Dubai Airshow Day 3 focus shifts to space and future technologies
The spaceship will make a rendezvous with the seventh asteroid 269 Justitia in 2034
At the Dubai Airshow 2023, Boeing has taken the spotlight with over 200 aircraft sold, overshadowing Airbus, which secured only 2 orders. Anticipated announcements, such as Riyadh Air's narrowbody order and a mega-order from Turkish Airlines, might not unfold during the airshow but could be revealed later.
As Day 3 unfolds, the focus shifts to space and future technologies. Dubai Airports raised their full-year forecast to 86.8 million. Follow us live as we cover the event from the ground:
UAE Space Agency reveals MBR Explorer timeline
The UAE Space Agency (UAESA) has unveiled the timeline of the journey of the MBR Explorer, the spacecraft for the Emirates Mission to Asteroid Belt (EMA) at the Dubai Airshow.
The MBR Explorer is scheduled to be launched in March 2028 and will make a rendezvous with the seventh asteroid 269 Justitia in 2034, it was announced earlier this year. At DAS, the UAESA has revealed the timeline of when exactly the explorer will make use of the gravity of Venus, Earth and Mars to push itself forward and achieve the goal of travelling 5 billion kilometres.
UAESA joined forces with UK-based Metavisionaries to pioneer an extraordinary virtual reality (VR) experience unveiled at the Dubai Air Show. Visitors trying out the VR experience can see themselves virtually present on the asteroid belt the spacecraft is expected to explore.
Ethiopian Airlines signs MoU for 11 additional Airbus A350-900s
Ethiopian’s flagship carrier, Ethiopian Airlines Group, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for 11 additional Airbus A350-900s to be added to its existing fleet. The latest agreement takes Ethiopian Airlines’ total order book and commitment for the A350 to 33, including four A350-1000s.
Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines 'close to Airbus deal'
Reuters reports that Emirates moved closer on Wednesday towards a potential agreement to buy dozens of Airbus A350-1000 jets after narrowing differences over performance and guarantees in talks with engine maker Rolls-Royce (RR.L). The report cites industry sources.
Ethiopian Airlines was set to announce an order for around 10 of the smaller A350-900 after talks with Rolls-Royce at the Dubai Airshow that focused on service pricing, sources added.
Emirates has doubled down on its investments to maintain and improve the operational efficiencies of its Airbus A380 fleet. The airline has signed agreements worth over $1.5 billion on the sidelines of the Dubai Airshow to expand the network of providers to deliver aviation aftermarket and MRO services.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group said on Tuesday that the A380s would stay with the airline well into 2035. The airline operates close to 90 of the double-decker aircraft.
flydubai announces plans for $190 million MRO facility in Dubai South
The MRO facility will be a purpose-built one, set to open in 2026.
Construction of a new hangar and workshop will commence next year and is expected to conclude by the last quarter of 2026.
GCAA announces Dh700m modernisation programme
The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has announced an ambitious programme of Dh700 million in the modernisation of air navigation services over the next decade. The announcement was made during a press conference held as part of the GCAA’s participation in the Dubai Airshow 2023, taking place at Dubai World Central from November 13 to 17.
Sheikh Mohamed visits Dubai Airshow
President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan visited the EDGE Group pavilion at the Dubai Airshow. The EDGE Group is a UAE-based advanced technology company with headquarters in Abu Dhabi.
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Sheikh Hamdan tours Dubai Airshow 2023
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council visits Dubai Airshow 2023