a carefully planned strategy reflecting the vision of the Crown Prince of Dubai to develop Dubai and help attract 15 million visitors by 2010.

``These are difficult times for the global airline industry especially after the September 11 terrorist attacks in the U.S. But the dynamics of the business requires us to plan ahead to meet the anticipated global demand and growth in air travel. By 2006, when our first Airbus-380 joins the Emirates route network, we expect to carry more than twice as many customers as now. Equally, we are expanding Dubai International Airport with two new concourses capable of handling the double- decker superjumbos - the Airbus-380s'', he pointed out.

Pleasing both the giant aircraft manufacturers - the Airbus Industrie and the Boeing - the Emirates Chairman conveyed to Mr. Seddik Belyamani, the executive vice-president, sales and marketing of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, positive indications that the new Boeing's Sonic Cruiser would also join the airline's fleet.

The biennial air-show, organised by Fairs and Exhibitions in association with the Department of Civil Aviation, Government of Dubai and the UAE Armed Forces, has over 10 national pavilions and supported by the world's leading aviation industry players, including the Airbus Industrie, Boeing, Lockheed Martin and the Bombardier.

``We view this international turnout as a solid vote of confidence in the stability of Dubai and the UAE and the long- term future of aviation throughout the Middle-East``, the Chairman of Emirates, who is also the President of the Department of Civil Aviation, Dubai Government, said.

Nearly 50 winged birds are on display at the Dubai- 2001, including the Airbus-340, the Boeing-N737 busines jet, the SU-30K flanker, the BAe's Hawk MK-871, the Bombardier Challenger, and the Embraer's Legacy executive jet.

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Section  : International
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