DUBAI: The biggest edition of the Dubai Airshow, the world’s leading event for the aerospace, space and defense industries, takes off on Monday at Dubai World Central (DWC).

Set to take place between Nov 13-17, this year’s Dubai Airshow 2023 is on track to be the biggest ever, according to the organizers as commercial air travel rebounds from the COVID pandemic threat. Over 100,000 visitors are set to attend, likely surpassing the 104,000 from 2021. The show is set to feature 180+ aircraft on display, as well as 20 country pavilions and a week-long conference and industry forum with some 300+ speakers.

The event is organized under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, under the theme ‘The Future of the Aerospace Industry’. The 18th edition of the event will see industry trailblazers and innovators gather to identify future trends and further opportunities in the aviation, space and defense industries.

More than 1,400 exhibitors from 95 countries and more than 300 international speakers will gather to drive collaboration and technological advancement, explore the latest trends and push the boundaries of sustainable innovation for the future.

As one of the most important meeting points for the global ecosystem, the 18th edition will see the return of the highly anticipated flying and static displays. Maintaining their status as one of the most impressive ways for manufacturers to demonstrate their aircraft abilities to the global aviation, aerospace, space and defense sectors, this year’s static display will set a new benchmark, showcasing more than 180 commercial aircraft.

Included in the line-up will be a series of Airbus aircraft, including A320P2F, A321neo, A330neo, Airbus A400M Atlas CMk1, H225 (Helicopter) and C295, among others. Embraer’s latest E195-E2 will make its public debut with a new livery, the Tech Eagle and Boeing will provide a flying demonstration of its highly anticipated 777-9.

Dubai Airshow 2023 is also set to welcome leading and new airlines from across the globe, ready to showcase new concepts to the industry. Saudi will bring two state-of-the-art aircraft, a Saudia Boeing 787-10, featuring the new brand livery, and a flyadeal Airbus 320neo. Meanwhile Beond, the world’s first premium leisure airline, will bring its pioneering vision to life as its state-of-the-art Airbus A319 makes a grand appearance on static display, among many other industry-leading aircraft.

At the brand new Advanced Aerial Mobility pavilion, attendees will have the opportunity to step into the future of aerospace. Featuring the line-up of the latest eVTOLs, drones and UAVs, Dubai Airshow will be the platform to experience the transportation methods that are revolutionizing air travel.

Archer Aviation Inc, an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft company, has announced its Midnight aircraft will make its Middle Eastern debut, meanwhile ArcosJet DMCC and Lilium N.V. (NASDAQ: LILM) will showcase a full size mock-up of the all-electric vertical take-off and landing Lilium Jet, among other leading industry concepts from exhibitors.

Aligned with the global interest in space exploration, this will be an increased focus area for the 2023 edition of Dubai Airshow, in partnership with the UAE Space Agency. The mega-event will feature an expanded Space pavilion and host a dedicated two-day conference program, gathering high profile leaders, government officials and change-makers who will bring a wealth of knowledge, expertise and visionary insights to push the boundaries of possibilities in space. The UAE Space Agency will also utilize the Airshow as an opportunity to showcase its latest initiatives and projects, including the Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt, its Planet X Challenge and Space Economic Zones program. – Agencies