Now East is meeting West on level terms

The biennial five-day extravaganza that is the Dubai Airshow will, once again, throw open its doors to the aviation world’s great and good on November 15 – but it is the Middle Eastern participants who are, arguably, telling the most interesting story.

Highlights on display include the advanced jet trainer Falcon L-15 from China-based AVIC, and a full-scale replica of the Eurofighter. There will be full-scale mock-ups of the Airbus A350 XWB cabin and Eurocopter’s 16-seater civilian helicopter, the EC175.

However, Homaid Al Shemmeri, associate director of local giant Mubadala Aerospace, is excited about the huge growth in the number of local exhibitors present. “As the UAE becomes a major force within the global aerospace industry, Dubai Airshow increasingly becomes an important platform for us,” he pointed out.

The huge influx of aircraft into the region has given rise to a matching demand for engineers and maintenance companies. Many are using the show as a vehicle to show off their wares.

Bahrain-based SA Mena Avionics, a joint venture between MENA Aerospace Enterprises and Scandinavian Avionics, recently earned its FAA approval, complementing the Bahraini and EASA approvals it already had. Technical manager, Mohammed Zainal, said: “Our services fill a void in the market. Most aircraft operators have had no choice but to remove the faulty devices from the aircraft and send them offshore for repair. By providing the service locally or regionally, the delays and costs are dramatically reduced, allowing the aircraft to return to service sooner.”

Egypt is making its mark as a centre of excellence, with local companies, such as Spot Air, providing MRO services to airlines, as well as wet and dry leasing, purchasing, marketing and flight support. It also operates air ambulance flights under its own AOC, in addition to private jet charter flights. In 2008 the firm carried more than 33,630 passengers.

Egypt is also home to Egyptair Training Services (ETS). At present 49 per cent of ETS business comes from its parent airline but the company wants to push that ratio down by six per cent over the next few years. The company believes that exhibiting at Dubai will help it win customers. Eng M Gamal Said, ETS director of marketing and sales said: “We also cater for more airlines in the region, including surplus training for Emirates. We intend to expand and the Dubai Airshow is an ideal platform for us to meet current and potential clients.”

Egypt ’s ASE Group has also taken a booth at the show. Earlier this year, the ground handler earned its IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations Certification. The same process is underway for the company’s Sharm El Sheikh and Luxor bases.

Sharjah-based trip support services provider Skyplan is also at the show for the first time, partly to promote its new office in Dubai . Mohammad Sami, CEO said: “It is impossible to underestimate the value of an event like the Dubai Airshow in terms of networking and relationship development.”

Fellow flight planner Sonic Jet Aviation Services has also taken a booth. The Sharjah and Kabul-based company offers flight support as well as aircraft sales and leasing.

Saudi Arabia is also fielding exhibitors, such as Alsalam, which is based in the industrial park at the King Khalid International Airport north of Riyadh . The 21-year-old Boeing-backed company provides commercial, business and military aircraft maintenance, modification, manufacturing and related services for the likes of the Saudi Airforce and Qatar Airways. With three climate-controlled hangars, each capable of housing B747-400 sized aircraft, Alsalam can perform heavy checks and a wide range of support shop capabilities, including composite repairs. The company is also a Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) authorised repair centre.

Riyadh-headquartered Al Raha Group for Technical Services is also at the show. The firm has been in business since 1986 and provides aircraft ground equipment, logistics support and MRO services, as well as consulting.

There are several other MRO providers in attendance, such as UAE’s Star Aviation Group, which supplies parts and materials including engines, auxiliary power units, landing gear and avionics to airlines, air charter operators, private operators, cargo and general aviation operators.

Emirates Aviation Supply has also taken a booth. Its activities range from the supply of aircraft parts, components and entire systems to military and civilian users, as well technical servicing, maintenance and consulting. It also works on Emirates’ own aircraft as well as those of Air Arabia and Aero Asia.

Emojet, the aviation fuels arm of Emarat at Dubai International Airport , sees the show as an opportunity to deliver its message. Rashid Al Shamsi, general manager said: “We are committed to making life better for our customers by delivering the highest quality products and services. We also have a strong social and environmental programme that supports community interests.”

Operators, too, see the value of exhibiting. Beirut-based Easyfly offers private VIP charter services for business and pleasure trips in Lebanon . Sagher Dagher said: “The Dubai Airshow helps us to build connections with global partners and explore new products, services, markets and alliances.”

The Emirates Institution Advanced Science & Technology will also be promoting its services. The company hit the headlines this summer when 16 of its engineers successfully launched the UAE’s first government satellite. DubaiSat-1 was developed by a South Korean firm with the cooperation of 16 UAE engineers from EIAST.

So the airshow is going from strength to strength. Alison Weller, director of event organiser F&E Aerospace is bullish about its potential. “I am cautiously optimistic that the Dubai Airshow will signal a return to a healthy marketplace and the opportunity for exhibitors and visitors alike to take advantage of the upturn,” she said.

From the ground to outer space this year’s event is a fascinating snapshot of how the aerospace industry is evolving in the Middle East .