Aviation has been an integral part of the UAE’s modernisation story. From air travel having opened the door to transformative industries and international partnerships in the young state’s early years, the Emirates is now a well-established hub for air passengers, cargo and logistics that contributes to propelling the country forward.
Aviation’s importance to the UAE is also reflected in its contribution to the country’s economy – according to the International Air Transport Association, 18.2 per cent of gross domestic product in 2023 and nearly a million jobs were tied to air travel. However, it is the UAE’s flagship aviation event, the Dubai Airshow, which starts today, that offers a snapshot of where the industry stands and where it is going.
This week, an estimated 148,000 visitors and more than 1,500 exhibitors are gathered at Al Maktoum International Airport. Those attending are witnessing some major deal announcements, such as Emirates airlines placing a $38 billion order for an additional 65 Boeing 777-9 aircraft.
They will also see how aviation is currently caught between record demand for air travel and strong airline growth contrasted with record delays in new planes and equipment. Analysts speaking to The National this week described how manufacturers are dealing with supply chain bottlenecks, certification delays and decade-long backlogs.
The reasons for such delays are varied. The Covid-19 pandemic was followed by international conflicts, trade tariffs and economic uncertainty that all play their part in impeding the manufacture of new aircraft. The consequences have been felt widely – strong travel demand without the right number of aircraft to meet it keeps fares elevated. Shortages of new engines and spare parts keep airplanes on the ground. Route launches are postponed, the frequency of flights is impacted and older jets are kept flying for longer. Aviation is pivotal for so many industries, such as tourism and logistics to name but two, making this situation far from ideal.
Given that Dubai's aerospace convention is such a high-profile event for so many airlines, observers can expect to see how carriers are adapting. Richard Maslen, head of analysis at Capa Centre for Aviation, told The National that he expected “a mix of pragmatism and urgency: carriers may order smartly, not wildly, but they’ll fight to secure production slots that stretch well into the 2030s". More importantly however, the air show is an opportunity for airlines to meet plane manufacturers and other specialists to find solutions for the delays that have hamstrung their growth plans.
It is imperative that answers to these fundamental issues are found – according to the IATA, global supply chain challenges could cost airlines more than $11 billion this year as carriers lean on older, less-efficient planes, carry out extra maintenance to meet safety requirements and face higher engine-leasing costs. This is a drag on an industry that is developing rapidly. The Dubai Airshow offers a glimpse of the future of air travel, such as electric aircraft, space technologies and flying taxis that are poised to begin commercial services in the UAE next year.
Manufacturers and airlines need to work together to meet a common goal – flying people and cargo on safe, efficient and advanced aircraft. The Dubai Airshow is the ideal place for that meeting of minds to happen.
