Success of Dubai 2001 Paves Way
For Even Better 2003

Fresh from the success of last November's Dubai air show, the show's organizer, Fairs and Exhibitions (F&E), is launching the marketing campaign for Dubai 2003 here at Asian Aerospace. Against a very unsettled industry background following September's terrorist attacks on the United States, the Dubai show proved to be an exceedingly smooth and positive event. It was also the jumping-off point for one of the largest orders in commercial aviation history, when Emirates Airlines announced a mammoth buy of new Airbus and Boeing airliners.

"Dubai 2001 amassed an on-site order intake in excess of $15 billion, including the biggest ever on-site declared order by any airline at any air show from the Emirates Group. It provided a much-needed boost to a lack-luster aviation sector," said Clive Richardson, chief executive of F&E.

For the 2003 event F&E is showcasing an expanded floor plan, including the prospect of an additional third hall, from its stand here (C128A). At the close of Dubai 2001, 80% of exhibitors had reserved their spaces for the 2003 show. It's this sizeable demand that has prompted the organizers to explore the feasibility of building an additional hall for the next show. Also on hand at Singapore is F&E's new Dubai-based regional director Steven Jones, who is responsible for sales and marketing to the Asia-Pacific's aerospace industry.

In a considered move to extend the show's focus into new areas, Dubai 2003 will feature a dedicated ISTAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance) pavilion and conference, as well as an information technology arena and conference. The possibility of a pavilion devoted to satellite technology, a hot topic both at Dubai last year and here at Asian Aerospace, is also currently under review.

Dubai 2003 will be held at Dubai Airport Expo from December 7-11, 2003. Though traditionally held in November, the organizers have moved to early December so as not to clash with the Eid holiday celebration at the end of the Holy Month of Ramadan.