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2021-09-01

Dubai Airshow 2021 to Spotlight Recovery of Dubai’s Aviation Industry

From overcoming the challenges that the pandemic has posed, to moving in the right direction towards achieving a full recovery of the aviation industry, the Dubai Airshow 2021 will serve as a key indicator of Dubai’s success.

Set to take place from 14-18 November, the event will be held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, and UAE Minister of Defence. It will take place at Dubai World Central (DWC), Dubai Airshow Site.

Commenting on the progress of Dubai’s aviation sector, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group said: “We have crossed many significant milestones this year despite the difficult period. Dubai has been a symbol of resilience and agility in responding to the challenges that the pandemic brought, and we are confident that the collaborative work done by the sector’s key players to restore consumer confidence and boost travel operations will pave the way for a thriving aviation industry. Dubai Airshow 2021 will serve as the ultimate testament to the industry’s steady recovery and growth and firmly establish Dubai as the leading global aerospace hub.”

Major Gen. Staff Pilot Ishaq Saleh Al Baloushi, Military Advisor to State Minister of Defence and Executive Director for Military Committee for Dubai Airshow added: “For many years we have been collaborating and working closely with different defence delegations from across the world for the Dubai Airshow. This engagement has continued virtually throughout the pandemic, and we are now planning on having in-person meetings and sessions at the Airshow itself. With the positive sentiment within the industry and the appetite for business continuity, we believe the Airshow will provide the ideal event for strategic development and the creation of new partnerships.

“Taking centre stage will be the different technologies that enhance safety and accelerate efficiency. They will play a key role in getting back to business following the pandemic. A unique experience awaits the industry as they once again gear up to network, discuss the future of the industry and do business at the Dubai Airshow. There will be a high number of attendees from the defence industry at the Airshow and we are looking forward to meeting them during the event.”

The UAE recently started opening quarantine-free travel corridors with multiple countries across the world, which counts as a major step for bringing a higher influx of travellers and tourists. In addition, Dubai Airports recently re-opened Dubai International’s (DXB) Terminal 1, following a 15-month closure, as part of its plan to ensure the airport’s full operational readiness. DXB is targeting 28 million passengers in 2021.

Demand for Global Air Cargo Rises

New data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has highlighted that global air cargo demand is up from pre-pandemic levels, with the market showing its strongest first-half performance since 2017. Demand in June was up 9.9 per cent from June 2019, but regional performance varied widely. This is one of the key topics that will be discussed at the show.

The Middle East contributed 2.1 percentage points to the growth, while North American carriers contributed 5.9 percentage points, European airlines 1.6 percentage points, African airlines 0.5 percentage points and Asia-Pacific carriers 0.3 percentage points. Latin American carriers did not support the growth and shaved 0.5 percentage points off the total.

Middle East carriers posted a 17.1 per cent rise in international cargo volumes in June 2021 versus June 2019, boosted by strong performances on the Middle East to Asia and Middle East to North America trade routes.

Overall capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometres (ACTKs), remained constrained at 10.8 per cent below pre-COVID-19 levels in June 2019 due to the ongoing grounding of passenger aircraft. Belly capacity was down 38.9 per cent on June 2019 levels, partially offset by a 29.7 per cent increase in dedicated freighter capacity.

Finally, the cost-competitiveness and reliability of air cargo relative to that of container shipping has improved. The average price of air cargo relative to shipping has reduced considerably. Also, scheduling reliability of ocean carriers has dropped – in May it was around 40 per cent compared to 70-80 per cent prior to the crisis.

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