Dubai Airshow 2013: $192.3bn flight plan as UAE helms Middle East's new aviation era

It was day that will go down in history, one that underscored the drive of the Middle East region as the gateway to a new aviation hub to the world.

At the helm of this aggressive growth model are award-winning carriers that have mightily redrawn the map to keep this region at the centre of an aviation boom.

Spearheading the drive is the Dubai-based flagship carrier, Emirates, which single-handedly pushed the momentum forward with a $100 billion order alone, the largest ever in civil aviation history.

The Emirates new order book, comprising 150 Boeing 777X, plus 50 purchase rights; and an additional 50 Airbus A380 aircraft takes the airline’s total firm order book to 385 aircraft (excluding options or purchase rights), comprising 214 Boeing 777s, 101 Airbus A380s, and 70 A350s, at a total estimated value of $166 billion.

“Air transport is a key enabler of world trade, and we see that demand for aviation services will continue to grow globally.

“What we’re announcing is a continuation of our commitment and vision to connect the world through our efficient hub in the Middle East.

“Emirates’ aircraft orders today, with deliveries of the 777X scheduled to start in 2020, will take us to 2025 and beyond – replacing aircraft due for retirement and providing the foundation for future growth,” said Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group at the ongoing Dubai Airshow.

Meanwhile, the emirate’s second carrier, flydubai, continued its own strategy to serve destinations in a four-hour flight radius with its commitment to more than 100 narrow-body Boeing aircraft in what is the US-manufacturer’s largest ever single-aisle order made by a Middle Eastern carrier.

The Boeing order, coupled with 11 next generation 737-800s is valued at $11.4bn.

Greater connectivity

With Sheikh Ahmed suggesting that flydubai would eventually move to the new aerotropolis, that is Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International, the gateway of new flights and more destinations is an eventuality that cannot be denied.

Etihad continues with its own “step-change in business strategy”, as it called it, with greater connectivity in Europe as the Abu Dhabi-based carrier launched its first branded regional operation, after taking a 33.3 per cent stake in Swiss carrier Darwin Airline.

Following completion of the minority investment, which is subject to regulatory approval, Darwin Airline will rebrand its operations as Etihad Regional and align its network to connect passengers from secondary European markets onto the main networks of Etihad Airways and its equity alliance partners.

Etihad will also launch daily services on June 1, 2014 from Abu Dhabi to Zurich, which will become one of Darwin Airline’s main operating hubs.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ President and Chief Executive Officer, said:  “This is a step-change for Etihad Airways.  With our new partner Darwin Airline, we are creating a unique approach to network development for global airlines.

“European travellers will now be able to connect from a far, far wider range of European towns and cities on Etihad-branded aircraft, through Abu Dhabi to our destinations worldwide.

“We are also linking the new Etihad Regional network into the key hubs of our equity alliance partners, bringing benefits to the customers of airberlin and Air Serbia.

“This is not just a great new offer for European travellers. It is also great news for Darwin Airline, which will see increased investment, greater sales and marketing opportunities, and the chance to benefit from Etihad Airways’ global network.”
Hogan said the new approach could be extended to other markets over time.

“This new model is one that can bring the Etihad badge of quality to air travellers around the world,” he said.

Etihad’s strategy is partially echoed with Qatar Airways’ drive, as it joined the Oneworld Alliance on October 30.

At this year’s record-breaking Dubai Airshow, the Doha-based carrier continued the order book rally with a 50 aircraft order with Boeing  777-9X with a letter of intent, signed by Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Airways, Akbar Al Baker.

Addressing media at a press conference at Al Maktoum international airport, Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said: “Today, I represent Qatar Airways and its Board Members in signing a ‘Letter Of Intent’ for the purchase of 50 Boeing 777 - 9X aircraft, valued at $19 billion at list prices”

Qatar Airways has seen rapid growth in just 16 years of operations, currently flying a fleet of 128 aircraft to 133 key business and leisure destinations across Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific and The Americas.

In an aggressive expansion drive, Qatar Airways launched eleven new destinations this year, including  Gassim (Saudi Arabia), Najaf (Iraq), Phnom Penh (Cambodia), Chicago (USA), Clark International airport (Philippines) , among others.

The airline’s new Oneworld Alliance partnership makes it the only major Gulf carrier to join a global airline alliance, enabling its customers to benefit from almost a thousand airports in more than 150 countries, with 14,000 daily departures.
 

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