The major bizjet OEMs all came to Dubai for the 2023 airshow.

 Eyeing an upswing in the Middle East, business jet manufacturers came out in full strength this week at the 2023 edition of the Dubai Airshow. Gulfstream, Bombardier, Dassault, Embraer, Textron Aviation, and Pilatus were among those exhibiting at the show as they look to expand their reach into the growing Mideast market.

According to Honeywell Aerospace, the Middle East region has accounted for more growth in 2023 than any other and is forecasted to account for 6 percent of new jet deliveries over the next five years.

Gulfstream marked the Dubai Airshow debut of its new G700 flagship as the ultra-long-range aircraft is on the cusp of delivery. It is hoping to hand over the first of the models this year, depending on FAA resources and credit awarded. The company looks at the Middle East—with its appetite for long-range, large business jets—as a key market for the aircraft.

In addition, the Savannah, Georgia airplane maker just introduced performance enhancements to the model—including extending the range to 7,750 nm and reducing cabin altitude to 2,840 feet at 41,000 feet. It was eager to highlight those to the Middle Eastern customer base, as well as the special mission options across its fleets. Also on display was its G500.

"Both our new aircraft sales and government/special missions' teams were quite busy this week in Dubai," the company said. "The G700 garnered particular attention as a result of the recently announced performance and cabin improvements, coupled with its pending certification and entry into service. While here, we were able to build new relationships while also connecting with existing customers and partners throughout the region."

Scott Neal, senior v-p of worldwide sales for Gulfstream, noted the company's commitment to the Gulf and beyond. "We have a long-standing history in the Middle East and surrounding regions," he said.

Meanwhile, Bombardier brought its Global 7500 and Challenger 3500 to the Dubai Airshow, stepping up its business jet activities at the show as a pure-play manufacturer in that market. At the same time, the show was providing a forum for it to increase attention on its growing defense business, involving conversions of its business jet models.

Bombardier president and CEO Éric Martel said that the Middle East ranks as an important market for both its business jet platforms as well as its growing defense business. Recently speaking to analysts, Martel said, "Demand right now is very strong, still. There's a lot of activity around the globe." This includes the Middle East "despite what's going on right now."

Dassault Aviation, meanwhile, marked the 50th anniversary of partnering with the UAE at the airshow. The relationship spans back to 1973 with its Mirage 5 military aircraft. Dassault brought a Falcon 2000LXS 4,000-nm business jet, along with a full-scale model of its Falcon 10X cabin, as it looks to grow on the momentum for what will sit atop the Falcon line with a 7,500-nm range that can connect the Gulf to destinations in Asia, Australia, or the U.S. West Coast.

As evidence of its growing fleet, Dassault has boosted its support in the region with the opening of its ExecuJet MRO Services base last summer at Al Maktoum International Airport. Replacing the former facility at Dubai International Airport, the center can accommodate 15 aircraft.

Among the other jets on display were Pilatus' PC-24, which had a center stage in the middle of the chalets, as well as the Embraer Praetor 600. At the same time, Textron Aviation showed off the special mission capabilities of its turboprop and jet lines.

#Luxury #LuxuryLifeStyle #PrivateJet #BusinessJet #DubaiAirShow2023 #DAS2023 #Dubai