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Dubai Airshow opens amid tailwinds for global aviation

Xinhua, November 8, 2015 Adjust font size:

The 14th edition of the biennial Dubai Airshow of civil and military aviation started here on Sunday, as passenger carriers see their profits lifted due to oil price slump, but with lower expectations on orders than during the previous event.

The organizer said this year's edition, held for the second time at Dubai's new airport Al-Maktoum international airport, is 33 percent bigger than the previous one in 2013.

The airshow boasts 1,100 exhibitors from more than 60 countries and regions and 16 industry pavilions, and for the first time with a 3D pavilion showcasing how 3D printing is and will be increasingly used by aircraft manufacturers.

The airshow happens at a time when airlines enjoy the lowest oil prices which translate into lower jet fuel costs in six years.

Brent oil prices have slumped from around 110 U.S. dollars per barrel in July 2014 to below 50 dollars per barrel nowadays, amid high volatility and an excess supply on global markets driven by shale oil from the United States and Iran's supply comeback.

Earlier in the week, the International Air Transport Association said international passenger demand in September rose seven percent year-on-year, with airlines in all regions recording growth.

However, experts expressed doubts that the record of 206.1 billion dollars worth of aircraft that was ordered during the last Dubai Airshow in 2013 can be topped or even approached. It marked the biggest order during an airshow in the history of civil aviation.

Dubai's Emirates Airline stood out in particular when the state-owned carrier ordered last time 150 Boeing 777-ER planes and 50 Airbus A380 planes.

At this year's event, however, Emirates Airline, the world's fastest growing carrier, did not book a single press conference slot for the entire five days. It said on Saturday it will put the largest capacity Airbus A380 equipped with two classes on display at the airshow. The airline currently has 68 A380s in service and has a further 72 on firm order.

On the military side, experts anticipate some announcements on fighter jet purchases amid ongoing conflicts in some parts of the Middle East and North Africa.

The Dubai Airshow 2015, the biggest in the Middle East and Africa, runs through Thursday, Nov. 12. Endit