Dubai's Growing Aviation Market

Lately, most aviation news I come across mentions the growing aviation market in Dubai. Dubai's airports are relatively young, becoming a commercial entity in 2007 and since have exponentially flourished. Dubai International Airport (DBX) has become the world's third busiest airport that serves international passengers servicing 60 to 70 million passengers per year.

DBX uses only three terminals and 145 airlines, flying to more than 260 destinations worldwide. Passenger traffic rose more than 14% this past year and with Dubai's recent popularity in tourism and business, this number is only projected to rise. In May of 2011, Dubai International Airport announced they are projected to be the busiest airport in the world by 2015.

The fast growth of DBX and its aviation market is partly due to the ever expanding Dubai Air Show which is held every fall. The Dubai Air show started at a modest beginning and since has flourished into one of the world's best, luring members of the aviation industry from all areas of the globe showcasing industry technology and developments.

Perhaps the appeal of making the trip to the Dubai Air Show is making valuable connections with those involved in the extremely lucrative oil industry in which the region is dependent. Many oil companies use a variety of aircrafts to assist in operations.

Lately, it seems the key to a bright future in aviation and for aviation suppliers is getting an "in" with those in the Middle East-which is no easy feat but there are opportunities out there. An example of how companies are trying to make connections from those around the globe are holding seminars or meetings for parties interested such as the one held on May 3 in Houston, hosted by Saudi Aramco. So it seems in order to progress in aviation, companies must realize to become proactive in developing relationships in the Middle East-stateside or abroad.

Editor's Note: CR4 would like to thank JackieA of Airline Spares America for contributing this blog entry.