Dubai 2005 – the ninth international aerospace exhibition – which will be held at an expanded Airport Expo Dubai this November – is set to be the largest-ever Dubai air show in the event’s impressive history.

A third hall – Central Hall – has been added to Airport Expo Dubai, providing an additional 10,000 square metres of floor space to cope with increased exhibitor demand. The expansion, carried out by the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA), Government of Dubai, means that Dubai 2005 will now span some 35,000 square metres of exhibition space.

“Additional investment in Airport Expo is a demonstration of our commitment to the Dubai air show as an event of international stature with world-class facilities,” said His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed al Maktoum, President, DCA and Chairman of the Emirates Group. “It is also in line with the vision of His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Defence Minister, to maintain the standing of the show as among one of the best in the world.”

The Central Hall design also allowed for the integral expansion of the original East and West Halls, it enhances visitor free-flow through all three while new meeting and seminar rooms have been created.

And growth this year has also been fuelled by new arena additions to the show – most notably one devoted to unmanned aerial vehicles and a specialised training and simulation arena, which quickly sold out.

“The response to both initiatives has been excellent,” said Clive Richardson, Chief Executive, Aerospace Group, Fairs & Exhibitions (F&E), which organises the Dubai air show.

 “The launch of the training and simulation pavilion followed a year-long feasibility study which proved the viability of the initiative in a region with some of the world’s youngest airlines and fleets and modern, land, sea and air forces.”

The UAV pavilion, meanwhile, is being organised by the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) – the world’s largest non-profit organisation devoted exclusively to advancing the unmanned systems community.

The chalet line has also been expanded with nine additional double-storey chalets – taking the total number to 91.

To date, exhibitors from 41 countries have signed up for Dubai 2005, which includes first-time representation from Korea and Australia. The show also has commitments for 13 national or industry pavilions, including, for the first time, Turkey and India.

The Indian pavilion will host more than 15 aviation specialists and organisations, including government-run space technology developer Indian Space Research Organisation and aeronautical research and development establishment, National Aerospace Laboratories.

And early indications are that the flying display will be among the most impressive yet with some aircraft slated to take to the Dubai skies for the first time. These include the Korean T-50 advanced trainer/fighter-lead-in-trainer – the ‘Golden Eagle’ and the new generation, multi-role Gripen aircraft.

Indeed the inclusion of the ‘Golden Eagle’ in the flying display marks the first Korean representation at any Dubai air show to date. Developer Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI), Korea’s national aerospace and defence industries, is to participate for the first time.

Sweden’s Gripen International says it is planning to have to up three aircraft at the show. 

“We plan to participate in the daily flying display with a single seater, the other will be on the static park with a complement of weapons, while the dual seater will be used for VIP demonstration flights,” explained Paul Boxwell, Vice President-Sales & Marketing, Gripen International.

But for most aviation watchers the planned arrival of the A380 double-decker super jumbo from European plane maker Airbus will be the highlight of the show. The aircraft, ordered by Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad of Abu Dhabi, is expected to make its Dubai 2005 appearance in EK livery.

And the Dubai 2005 conference programme, which includes the prestigious Middle East Air Chiefs Conference, has been boosted by the introduction of the Middle East Business Aviation summit, which will be held on the eve of the Dubai air show on November 19 at Le Meridien Dubai. The first event of its kind to run in conjunction with a Dubai air show, MEBA will be hosted by Royal Jet, the Abu Dhabi-headquartered international luxury VIP aircraft charter company, and is being jointly organised with F&E.

MEBA is targeting both companies and individuals involved in chartering, leasing, selling, purchasing and operation of business jets for private or corporate use. It will be largely an ‘invitation only’ event with around 20% of the anticipated 300 attendees being paying delegates.

“We have received strong interest in this inaugural event from the entire business jet spectrum including manufacturers, operators and brokers,” explained Richardson.

“Industry sources put GCC ownership of private jets currently at 250 and this is expected to reach 300 by the end of 2006. Dubai received around 252 private chartered jets during the first week of this year’s Dubai Shopping Festival alone, while, on average, Abu Dhabi airport receives 50 flights a month from this sector.”

The Middle East Air Chiefs Conference will be held on November 19 at Knowledge Village in Dubai and will be devoted to ‘Modern Air Power: Strategy & Tactics.’  

Being organised by leading global industry publication Defense News, the conference will see the keynote address being delivered by HH General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid and the welcome address by Major General Khaled Al-Bu Ainain, Commander of the UAE Air Force.

“The timing of this conference also ensures that the high profile audience is available to attend the air show – delivering a powerful presence to the VIP visitor profile,” said Richardson.

Dubai 2005 will run from November 20-24. It is organised by F&E in conjunction with the Department of Civil Aviation, Government of Dubai and in collaboration with the UAE Armed Forces.