American military on guard at Dubai Air Show 2009
Posted on 19 November 2009 with no comments from readers
Actually the US military presence at the Dubai Air Show this year seemed rather less than in 2007 but the aircraft are always impressive, especially in the live displays. The French jets are a little effete by comparison to the F classes.
But the Dubai Air Show 2009 proved very lively and 10 per cent bigger than its 2007 edition. There was a major Russian presence and more business jets than ever.
However, the orders placed at the show did reveal the recession in full force. Orders fell from $155 billion in 2007 to just $13 billion at this show, unlucky for the manufacturers.
Middle Eastern airlines appear to be busy digesting the huge plane orders placed during the oil boom. The typical pattern now is rising capacity and falling revenues, not a happy combination. It is of course a great time to be a passenger!
