Tomorrow's world

The Future of the Aerospace Industry is the theme of this year’s Dubai Airshow which is set to take place November 13-17 in Dubai World Central (DWC), Dubai.

Advanced aerial mobility (AAM) will have a big focus as it is expected to be a pivotal year for the market as disruptive methods of aerial transportation are fast becoming the future of aviation.

With the global market expected to be valued at $16.81 billion in 2025, and reach $110.02 billion in 2035, registering a CAGR of 21.7%, the rapid growth is seeing an influx of new inventive air freight and passenger transport solutions - along with new regulations, resources and infrastructure.

Earlier this year His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, announced that air taxis will begin flying in Dubai within three years.

He also approved plans to develop vertiports as part of the emirate’s future air mobility infrastructure network to ease the mobility of individuals across urban areas in a safe, smooth and sustainable manner, with terminal design concepts now being worked on.

Meanwhile, the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and the Mohammed bin Rashid Aerospace Hub (MBRAH) at Dubai South announced an agreement to establish the world’s first AAM integrator world centre in Dubai, with the world’s first ever vertiport certification process now underway as part of the project.

Tim Hawes, Managing Director of Tarsus F&E, organisers of the Dubai Airshow, said: “Aligning with the major developments seen across the advanced aerial mobility market, this will be a huge focus for Dubai Airshow 2023, where we will showcase the latest innovation and provide a platform to highlight the immense potential and opportunities for growth across the sector.”

He added: “Welcoming new and returning exhibitors, visitors will have the opportunity to explore a host of aerial transport solutions, including drones, UAVs, UAMs and eVTOLs, at the brand new AAM pavilion. There will also be an eVTOL flying display to further highlight the capabilities of these future transport methods.”

The advanced aerial mobility conference will also return, welcoming more industry experts for an extensive content programme.

This year’s event expects pavilions from over 20 countries, as we all senior military and civil delegations from over 96 countries.  Plus, over 160 commercial, private and military aircraft will be on display.

Visitors can also access show features such as the Tech Zone and Vista - the new star-tup launchpad.

With the support of the UAE Space Agency, Space will also be a highlight at the event, there will be a two-day dedicated and exclusive space content programme, an all-new Space start-up competition, as well as a display of space technology, and a large space pavilion.

Cargo, sustainability, air traffic management will also be a focus, with over 80 hours of ‘thought leadership’ content.

As ever, Boeing and Airbus will make a large presence with a range of various aircraft on the static and flying in the display.

Kuljit Ghata-Aura, President, Boeing Middle East, Turkey and Africa (META) Boeing said the air show offers a platform for addressing ‘complex problems.’

“Dubai Airshow will allow us to showcase our unique capability and demonstrate how we leverage that strength across the company – and in our supply chain – to address our industry’s most complex problems. We will continue our laser focused efforts on advancing sustainable aviation and this will be showcased throughout Dubai Airshow and COP28 taking place soon after, also in the UAE,” said Ghata-Aura.

Co-located with the Airshow, VISTA, a dedicated hub for global aerospace start-ups, will be returning after a successful launch in 2021,

Hawes, said” “Aligning with the UAE’s Year of Sustainability and national strategies, as well as global aerospace carbon net zero strategies and COP28 taking place in Dubai, Dubai Airshow 2023 will be underlined by innovations that bring about next-generation features, efficiencies and decarbonisation, ensuring the future of aviation, aerospace and defence is sustainable.”