The Dubai Airshow has closed its doors following a successful week which saw US$63.3 billion worth of orders for aircraft, maintenance services and flight training programmes.

Visitor numbers broke the Dubai Airshow record with 56,548 people attending, making the 12th edition of the Dubai Airshow the biggest as well as the most colourful yet, as the halls, pavilions and chalets displayed the colours of the UAE national flag in celebration of the nation’s 40th anniversary in two weeks’ time on 2 December.

The theme of flight training which permeated this year’s Dubai Airshow continued on the final day with the signing by Fujairah Aviation Academy in the UAE with IATA, to develop the facility as an IATA-approved training centre for high school graduates.

The UAE’s 40th anniversary celebrations at the Dubai Airshow came to a climax as the country’s new aerobatic display team – Al Fursan – opened the aerial display with a fly-past with an Emirates Boeing 777 aircraft, proudly trailing the colours of UAE national flag to the delight of the crowd below.

Alison Weller, Managing Director of airshow organiser F&E Aerospace, said: “The past week has been notable for its buoyant crowds, spectacular aerial displays and astonishing order announcements. As the show comes to an end, it will be time to take stock of the successes and the challenges, in preparation for Dubai Airshow 2013 at Dubai World Central!”

The Arab Air Carriers Organisation gears up for annual general meeting in Abu Dhabi

From Dubai to Abu Dhabi, in less than one week, a major aviation forum will bring together key decision makers from the middle eastern aviation market.

The Arab Air Carriers Organisation (AACO) is holding its 44th annual general meeting on November 28 - 30, which aims to tackle some of the key issues facing aviation industry experts.

James Hogan, chief executive, Etihad Airways, will chair the event, which will include two stimulating days of networking, brainstorming, and discussions on industry issues.

Leadership of the AACO event is the latest coup for Etihad Airways, which was named Middle East’s Leading Airline by the WTA

Hot topics on the agenda include intra-Arab issues in terms of regulations and market access; while Euro-Arab relations will also be discussed.

The environment and the impact of the forthcoming controversial EU emissions trading scheme on Arab Airlines will also be hot topics.

The meeting comes at a crucial time for Middle Eastern airlines, who have devised a successful formula for not only resilience, but also success during one of the most challenging economic and political climates in aviation history.

According to aviation trade body IATA Middle Eastern airlines have posted a surge in international traffic and capacity growth while international airlines are undergoing a slump in passenger demand.

Majdi Sabri, IATA MENA regional vice president, reveals: “International passenger traffic recorded at 9.1 per cent above 2010 levels in the Middle East.

“Capacity growth stood at 8.5 per cent. It was the only region where demand growth outstripped growth in supply.”

As the success of Middle Eastern carriers becomes increasingly evident, the role of the AACO, which was founded in 1965, carries over 106 million passengers and serves over 100 countries with its 25 member airlines, becomes even more critical.

The success of some of these member carriers, including Etihad Airways, Qatar Airlines and Emirates, has been highlighted by their victory at the World Travel Awards.

Qatar Airways is a member of AACO and now flies to over 100 destinations

Abdul Wahab Taffaha, secretary general AACO explains: “While our initial objectives were humble, there has been a significant evolution over the past four or five decades.”

He added: “Today as a non-profit organisation based in Lebanon we cooperate with regional and international companies, government and non government bodies, foreign airlines, manufacturers and service providers.”

The AGM is the major event on the AACO calendar which brings together the chief executives of 25 member airlines in addition to a large number of aviation stake-holders, AACO Industry Partners and Partner Airlines as well as international and local press.