The 15th edition of Dubai Airshow, set to be the biggest in terms of number of exhibitors, visitors and aircraft displays, will introduce a number of features and programmes during the five-day exhibition, the organiser said on Tuesday.

The exhibition, to be held from November 12 to 16 at the Dubai World Central, will have more than 1,200 exhibitors - including 100 taking part for the first time - and over 160 aircraft on display during the show.

Michele van Akelijen, managing director, Tarsus F&E, Middle East, said the new features that will be introduced this year will be Space Conference, Airport Solutions Dubai, Unmanned Aerial Systems among other activities related to the aviation industry. More than 60 industry executives will shed on light on these topics during the show.

"The new stuff we have is related to space industry which is very important for the UAE considering its missions to Mars which we are doing in conjunction with the UAE Space Agency. We have secured Captain Al Worden, too, who was pilot of Apollo 15 to address the conference and give a presentation. We have airport solutions to showcase what the GCC region is doing for airports. We have the cargo conference and exhibit as well. UAS summit and exhibition will address the issues about unmanned vehicles related to commercial, military and public side," said van Akelijen.

Projecting 72,500 visitors attending the airshow this year as compared to 66,346 last year, van Akelijen expects 40 per cent of visitors will come from GCC, 30 per cent from Europe, 20 per cent from Americas and 10 per cent from the rest of regions. The 2015 edition witnessed $37.2 billion worth of orders - the 4th highest since records began.

"Dubai Airshow concentrates more about covering the issues that are in this region and giving this region the ability to do business without having to travel to Europe," she added.

The 15th edition will be bigger, better, brighter and more comprehensive and will see more visitors and give people the opportunity to showcase latest technology in the aviation industry," said Paul Griffiths, CEO, Dubai Airports.

Staff Major General Pilot Abdullah A. Al Hashmi, assistant undersecretary for support services, UAE's Ministry of Defence, said around 180-190 delegates from around the world are expected to attend the airshow.

He revealed that the UAE Armed Forces will announce some orders at the airshow but refused to disclose details - which will be revealed during the exhibition.

Open only for trade visitors, the airshow will open from 10am to 5.30pm daily.

Source: Khaleej Times