Show Report: Dubai
The Dubai Air Show, held November 4 to 8, demonstrated an abundance of business-as-usual spirit when it opened its doors in the face of a worldwide securit

The Dubai Air Show, held November 4 to 8, demonstrated an abundance of business-as-usual spirit when it opened its doors in the face of a worldwide security crisis and the intensifying war in Afghanistan just 500 mi away to the northeast. On the show’s opening day, flag carrier Emirates Airlines showed even more resolve when it defied the global air transport downturn by committing to no less than $15 billion worth of aircraft orders with both Airbus and Boeing.

In the aftermath of September 11, Dubai’s leaders had steadfastly refused to contemplate the postponement of this or any other major public event in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Publicly the majority of Western exhibitors maintained their presence at the show, despite grave private concerns of executives about personal safety and the need to cut costs in a drastically downgraded market.

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