21 Nov 19. Dubai Airshow 2019 was hailed a success today (Thursday) by exhibitors, delegates and sponsors alike, as a lively week of trading came to a close. With more than 1,288 exhibitors in attendance, 161 aircraft on the event’s static display, and a packed schedule of conferences and keynotes, the programme was the show’s busiest to date – as evidenced by the footfall of 84,043 trade attendees. Sales were also booming, with the order book on site reaching $54.5 billion by close of business. Among those taking stands were 100 new exhibitors, including Saudi Arabia’s The Helicopter Company, which was also a key event sponsor. CEO Yahya Homoud Alghoraibi said the firm’s first show had been “very successful”.
“We have done more than we expected, we have met and had discussions with a lot of companies and we have seen a lot of customers and shown our aircraft to many people as well, so we are very happy with what has taken place. We are a new company, so relationships matter a lot. Communication matters as well, and Dubai Airshow is one of the best communicators.”
Also making its debut this year was EDGE, a group comprising 25 local entities working in five aerospace capability clusters, which launched shortly before the show. Among the firms sitting under the EDGE umbrella is Al-Tariq, and its CEO Theunis Botha said the Dubai Airshow had been a great way to establish the brand’s presence in the region. “EDGE has been very well received. We have been very busy and have been inundated with requests and interest from several friendly nations around us. I think we’ve had an excellent show, with lively interest in the product range that we’re offering, and this is exciting stuff.”
Elsewhere, a host of speciality conferences, offering industry-specific keynotes, Q&A sessions and networking opportunities, attracted huge crowds of professionals. Set across two days, the Global Air Traffic Management (GATM) conference took a close look into the future of traffic control, with virtual towers proving to be a particularly hot topic.
Cargo Connect, a show within the show focused on the air freight industry, with data sharing across both geographical and business boundaries being a key focus.
For the first time in 2019, a growing focus on space exploration regionally was recognised with its own conference programme, opening with Women in Space, hosted by the UAE Space Agency and featuring speakers from the UN and Boeing, among others. Aimed at examining the key role female scientists, researchers, engineers and astronauts will play in the future of the global space industry, the conference proved a huge draw and former astronaut, the European Space Agency’s Claudie Haigneré, said she found the level of engagement very encouraging. “I felt that really something is going on here, and I’ve been really impressed because this shows a real possibility for change. The new generation coming up here is so refreshing.”
Meanwhile, the Space Tech Talks schedule looked in-depth at the technological advancements needed for the next generation of space exploration, and the impact they are expected to have on the wider world.
Indeed, the impact of both technology and space research on all aspects of industry was evidenced across the show floor, where exhibits ranging from Dubai Police’s new flying bike for hard to reach emergencies to new products in the medivac field, through to the first commercial space flight suits from Virgin Galactic, were all on show.
Commenting on the show’s culmination, Michele van Akelijen, Managing Director of show organisers Tarsus F&E LLC Middle East, said: “We always want to outperform our last show, and 2019 has gone above and beyond expectation, with so much great business being done alongside an engaging and innovative programme of conferences, exhibits and flying displays.
“We have already seen exhibitors rebooking for the next edition, and we look forward greatly to seeing what the next two years of aerospace development will bring to out 2021 edition.”
The Dubai Airshow will return from 14 – 18 November 2021.
20 Nov 19. Dubai Airshow 2019 is proving to be a bumper year for armed forces purchase and maintenance deals, with the UAE Ministry of Defence among those unveiling major contracts at the show. It comes as the UAE set out to establish itself as a major player in the advanced technology and defence field, with EDGE, a group comprising 25 local entities working in five capability clusters, making its Dubai Airshow debut.
Abdulhakeem AlMuflahi, CEO of EDGE member AMMROC said Dubai Airshow was the ideal place for the company to make its high profile debut, explaining: “Customers trust confident, large presence organisations. Our customers won’t rely on a mom and pop shop, so as far as we are concerned, being under a large organisation helps us to establish the quality expected from a large organisation, helps us when compared to others who are servicing the military domain.”
Indeed, it was Halcon, which is now operating under the EDGE umbrella, which scored the UAE MOD’s first big contract, securing a purchase deal for various ammunitions worth US$980m. Halcon Design Engineer, Khalifa Al Tamimi, said EDGE had immediately established itself as an iconic global player, saying: “When we are presenting under such a valuable group, that will present new opportunities for us as well. [The MOD contract] was a very good start and we hope in the future we add more contracts. We are really looking forward to that.”
Elsewhere, Lockheed Martin received a UAE MOD contract to provide F16 equipment, worth US$20.6m. “The Dubai Airshow provided an opportunity to reaffirm our enduring commitment to this dynamic region and offered Lockheed Martin a valuable opportunity to connect and engage with our local partners, as well as to showcase our wide range of advanced technological capabilities”, said Robert S. Harward, the firm’s chief executive for the Middle East. “We actively support the UAE’s goal of becoming a leader in cutting-edge defence solutions and look forward to expanding our role in helping it embed innovative ideas while attracting local talent to the defence sector.”
The new C-390 Millennium by Brazilian aerospace conglomerate Embraer was announced at a press conference at Dubai Airshow 2019. The aircraft will be manufactured in collaboration with Boeing under a new partnership, also announced at the show, known as Boeing Embraer – Defense.
Marc Allen, President of Embraer Partnership & Group Operations, Boeing, said: “The unique relationship of the air force and Embraer over 50 years is an important part of the secret of its capability development, and we appreciate especially [Embraer’s] continued engagement as we build now this partnership between and across our companies.”
Michele van Akelijen, Managing Director of Airshow organisers Tarsus F&E LLC Middle East, said “While defence is just one part of the aerospace picture, there is no question it is an important part, and that is definitely represented in the strength of presence we are seeing here at Dubai Airshow 2019. We are delighted to see so many new working partnerships being formed and existing relationships being supported among our exhibitors and we look forward to supporting those further in the future.”
18 Nov 19. DSEI Japan opened in Tokyo, Japan. DSEI Japan 2019 opens at Makuhari Messe, Tokyo in Japan today, with more than 5000 visitors expected to attend. Visitors will have access to an exhibition featuring defence and security equipment from around the world, alongside a high-level conference and seminar programme featuring 50 world-class speakers with top level expertise in their fields.
The event will be officially opened in a ceremony at 9.15am with an opening speech by 西 正典 (Mr Masanori Nishi), 元防衛事務次官 – Former Administrative Vice Minister of Defence, with a ceremonial marching band performance. The speech will take place on the exhibition floor in front of the ATLA stands (A100 and A110).
The conference will begin at 10:00 with the ‘Security and Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific’ opening session featuring keynote addresses from:
– Admiral Katsutoshi Kawano, Former Chief of Staff, Joint Staff (Oct 2014-March 2019)
– His Excellency Richard Court AC, Ambassador to Japan – Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
– Mr Gen Nakatani, Member of the House of Representatives – Former Minister of Defense
– Lieutenant General Jerry Martinez (US Air Force Retd.), Former Commander – US Forces Japan.
The first keynote panel will be chaired by 森本 敏 (Mr Satoshi Morimoto), 拓殖大学総長、元防衛大臣（第11代） – Chancellor Takushoku University, Former Minister of Defense from 11:10am, with speakers including Lieutenant General Martinez and His Excellency Court AC, along with Gen Nakatani, Member of the House of Representatives – Former Minister of Defense.
The afternoon agenda will cover two key streams, including sessions on:
– The Freedom of Navigation in the Indo-Pacific Region: Maintaining and Enhancing Free and Open Maritime Order
– Preparing with crisis management and security for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games
– Freedom of Navigation – Panel Discussion
– Tokyo 2020 Olympics – Panel Discussion
On the exhibition floor, some 200 international exhibitors will be highlighting products and services across a wide range of specialist areas including anti-piracy, armoured vehicles, search and rescue equipment, communications systems, maritime security, medical and evacuation equipment, training services and wider military equipment.
Also on the show floor, Japan’s Self Defence Force will be showcasing equipment that supports their day-to-day operations, including a selection of armoured vehicles including the Type 10 and Type 16 Tanks, and a selection of waterborne capabilities.
19 Nov 19. Second Saudi International Airshow to be held 16-18 February 2021 at Thumamah Airport, Riyadh. His Royal Highness Prince Sultan Bin Salman, Chairman of the Saudi Space Commission and Chairman of the Saudi Aviation Club, has confirmed today that the second edition of the successful Saudi International Airshow will be held in Riyadh from 16 – 18 February 2021. The second show is expected to be double the size of the first and will add three dedicated feature areas: Space / Satellite, UAV/ Robotics and Aviation Training. The event will be held under the patronage of HRH Prince Sultan Bin Salman who was the first member of a royal family to become an astronaut, and the first Arab to fly in space.
The Space sector at Saudi International Airshow will provide the perfect opportunity for the international space community to meet. The Saudi Space Agency has already signed major partnerships including a joint statement between Saudi and Russian State Space Corporation in the fields of manned space flight and global navigation satellite system (GLONASS) as announced during the visit of the President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation in October 2019.
Saudi Arabia has a long history in space and satellite activity, with much of this activity emanating from the King Abdulaziz City of Science and Technology (KACST). The newly created Saudi Space Agency will likely coordinate and produce Saudi Space policy and strategy across the civil, commercial, and military sectors in cooperation with other Saudi government ministries and agencies. The Space Agency will likely also be the focal point for all Saudi international space cooperation.
The drone sector continues to be a key growth factor in creating next generation technology and the Saudi International Airshow will provide the opportunity to network with the global UAV community and learn about related technology solutions.
Saudi International Airshow will also promote aviation to future generations and focus on the latest trends, training and recruitment within the aviation industry. Empowering the youth by providing the environment and opportunities for them to flourish in the Kingdom is key to achieving Vision 2030. Saudi International Airshow is part of the Vision 2030 program and the aviation sector will play an essential role in the diversification and expansion of the Saudi economy.
Saudi International Airshow, to be held from 16 to 18 February 2021 at Thumamah Airport, Riyadh, is the only aviation and aerospace exhibition of its kind in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and will welcome exhibitors and delegates from across the world. Thumamah Airport is located 35 minutes from King Khalid International Airport (RUH) and is dedicated solely to the exhibition. Organizers of the Saudi Airshow 2021 anticipate hosting a mix of business, general, commercial aviation and aerospace exhibitors on a 100,000 sqm static area which accommodates more than 80 aircraft ranging in size from single-engine and executive jets to commercial wide-body aircraft. In addition the show offers chalets located next to the runway to enable manufacturers to present their entire range of aircraft and to facilitate demonstration flights. The static is complemented by two exhibition halls hosting more than 450 booths and international pavilions where exhibitors will showcase a full range of aviation and aerospace services and products.
About Saudi Aviation Club
The Saudi Aviation Club (SAC) is one of the most prestigious aviation clubs in the world. SAC, headquartered in Riyadh, owns and operates Thumamah Airport, Riyadh, and offers a variety of aviation activities.
SAC was established by the Council of Ministers in December 2000 as an independent, nonprofit entity to promote aeronautical sciences and encourage public participation in aviation. SAC aims to improve and encourage aviation activities in accordance with the highest safety standards. SAC has successfully organized many aviation events, forums, and fly-ins, which had an excellent reputation in the region.
18 Nov 19. Myanmar makes international defence show debut. Myanmar’s defence industry has made its debut in an international defence exhibition, showcasing its products at the Defense and Security (D&S) 2019 show in Bangkok. Speaking to Jane’s, Colonel Nay Myo Ko, Staff Officer in the Office of the Commander-in-Chief of the Myanmar Army, said the move to exhibit Myanmar-made defence products internationally was prompted by an intention to penetrate foreign markets and to enter collaborative projects with international partners.
“This is the first time Myanmar’s national defence industry has demonstrated its technologies and products in a foreign defence show,” said Col Ko. “We want to start exporting our products and we also see opportunities to collaborate with other Southeast Asian nations,” he said. (Source: IHS Jane’s)