An extraordinary edition of the exhibition strengthened the UAE's position as a major global hub for the aerospace industry

Dubai Aviation 2023 attracts 135,30 visitors, a growth of <>%

The 18th edition of the Dubai Airshow is the largest in its history since its inception. Cinematographer: Patrick Castillo

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the 18th edition of the Dubai Airshow witnessed a record exceptional edition, the largest in its history since its inception, in light of the wide range of deals that were announced, and strengthened the show's position and importance globally at the industry level.

The 18th edition of the exhibition showcased the commitment of the aerospace, aerospace and defense sectors towards growth and development, as the value of deals launched from Dubai and concluded during the exhibition exceeded 101 billion US dollars (AED 370.6 billion), while this edition welcomed more than 135,30 visitors, a growth of 148% in the number of visitors compared to the last edition, with the attendance of 1400 countries and more than <>,<> exhibitors, representing major manufacturers, producers, decision-makers and specialists in the aerospace industries from Around the world, gather in Dubai to explore the future and sustainability of the sector.

The edition, which was held at Dubai World Central, witnessed a series of important deals, most notably a deal for Emirates Airline to purchase an additional 95 wide-body Boeing 777-9, 777-8 and 787 aircraft, worth $ 52 billion (AED 191 billion) during the first day of the exhibition, which comes to drive the company's growth plans, and a deal worth six billion dollars to purchase an additional 15 A350-900 aircraft during the exhibition. flydubai also announced the purchase of 30 Boeing 9-787 Dreamliners.

Ethiopian Airlines signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to add 11 Airbus A350-900 aircraft to its fleet of aircraft, cementing Ethiopian Airlines' position as one of the leading A350 customers in Africa. The company also announced its commitment to order 11 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, 20 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, with the possibility of purchasing 15 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 21 additional Boeing 737 MAX aircraft.

Air Baltic revealed that it has signed a deal to buy 30 A220 aircraft, becoming the owner of the largest fleet of A220 aircraft in Europe.

Tawazun Council, an independent government entity that works closely with the Ministry of Defense and security entities to increase value through acquisition systems, announced the signing of contracts with local and international companies worth AED 23.06 billion.

These included a contract with Halcon for the purchase of munitions worth AED 2.14 billion, and two contracts with International Golden Group (IGG), the first worth AED 338 million to provide technical support for aircraft, and the second for the purchase of aircraft engines and spare parts in the UAE worth AED 13 million.

The 18th edition of the Dubai Airshow witnessed a greater focus on space and future technologies, as the UAE Space Agency revealed during its participation in the exhibition the timeline for the flight of the UAE spacecraft "MBR Explorer" to explore the asteroid belt.

Other key announcements unveiled at the show included the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) with Annan, a leading UAE technology company driving the transformation of transport through advanced air mobility services.

Dubai Airports, the operator of the world's largest international airport, also announced its partnership with Intelak, the leading innovation platform supporting Dubai's travel, tourism and aviation startups.

Timothy Hawes, Managing Director of Tarsus Middle East, said: "This year's Dubai Airshow is one of the most prominent and important exhibitions in the industry, with the unveiling of innovations, important announcements, sustainable technological development, and the announcement of deals worth more than $100 billion. The 18th edition of the exhibition provided all participating parties with a global platform to showcase the promising future that awaits the sector, as well as opportunities for growth, partnerships and enhanced global cooperation."

. Record deals depart from Dubai, exceeding AED 370.6 billion.