- Nov 14, 2023
- 4 min read

Day two of Dubai Airshow dazzles with landmark deals

I Day two of Dubai Airshow dazzles with landmark deals

Aircraft orders and new agreements take centre stage at the largest edition of the mega-event

Building on the momentum of its opening day, day two of Dubai Airshow 2023 soared to new heights at Dubai World Central (DWC), the Dubai Airshow site. The day was marked by a flurry of landmark deals and ground-breaking announcements, further cementing the event's status as a pivotal platform for the global aerospace, space, and defense industries.

Key industry leaders, decision-makers, and innovators engaged in high-level discussions, explored new partnerships and showcased the latest technological advancements. With over 1,400 exhibitors from more than 95 countries and a stunning array of over 190 aircraft on static display, the Airshow continues to shape the future of aerospace.

New aircraft orders continued during day two, as EGYPTAIR announced an order for 10 new Airbus A350-900s, providing the airline with 25% less fuel burn and, in turn, reduced emissions. Meanwhile, Oman Air announced an order and delivery of the operator's first 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF), its first dedicated cargo aircraft, SCAT Airlines announced an order for seven Boeing 737-8 airplanes, and Ethiopian Airlines made a commitment to order 11 Boeing 787 Dreamliner and 20 Boeing 737 MAX airplanes, with an opportunity for 15 and 21 additional jets, respectively, representing the largest-ever purchase of Boeing airplanes in African history.

Dubai Airshow 2023 (moralmoda.com)

Following yesterday’s order for 30 787-9 Dreamliners, today flydubai also signed a multi-year agreement with engine-maker CFM's LEAP-1B engines to support its growth plans as it takes delivery of more than 130 aircraft over the next few years. Day two also saw Emirates airline sign deals with Safran worth over US$1.2 billion for Emirates’ new fleet of Airbus A350, Boeing 777X-9 and existing Boeing 777-300 aircraft.

Timothy Hawes, Managing Director of Tarsus Middle East, commented: "Day two of the Dubai Airshow 2023 has surpassed our expectations, setting a new standard for global aerospace events. The dynamic atmosphere was charged with ground-breaking deals and strategic partnerships, reflecting the vibrant evolution of the aerospace sector. The new innovations and significant deals not only highlighted the industry's commitment to sustainable and efficient future growth, but also underscored the Airshow’s role as a catalyst for shaping the future of aerospace. We are excited and optimistic about the potential collaborations and developments that the next few days will bring, as we continue to foster a space for innovation and progress."

In line with a key theme of for this year’s Airshow, localisation, day two also saw the signing of an agreement between Airbus and Mubadala to provide internship opportunities for Emirati senior university students in the area of engineering. Over the next three years, a total of 12 Emirati senior engineering students will be hosted at the Airbus headquarters in Toulouse, France, where they will perform their internship under the supervision of Airbus experts and specialists.

At the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) pavilion, a new feature for this year, ANRA Technologies unveiled its Vertiport Management System (VMS), a major innovation for managing Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) Urban Air Mobility (UAM) aircraft at vertiport facilities. This web-based platform addresses the growing demand for digital solutions in autonomous VTOL aircraft operations, ensuring safe and efficient vertiport services by coordinating real-time data exchange.

Airbus and Mubadala

sign agreement to mentor a new generation of Emirati aerospace engineers

@Airbus @Mubadala #Localisation #Engineering

Airbus and Mubadala Investment Company have signed an agreement to provide internship opportunities for Emirati senior university students in engineering. Fatima Al Marzooqi, Director of Portfolio Emiratisation from Mubadala and Mikail Houari, President, Airbus, Africa and Middle East, signed the agreement at Dubai Airshow 2023.

Over the next three years, 12 Emirati engineering students will be hosted at the Airbus headquarters in Toulouse, France, where they will perform their internship under the supervision of Airbus experts and specialists.

Fatima Al Marzooqi, Director of Portfolio Emiratisation at Mubadala said: “Mubadala is delighted to support this important initiative which will not only bolster our future-focused knowledge-based economy in the UAE but provide an exceptional opportunity for Emirati students.”

“We know that our most valuable asset is people and through this innovative partnership with Airbus we can help grow world-class talent. This leading internship is a significant milestone in our Emiratisation programme as we continue to support the UAE’s continued acceleration and transformation by fostering talent that can thrive in sectors vital for Abu Dhabi’s future growth and success.”

Mikail Houari, President, Airbus Africa and Middle East, commented: "For many decades, Airbus has worked closely with local and regional organisations to nurture, develop and inspire young talent. Ensuring youth have the right skills and knowledge supports the future growth and progress of the aviation and aerospace sectors. The industry is vital for long-term economic diversification and sustainable development of the region. We are proud to have signed this new partnership with Mubadala and we look forward to many years of collaboration to drive localization of our global expertise and support Emiratisation efforts.”

Airbus has been present in the Middle East for more than fifty years, working with a wide range of governments and airlines. During the last half a century, Airbus has regularly collaborated with educational institutions and universities in the Middle East and Africa region to develop and implement programs that enhance aerospace and aviation related education. This includes skills enrichment for students and young professionals, innovation led research projects and scholarships for students.

Airbus is committed to supporting Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education in the Middle East and Africa by sponsoring and participating in programmes that promote these disciplines.

Since 2015, more than 5,000 students of all levels and entrepreneurs have participated in Airbus programmes in the region, gaining industry awareness, practical experience and support on developing their capabilities.

The 18th edition Dubai Airshow 2023 will run until 17th November. More information on what to expect, visit the official website https://www.dubaiairshow.aero/