Dubai airshow 2019

2019 Dubai Airshow wrap-up

Airbus prepares the future of flight for the Middle East, Africa…and beyond

Airbus has wrapped up a highly successful 2019 Dubai Airshow, announcing new business for its widebody and single-aisle commercial jetliners while unveiling exciting initiatives aligned with the company’s commitment to a more sustainable aviation industry.

Among the headline-making contracts during this five-day event were low-cost carrier Air Arabia’s order for 120 single-aisle A320 Family aircraft (comprising 73 A320neo, 27 A321neo and 20 extra-long-range A321XLR jetliners), and Emirates Airline’s purchase agreement for 50 widebody A350 XWBs in the A350-900 version.

Other announcements were the firm order from U.S. lessor GECAS for 12 widebody A330neo jetliners and 20 A321XLRs; the firm order signing by Saudi Arabia’s first low-cost airline, flynas, for 10 A321XLRs; and Air Senegal’s agreement for eight A220-300 versions of the new A220 member in Airbus’ single-aisle jetliner product line.

Reinforcing services and applying innovation

Services are an important component of Airbus’ relations with customers and operators, with the company taking steps to reinforce its Dubai-based customer services teams for commercial aircraft – bringing increased efficiency in supporting the more than 1,000 Airbus aircraft in use with operators across the Africa and Middle East region.

Innovation is a cornerstone in Airbus’ vision for a more sustainable air transport industry, with the company announcing initiatives during the Dubai Airshow that could further reduce emissions and make air travel even more fuel-efficient. One initiative is the imaginative fello’fly concept inspired by the formations of migrating birds, in which a cruising airliner would retrieve energy from the upwash of another aircraft flying 3 km. ahead of it, offering the potential of 5-10% fuel savings on long-haul trips.

Electrical power also is pursued by Airbus for use in aircraft of the future, and the company’s Dubai Airshow exhibit welcomed the first airplane which will compete in AirRaceE – an all-electric airplane racing championship, for which Airbus is providing insight and research to the competing teams.