Aerospace Industries Association
Dubai Air Show Scores Big for Aerospace Marketing Opportunities
The 2009 Dubai Air Show last month attracted 890 aerospace industry exhibitors from 47 countries, including more than 80 U.S. companies and 100 aircraft on display.
The air show plays a key role in opening the Middle East market and provides companies with an excellent opportunity to display their products and strengthen business connections.
Shows such as Dubai help build business relationships between prime contractors and their suppliers and provide a great opportunity to meet with potential customers who want to get a first-hand understanding of products available.
Bruce Graham, executive director of international business operations and compliance for Textron, Inc., and vice chair of AIA’s International Council, 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 Defense Department to bring our military planes to the Dubai Air Show is critical to the success of U.S. industry,” Graham added.
Air shows also connect government with industry. Several U.S. government dignitaries were present in Dubai, including U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton A. Schwartz and U.S. Air Force Deputy Under Secretary for International Affairs Bruce Lemkin who met with industry leaders to discuss relevant issues.
“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,” explained Debi Davis, vice president of international trade at Goodrich Corporation and chair of AIA’s International Council.
AIA source: audrey.koehler[at]aia-aerospace.org
