The last day of November’s Dubai Airshow is themed ‘Futures Day’, dedicated to inspiring the UAE’s youth to become the next generation of aviation professionals as the country celebrates its 40th anniversary.

Running from 13 to 17 November 2011 at the city’s Airport Expo, the Dubai Airshow is the foremost aerospace event in the Middle East and the fastest growing in the world.

Senior-level students from key UAE colleges and universities are being invited to Futures Day on the show’s last day (Thursday 17 November).

Alison Weller, Managing Director of Dubai Airshow organiser, F&E Aerospace, said: “We are launching Futures Day at this year’s Dubai Airshow to highlight the fact that it is now vital to prepare training facilities and equipment to cater to the huge numbers of young people required as pilots and technicians for this region in the future to keep the aerospace industry flourishing.”

“The thrill of flying is waiting to be discovered at Futures Day where young people will have the opportunity to speak to industry experts who will undoubtedly inspire them to be part of this exciting and multi-faceted industry and advise them on how they can plot their education path to achieve a satisfying career in aviation.”

According to Boeing’s Current Market Outlook in May 2011, Middle East airlines will increase their fleet strength by an estimated 2,340 aircraft, worth US$390 billion by 2029, to meet the air transport requirements of the region. That fleet growth will require 32,700 trained pilots and 44,500 technicians.

Running alongside the Dubai Airshow is the inaugural Gulf Aviation Training Event (GATE), a conference running over two half-days (14 and 15 November) which will address the future flight training requirements for the Middle East’s rapidly-growing air transport industry.

November’s Dubai Airshow will highlight the rapid development and sustained growth of the UAE’s aerospace industry within the short span of 40 years, and is set to be the biggest yet, with up to 1,000 exhibitors expected from 50 countries, which will attract over 55,000 trade visitors.

“The Dubai Airshow reflects the UAE’s development in aerospace over the last 40 years and we are privileged to represent our UAE home base here at Paris and celebrate its 40th anniversary by showcasing its flourishing aerospace industry,” Mrs Weller added.

The Dubai Airshow is organised under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President & Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and in association with Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Dubai Airports and the UAE Armed Forces.