Emirates and British red Arrows Thunder over Dubai
Pics by Sujay Bendur - Daijiworld Media Network
Dubai, Nov 16: The massive Emirates’ Boeing 777 300 aircraft flanked by nine British Red Arrows zoomed through Dubai’s skies in a dramatic aerial finale on Day Four of the Dubai Air Show 2007.
The stunning air show aerial crescendo, led by Emirates with Captain Hassan Al Hammadi at the controls, and flanked by the legendary Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team drew gasps and thunderous applause from the 40-000 strong spectators present at the venue. Thousands of commuters driving on nearby highways also slowed down their vehicles to marvel at the breathtaking display.
Emirates, one of the world’s fastest-growing airlines has inked some of its boldest agreements to date at the 10th edition of the Dubai Air Show. The airline created history when it signed contracts for 120 Airbus A350s, 11 A380s, and 12 Boeing 777-300ERs, worth an estimated US$34.9 billion in list prices. Emirates’ massive order book, previously at 111 aircraft was propelled to a staggering 246 aircraft worth over US$ 60 billion in a single day.
Besides committing to new aircraft, Emirates is also injecting millions into inflight products in its attempt to continue providing the ‘best in air’ travel experiences. Over US$ 600 million will be invested to install top-of-the-range, custom-built cabin interior products and next generation inflight entertainment and communication systems on Emirates’ present and future fleet.
HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group said: “We are committed to offering our passengers all the revolutionary comforts and features that go to make up a world-class product. This begins with equipping our fleet with the latest and most modern passenger jets, followed by installing the very best inflight products.”
“Training our crew is also critical to ensuring our passengers receive the superior service they have come to expect from Emirates.”
Following the signing of a US$ 8.8 million agreement with Spatial Composite Solutions, training capabilities at the Emirates Aviation Crew Training College will be strengthened with the installation of 13 Cabin Service Trainers, providing the airline’s growing team of cabin staff with the best environment to hone their service skills. The Cabin Service Trainers are fitted to Emirates’ Airbus and Boeing aircraft specifications, including the Airbus A380, hence allowing crew to familiarise themselves with the super jumbo ahead of its entry into Emirates’ fleet in 2008.
During the six-day air show, Emirates also signed contracts for component maintenance with Goodrich Actuation Systems; MultiScan Hazard DetectionTM System with Rockwell Collins to ensure safer and smoother flights; Airshow 4200D Moving Map and Flight Information System also with Rockwell Collins; Lido Operations Center (Lido OC) flight planning solution from Lufthansa Systems; and for the supply of components and maintenance services for about 650 different rotable, repairable and expendable aircraft components with OEMServices.
Sheikh Ahmed added: “The Dubai Air Show reflects the aviation ambitions of Dubai and the UAE. Emirates has always had a strong presence at the event as it allows us to meet, network, negotiate, and conduct business with key players from world’s aerospace industry.”
Emirates also inaugurated its Engine Test Cell and Engineering centre, both of which are capable of supporting Emirates and the region’s testing and maintenance requirements for present and next generation aircraft.
The 2007 air show was its biggest yet, with up to 900 exhibitors, and a corresponding 34 percent increase in available exhibition space. The Emirates stand at the air show played host to hundreds of industry and trade executives, VIPs and media representatives. The airlines’ signature First Class suite featuring sliding doors for maximum privacy was on display at the stand.