The Dubai Airshow continues to attract new exhibitor interest with many first-time participants from a wide range of industry sectors taking part in the 2015 edition.
With expertise in a wide range of industry sub-sectors through to groundbreaking space age technology and supersonic travel, this year's cadre are adding their voice to the more than 1103 exhibitors at the DWC, Dubai Airshow Site.
"Since its inception, the Dubai Airshow has continued to attract ever-increasing numbers of new exhibiting partners. This is due not only to the phenomenal growth trajectory of the industry but also underscores our commitment to ensuring that the aviation sector is represented across all areas of the business mix," said Michele van Akelijen, Managing Director, F&E Aerospace, organiser of the Dubai Airshow.
In addition to showcasing unique capabilities and services, the 2015 line-up of new exhibitors is also gauging market interest in a number of projects and initiatives.
Frederic Pinlet, President of Paris-headquartered Concorde Future is leading a delegation to Dubai Airshow to not only scope out investor potential but to promote the future of supersonic aircraft to a receptive audience.
"We decided to come to Dubai as everything in the world happens in this part of the world and it is a crossroads for all businesses. The dream and spirit of Concorde and its story as the first supersonic airline is very much alive and there are many projects that could be born now, even including the original concept as a piece of history or for show. A lot of people in the industry are talking about the future of large supersonic aircraft, and there is a lot of enthusiasm," he said.
For Shant Katcherian, Avionics Development & Co-Founder of Lebanon's SkyPro UAV, which produces small surveillance UAV aircraft, the Dubai Airshow is a one-stop shop location for attracting new business.
"It is the place to be for big and small companies alike. We are a small start-up and already have military customers, but are looking to expand, and this is the right venue for that. We would absolutely come back in 2017," he said.
New technologies are clearly a major focus for this year's show and Peter Coker, Managing Director and CEO of Martin Jetpack, which recently signed a deal with Dubai Civil Defence, has high hopes for business growth in the region. "As an airshow, this clearly rates as one of the best. We didn't know what to expect, as people didn't know what the Martin Jetpack was, but since we've arrived, the interest has been phenomenal. In this area, we've sealed our first deal and that's thanks to the Dubai Airshow. Without this event, this wouldn't have been possible."
Established UAE SMEs are also targeting the Dubai Airshow this year as infrastructure developments in the aviation industry, and Expo 2020 plans, drive related demand across various areas of the business.
Dubai-based Globe Hi-Fabs Middle East Managing Director, Rahul Chopra, selected the Dubai Airshow as a platform for future commercial growth as well as to push overall brand awareness of the aircraft refueller and dispenser company products.
"The Middle East and Africa market is a big market for us and after just a few days we have a few deals that are quite close, and if not signed by the end of the show then we expect to have something close within the next 10 days."
Similarly, Rammohan Kottieh, Director of multi-disciplinary service and supply company, Foremost International, is looking ahead to the next phase of development as a catalyst for business growth. He remarked: "The Dubai Airshow is the best place to meet new clients, as the emirate has a number of aviation sector initiatives underway such as the development of its new Aviation District and expansion of Dubai Airport Freezone. We've had a busy schedule and will definitely come back in 2017, but with a bigger stand."
Nabeel Ahmed, Commercial Director, UK-based BCT Aviation Maintenance, added "The show is buzzing with exciting opportunities and there is a lot of interesting services that we are looking to expand into that could help support our growth into the Emirates."
Following a number of successful on-site meetings, the company is already in early stage discussions with several potential clients. Ahmed added: "There's definitely scope for us to come back to the Dubai Airshow. It is proven to have good footfall, there's a high quality of attendees."
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