Dubai Airshow 'to be bigger and better than ever'

Organisers of the highly anticipated Dubai Airshow are adamant that the 2013 version will be bigger and better than ever.The event has been running biannually for 26 years and it attracts up to 60,000 spectators, more than 1,000 exhibitors and 80 defence companies.It has quickly become one of the largest shows of its kind on the planet and anticipation is already building ahead of this year's aeroplane extravaganza, which will take place between November 17th and 21st.The event now has a purpose-built home at Dubai World Central in Jebel Ali and company bosses believe it is a hugely important occasion.Indeed, returning exhibitor Honeywell recently suggested that the Middle East is a crucial market in which it wants to boost its presence and the Dubai Airshow gives the company the perfect platform to establish new contacts in the region."The Dubai Airshow has firmly established itself as a key event on the international aerospace calendar and therefore, is always an important and exciting event for Honeywell," the organisation stated.Boeing - arguably the most recognisable company in the global aviation industry - will also be in attendance.President of the firm Jeffery Johnson said the event has proven itself over the years to be one of the leading international aerospace exhibitions on earth."Boeing is committed to continued partnership with Arab governments, enterprises and customers in their long-term plans to develop regional aerospace infrastructure and capabilities," he remarked.You only have to look at statistics from the 2011 event to see how much it has grown over the years.More than 56,500 trade visitors attended the show, which was a seven per cent improvement on the previous gathering, while 960 exhibitors from 50 different countries also took part.The total value of orders placed during the festival reached $63.3 billion and 46 royal parties from around the world also graced the event with their presence.In what was a landmark moment, Boeing debuted its 787 Dreamliner in the Middle East during Dubai Airshow 2011.