The 2021 Dubai airshow has been the first airshow the aviation industry has witnessed since the beginning of the pandemic and, without doubt, the airshow has truly been a success with it being the largest Dubai airshow since its inception in 1989. Having been the first airshow since 2019, it has provided manufacturers and airlines alike to showcase products that have been in the works for some time, while also providing a platform for announcements regarding orders and partnerships.

Boeing’s 777X makes its debut on the world stage

Boeing’s newest wide-body; the 777X, made its debut at the airshow in Dubai on Sunday.The aircraft made its way from Seattle’s Boeing field (BFI) on the 8th of November, embarking on its longest journey yet to make its way outside of the United States for the first time. The aircraft landed in Dubai at Dubai World Central (DWC) on the 9th of November after 15 hours in the air. The aircraft performed flying displays at the airshow and was a main attraction, welcoming many visitors. However, the aircraft’s presence at the airshow was not simply to showcase it to the public, but arguably to also show airlines that Boeing is committed to delivering the aircraft as soon as they can, as CEO’s and presidents of customers have previously been unhappy with the delays with the 777X. The aircraft left Dubai on Wednesday, the penultimate day of the airshow, for Doha, Qatar with the aircraft remaining in Doha for less than 24 hours, before flying onward to Lufthansa’s home in Frankfurt and expected to visit British Airways at Heathrow within the next few days.

Emirates announces premium economy for 105 aircraft

Emirates’ premium economy was debuted on the Airbus A380 in december of 2020 on the Dubai-London Heathrow route.Emirates president, Sir Tim Clark, has previously stated the overwhelming demand and satisfaction the airline’s customers have shown for the product. Therefore it was no surprise when, on Tuesday, the Dubai-based carrier announced that it would be retrofitting 105 aircraft from late 2022 with the new premium economy, with 111 aircraft with the new class by the end of the 18 month retrofit. Emirates announced that 52 777’s and 53 additional A380’s would be retrofitted, along with stating that the new premium economy will go on sale from June next year.

Akasa air sign for 72 737 MAX

On Tuesday, Indian low cost startup Akasa Air placed an order for 72 Boeing 737 max aircraft valued at nearly $9 billion at list prices. The order consists of both the 737 MAX 8 and the high capacity 737-8200 with the airline aiming to commence operations in summer 2022.This latest order provides a boost for Boeing as it has received considerably less orders than Airbus at this years airshow, while trying to improve its reputation with both customers and the general public.

Indigo partners announces order for 255 A321 family aircraft

On the first day of the airshow, Indigo partners placed a monumental order for 255 A321 family aircraft from Airbus. Indigo partners consists of Wizz air, who will be receiving 103 of the aircraft (75 A321 NEO’s & 27 A321 XLR’s), Frontier, who will be receiving 91 A321 NEO’s, Volaris, who will receive 39 A321 NEO’s and finally, JetSMART, who will receive 23 aircraft (21 A321 NEO’s & 2 A321XLR’s). This order may have been the largest order Airbus has seen in a while, with it accounting for more than half of 408 orders the manufacturer received at the airshow.

Gallery

While this years Dubai airshow may have been quiet compared to previous years, the airshow has proved to be a success considering the effects of the global pandemic are still being felt within the aviation industry. As the airshow drew to a close today, we look forward to Farnbourough airshow next year, where we aim bring live coverage from the event and await the announcements that may come in 2022.

Gallery photos are credited to: Airbus