Dubai is set to sizzle in November. The world’s largest airshow, Dubai Airshow, which traditionally gathers the titans of the aviation industry, is scheduled to take place mid-month.
Despite the Dubai Airshow’s reputation as a global leader, featuring companies from all sectors including military and space, the business aviation segment will be showcased as opulently and extravagantly as ever. Over half of all exhibitors at the show are catering to business clients in some form, and aircraft manufacturers and providers are undoubtedly capitalizing on this opportunity to vie for the “wealthy Arab customer”. Many manufacturers indeed have impressive displays, as this year sees many of them launching brand-new flagships that have been years in the making.
For one, the Dassault Falcon 6X is set to make the list of premieres. This will be the first twin-engine business jet from the French manufacturer, boasting an ultra-long flight range. Expect surprises from the Canadians — Bombardier will not only showcase the long-haul Global 7500, but will also share updates on the Global 8500 project. This jet is poised to rival the Canadians’ main competitor, Gulfstream, which is actively testing its ultra-long-range G800 jet and plans to launch it as early as next year (the G700 and G800 are also among the premieres). The apron will be a spectacle of luxurious interiors — Airbus ACJ and Boeing BBJ will bring their new demonstrators to Dubai, while major providers will introduce innovative concepts that bridge the present and the near future.
Helicopter manufacturers won’t be left out either: they are to showcase their VVIP products. Each of the three leaders in their respective niches — Airbus Helicopters (ACH), Leonardo, and Bell Helicopter — is set to impress the discerning Arab customer. Airbus will present its latest flagship, the H160, considered a standard-bearer in the helicopter manufacturer’s VIP lineup. Leonardo will showcase the renowned AW139/169/189 family, while Bell will present the Bell 525 program. Beyond their impressive technical specifications, each model stands out for its outstandingly luxurious and ergonomic interiors. The helicopter industry in the UAE is undergoing a significant boom, with new heliports emerging across the country and major business operators actively expanding their fleets with modern aircraft. At Dubai Airshow, we are bound to learn of new contracts in infrastructure investment. A recent report from consulting firm MarketsandMarkets predicts an annual growth rate of 6.1% for the global helicopter market from 2022 to 2027, with the total value expected to rise to $41.2 billion (up from $31.9 billion in 2023). The report also highlights the significant role of the Middle East market.
The Dubai Airshow is a haven for brokers operating in the business jet and helicopter purchase/sale market. This year, we will have the opportunity to see aircraft of various classes catering to different budgets. According to the latest data from the industry price guide Vref, the stock of mature super-midsize and large business aircraft in the secondary market continues to increase. For aircraft like the Bombardier Global Express, Challenger 601, 604 and 605, Dassault Falcon 50 and Gulfstream IV, inventories have reached their highest level since 2019. However, the quarterly update revealed that almost every model of business jet or turboprop has seen a certain decrease in price and demand.
The eVTOL market will undoubtedly be a focal point at the airshow. A recent survey conducted by Horizon Aircraft among private equity and venture capital professionals revealed that 88% anticipate an increase in public trust in the eVTOL sector over the next three years, with 15% predicting a sharp rise.
Photo: dubaiairshow.aero; dassaultfalcon.com; airbus.com; gulfstream.com; bombardier.com
