Aviation has been an integral part of the UAE’s modernisation story. From air travel having opened the door to transformative industries and international partnerships in the young state’s early years, the Emirates is now a well-established hub for air passengers, cargo and logistics that contributes to propelling the country forward.
Aviation’s importance to the UAE is also reflected in its contribution to the country’s economy – according to the International Air Transport Association, 18.2 per cent of gross domestic product in 2023 and nearly a million jobs were tied to air travel. However, it is the UAE’s flagship aviation event, the Dubai Airshow, which starts today, that offers a snapshot of where the industry stands and where it is going.
This week, an estimated 148,000 visitors and more than 1,500 exhibitors are gathered at Al Maktoum International Airport. Those attending are witnessing some major deal announcements, such as Emirates airlines placing a $38 billion order for an additional 65 Boeing 777-9 aircraft.
They will also see how aviation is currently caught between record demand for air travel and strong airline growth contrasted with record delays in new planes and equipment. Analysts speaking to The National this week described how manufacturers are dealing with supply chain bottlenecks, certification delays and decade-long backlogs.
The reasons for such delays are varied. The Covid-19 pandemic was followed by international conflicts, trade tariffs and economic uncertainty that all play their part in impeding the manufacture of new aircraft. The consequences have been felt widely – strong travel demand without the right number of aircraft to meet it keeps fares elevated. Shortages of new engines and spare parts keep airplanes on the ground. Route launches are postponed, the frequency of flights is impacted and older jets are kept flying for longer. Aviation is pivotal for so many industries, such as tourism and logistics to name but two, making this situation far from ideal.
Given that Dubai's aerospace convention is such a high-profile event for so many airlines, observers can expect to see how carriers are adapting. Richard Maslen, head of analysis at Capa Centre for Aviation, told The National that he expected “a mix of pragmatism and urgency: carriers may order smartly, not wildly, but they’ll fight to secure production slots that stretch well into the 2030s". More importantly however, the air show is an opportunity for airlines to meet plane manufacturers and other specialists to find solutions for the delays that have hamstrung their growth plans.
Aviation is pivotal for so many industries, such as tourism and logistics to name but two, making this situation far from ideal
It is imperative that answers to these fundamental issues are found – according to the IATA, global supply chain challenges could cost airlines more than $11 billion this year as carriers lean on older, less-efficient planes, carry out extra maintenance to meet safety requirements and face higher engine-leasing costs. This is a drag on an industry that is developing rapidly. The Dubai Airshow offers a glimpse of the future of air travel, such as electric aircraft, space technologies and flying taxis that are poised to begin commercial services in the UAE next year.
Manufacturers and airlines need to work together to meet a common goal – flying people and cargo on safe, efficient and advanced aircraft. The Dubai Airshow is the ideal place for that meeting of minds to happen.
Tamkeen's offering
- Option 1: 70% in year 1, 50% in year 2, 30% in year 3
- Option 2: 50% across three years
- Option 3: 30% across five years
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
BORDERLANDS
Starring: Cate Blanchett, Kevin Hart, Jamie Lee Curtis
Director: Eli Roth
Rating: 0/5
Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance: the specs
Engine: 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 plus rear-mounted electric motor
Power: 843hp at N/A rpm
Torque: 1470Nm N/A rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 8.6L/100km
On sale: October to December
Price: From Dh875,000 (estimate)
Tips from the expert
Dobromir Radichkov, chief data officer at dubizzle and Bayut, offers a few tips for UAE residents looking to earn some cash from pre-loved items.
- Sellers should focus on providing high-quality used goods at attractive prices to buyers.
- It’s important to use clear and appealing photos, with catchy titles and detailed descriptions to capture the attention of prospective buyers.
- Try to advertise a realistic price to attract buyers looking for good deals, especially in the current environment where consumers are significantly more price-sensitive.
- Be creative and look around your home for valuable items that you no longer need but might be useful to others.
Company%20Profile
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Match info
Costa Rica 0
Serbia 1
Kolarov (56')
The biog
Born: near Sialkot, Pakistan, 1981
Profession: Driver
Family: wife, son (11), daughter (8)
Favourite drink: chai karak
Favourite place in Dubai: The neighbourhood of Khawaneej. “When I see the old houses over there, near the date palms, I can be reminded of my old times. If I don’t go down I cannot recall my old times.”
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
How Voiss turns words to speech
The device has a screen reader or software that monitors what happens on the screen
The screen reader sends the text to the speech synthesiser
This converts to audio whatever it receives from screen reader, so the person can hear what is happening on the screen
A VOISS computer costs between $200 and $250 depending on memory card capacity that ranges from 32GB to 128GB
The speech synthesisers VOISS develops are free
Subsequent computer versions will include improvements such as wireless keyboards
Arabic voice in affordable talking computer to be added next year to English, Portuguese, and Spanish synthesiser
Partnerships planned during Expo 2020 Dubai to add more languages
At least 2.2 billion people globally have a vision impairment or blindness
More than 90 per cent live in developing countries
The Long-term aim of VOISS to reach the technology to people in poor countries with workshops that teach them to build their own device
Our legal consultant
Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
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The specs
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Origin
Dan Brown
Doubleday
