Aerospace Industries Association
Dubai Air Show 2009 Blog
AIA Members at Northrop Grumman Chalet | Nov. 19, 2009
The afternoon of Tuesday Nov. 17, Northrop Grumman invited AIA supplier members to view the flight demonstrations from their chalet. Members had prime seats to view flights from the C-17 and F-15 among others. “It was a great opportunity to get together in a social and fun atmosphere. A lot of the suppliers in attendance manufacture parts to the planes they saw fly, so I know it was a real treat to see their products in action,” said AIA Director of Supplier Management Bill Peterson.
Supplier Members in Dubai
U.S. Military Support at the Dubai Air Show | Nov. 18, 2009
Almost 200 U.S. military personnel have travelled to the Dubai Air Show to support the eight U.S. military planes on the static display. The troops have come from all over the world and encompass specialties in everything from aircraft maintenance and infantry to F-15 and F-22 fighter pilots. AIA is proud of the support we are able to offer our troops and we would like to thank Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Raytheon for making our support possible.
Major Holmberg, U.S. AFCOM Aircrew Boss, commented on the troops on the ground, “We have got a lot of very dedicated young men and women at this air show. Our troops dutifully stand guard by the planes 24 hours a day, through the heat and the sun. The city of Dubai has been a great host and I’m already looking forward to the 2011 Dubai air show.”
Major Holmberg, U.S. AFCOM Aircrew Boss
The Dubai air show does more than simply offer an opportunity to display our U.S. military aircraft; it also provides younger soldiers a chance to see the world. Airman First Class Noah Knauf from Sparta, Michigan noted “I’ve been looking forward to the Dubai mission for a long time. This is my first international trip and it’s everything I could have imagined. The people, the food, really the whole experience has been great. Meeting General Schwartz was a highlight of my military career and getting my picture taken with him was a double bonus. I can’t wait till the next time I see my parents and show them all the pictures.”
Airman First Class Jillian McIntyre from Chicago, Illinois also commented, “Dubai has been an incredible experience. I’m honored that the command selected my flight to guard over $500 million dollars worth of U.S. aircraft. My parents were so excited when I told them I had been selected for the Dubai air show mission. Dubai has been great but I can’t wait to get home and tell my parents all about the trip.”
Airman First Class Jillian McIntyre
Though Dubai is halfway around the world from the U.S., some soldiers have found similarities, Airman First Class Giancarlo Del Valle noted “The heat is pretty intense but I’m from Miami so it’s about what I’m used to. I do feel a little bad for the guys from Minnesota, they’re not enjoying the heat as much as me. I’ve been here a week and a half and I still can’t believe I’m actually in the city of Dubai. This is the first time I’ve ever been on this side of the world. Stopping by Germany on the way to Dubai was especially cool. For most of this week I’ve been guarding the JSTARS [Joint Surveillance and Target Attack Radar System] aircraft. It’s pretty impressive to know the airplane I’m assigned too can run an entire war from 40,000 feet in the air. I want to give a shout out to my mom and dad and my brothers and sisters back in Miami. This experience has been great and it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity.” Airman Del Valle went on to comment, “I’ve got a brother in the Marines right now stationed in Iraq and I’m not going to get to see him while I’m over here, but it feels good to know he’s only a few hours away. I’d like to thank God and please bring my brother back home safely.”
AIA Lunch with Air Force Deputy Under Secretary Bruce Lemkin | Nov. 17, 2009
On November 16 industry leaders had the opportunity to sit down with Deputy Under Secretary of the Air Force Bruce Lemkin to discuss issues of the day. Debi Davis, Vice President, International Trade at Goodrich Corporation and Chairman of AIA’s International Council, said “The lunch was an excellent opportunity to bring together several U.S. defense companies with Mr. Lemkin. Hearing DoD’s priorities for the region first hand and exchanging information about doing business in the region helps U.S. manufacturers succeed and meet the goals of DoD, industry and the customer.”
Fred Downey, AIA Vice President for National Security, Debi Davis, Vice President for International Trade at Goodrich Corporation, and Bruce Lemkin, Deputy Under Secretary of the Air Force
Air Shows Connecting Companies and Customers | Nov. 16, 2009
Air shows provide companies with an excellent opportunity to display their products and strengthen business connections. The Dubai air show, with almost 900 companies in attendance and over 100 aircraft on display, plays a critical role in opening the Middle East market.
Shows like Dubai not only help build business relationships between prime contractors and their suppliers, but also provide a great opportunity to meet with potential customers who want to get a first hand understanding of products available.
Bruce Graham, Executive Director at Textron and AIA International Council Vice President, said “Paper is wonderful but nobody buys paper. Seeing the aircraft and touching the metal, or composite, is what it is all about. The commitment of AIA and the Department of Defense to bring our military planes to the Dubai air show is critical to the success of U.S. industry. “
Bruce Graham (Textron) discusses the Shadow UAV with potential customers
F-22 Raptor Flies at Dubai Air Show | Nov. 16, 2009
The F-22 Raptor made its Dubai Air Show debut on Sunday, Nov. 16. Coming in from BLANK Air Force base, the F-22 performed 14 minutes of impressive aerial maneuvres before returning to base.
Said F-22 pilot Major Dave “Zeke” Skalicky, “The Dubai air show is a great opportunity to showcase the 5th Generation capabilities of the F-22 Raptor. I’ve flown and fought against a number of 4th generation planes in my career and I can say the F-22 takes the best parts of all those planes and combines it on one aircraft. I’m looking forward to the planned F-22 demonstration on Thursday to put on a good show for everyone here.”
Major Dave 'Zeke' Skalicky and Captain Mike 'Sajak' Trujillo
Opening Day in Dubai | Nov. 15, 2009
The 2009 Dubai Airshow opened strong on Sunday with total of 890 exhibitors from 47 countries (including over 80 U.S. exhibitors) - a 10% jump from 2007.
Several U.S. dignitaries kicked off the show at the ribbon cutting ceremony at the U.S. Pavilion. Chief of Staff of the Air Force General Norton A. Schwartz, Lieutenant General Michael Hostage, Deputy Under Secretary of Air Force for International Affairs Bruce Lemkin and Georgia Governor Sonny Purdue welcomed everyone to the show. General Schwartz, Lt. General Hostage and Mr. Lemkin paid a special visit to the U.S. Corral and the AIA Chalet and to salute the men and women of the U.S. military.
General Norton A. Schwartz recognizes the U.S. military at the Dubai Air Show
General Schwartz shakes hands with the E-2c Hawkeye crew
AIA and its member companies are once again supporting the U.S. Military at the show. Special thanks to Boeing, Goodrich, Gulfstream, Honeywell, L-3, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, Sikorsky and Textron for their support of the chalet and aircrew. The AIA chalet functions as the DoD operations center for the show and provides lunch and water to the aircrew each day.
A maintainer from the F-22 gives a “thumbs up” outside the AIA chalet
