Dubai International Airshow 2011

Dubai International Airshow began on 13^th November. Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai inaugurated the Dubai International Airshow 2011 at Dubai Airport Expo Centre. 

Over 100 companies are participating in the Dubai International Airshow to showcase their products and bring in trade worth billions of dollars. Indian delegation is led by the Union Minister of State for Defence Dr.M.M. Pallam Raju.

The Dubai Airshow got off to a spectacular start with flying acrobatic display by the host nation's group Furasan, to mark 40th anniversary of United Arab Emirates. 

Aviation majors like Boeing and Airbus unleashed their new models to augment the existing fleet of aircrafts. Among the fighter jets, Rafael , Euro fighter Typhoon ,F-16 and F 18 were on display. Day one saw brisk business. Emirates Airlines placed orders worth $18 billion for 50 Boeing 777 aircrafts.

More is expected to follow as Qatar has announced its requirements. Business at Dubai Airshow was subdued in 2009 in the wake of global financial crisis. Deals worth $14 billion were struck in 2009 compared to $ 155 billion in 2007. 

Analysts believe that Middle East aviation industry has weathered the global crisis better and registered positive growth and Dubai International airshow is likely to follow the trend. According to estimates, over 2500 aircrafts worth $450 billion would be required over the next 20 years.