The final Airshow of 2011 kicks off in Dubai next week. It will be the last major stage for any substantial new aircraft orders for 2011 and will act as a partial barometer on the health of the airline industry.
Airbus and Boeing have been perennial rivals for new orders at these kind of events and this Airshow will be no different. This year, Airbus holds a 3 to 1 advantage over Boeing in new orders received through November 1. Airbus has received orders for 1231 new aircraft driven by the A320NEO and the all new A350. Boeing has gained 428 orders for new aircraft, driven primarily by new 737 and 777 orders. Speaking of Boeing, their new 787 will be making its Middle East debut at Dubai.
Airshows are major focal points for Aircraft Manufacturers and Airlines alike. Typically an Airshow will provide a few surprises. This year’s big rumor at Dubai involves Qatar Airways stepping up with a major order for new aircraft as they expand their global reach. Also scheduled to be announced is a new regional airline based in the United Arab Emirates.
While Airbus and Boeing continue to battle it out in the marketplace, there are other manufacturers worth keeping an eye on.
After touring Bombardier’s facility in Montreal earlier this year and being thoroughly impressed with their next generation CRJ’s and the All New CSeries, I’m rooting for them to make a splash at the show as well. The new CSeries is scheduled for initial deliveries in 2013, so no time like the present to build a backlog of orders.
I also expect Brazil’s Embraer to make some noise in the regional aircraft category. With the emergence of smaller airlines throughout the world, especially Asia, I expect companies like Bombardier and Embraer to show very well in the short range/regional market while Boeing and Airbus battle each other for the medium and long range airplane business. As the marketplace takes shape for Bombardier and Embraer, expect the rivalry to be similar to that of Airbus versus Boeing.
The Dubai show will also have a military aircraft and aerospace component to it as well where countries will show off their latest wares in military aviation.
As any important announcements are made during the show next week, I’ll pass them along here. Hopefully it will be a busy week in Dubai.
To learn more about the Dubai Airshow including information on the various exhibits and schedules, you can check out their website:
