Dubai Air Show brought in $206bn
The final figures are in for Dubai Air Show, with total sales equalling $206.1 billion (£126 billion).
This made the biennial event the most successful in its history, thanks to this sheer volume in sales. Its opening days saw big business for many international aviation firms, notably jet manufacturers Boeing and Airbus.
Boeing chose the occasion to launch its 777X aeroplane, the largest and most efficient twin-engine carrier in the world. This attracted record-breaking orders with 259, the most sold in any launch for this category of aircraft,
As for Airbus, it sold various amounts of its A350 and A320s, yet it also promoted its ACJ318 and ACJ319 private jets, appealing to Dubai's luxury business sector.
Overall, the show received 60,692 trade attendees from various destinations, alongside 1,046 exhibitors representing 50 countries. Such big business did not go unnoticed either, with 1,735 international and regional media companies documenting the event, further highlighting Dubai's leading position in the industry.
Chief executive officer of organisers F and E Aerospace Sharief Fahmy said: 'Dubai Airshow this week stepped into the record books of aviation history, breaking all records in terms of the value of deals done. The world’s most powerful aerospace companies now come to Dubai to do business, in what is now the world’s most exciting, innovative and business-friendly environment.'
This occasion is just one of many regular occurrences which always draw in big numbers and these provide good news for many related businesses. Even when the city is not engrossed in tourism, this volume of wealthy business leaders and visitors ensures hotels have plenty of business all year long.
One could compare the show to Dubai International Motor Festival, which took place at Dubai World Trade Centre earlier in the month. Just like the air show, it had various launches from international brands and was a big event for both the industry and the public.
The next Dubai Air Show already has dates set and will take place between November 8th and 12th 2015.