Bringing the best of the aerial display to the world, Dubai’s biennial Airshow had a grand opening. In a world where we’re still dealing with the coronavirus pandemic and the aviation industry hard-hit by the coronavirus, the exhibition has brought ways to mend it.
The exhibition which will be on for five days is one of the first major aviation trade shows to take place since the start of the pandemic.
At the exhibition, Airbus announced a deal with Indigo Partners to sell 255 new aircraft. The sale prices clocked well above $30bn. The agreement’s budget carriers Wizz Air purchase 102 new planes, US Frontier with 91, Mexico’s Volaris with 39 and South American JetSmart with 23. The package includes a mix of A321neo and A321XLR aircraft.
The latest innovations in commercial aviation were showcased outside the tarmac of the exhibition hall, along with the global arms trade.
Boeing displayed its new 777-9 passenger jet which was flown from Seattle in the longest flight to date for the 777X, as it undergoes continued tests and awaits regulatory approval. The exhibition also sees the participation of defence and military hardware from countries like the US, Russia, and Israel. Over 100 companies from the US, including defence firms Lockheed Martin and Raytheon is showcasing their products at one of the biggest shows in the Middle East. The event also saw Russian Knights perform air stunts at the Dubai Air Show.
China’s state-owned defence firm CATIC displayed a range of anti-aircraft missiles, munitions, and fighter jets, whereas the state-owned Israel Aerospace Industries company showed off a range of manned and unmanned naval and aerial drones.