Dubai is poised to change the face of global aviation and the logistics industry with investments of more than Dh300 billion over the coming decade, said Shaikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of DCA and Chairman and CEO of Emirates Airlines and Group.

Declaring that Dubai is rewriting the world's aviation history, Shaikh Ahmed said, "we are also witnessing the beginning of a new era of global aviation and the birth of the world's new aviation hub."

Noting that the rapid economic growth of the UAE, coupled with the emergence of Dubai as the busiest business and leisure hub of the region called for a radical expansion of the aviation infrastructure, Shaikh Ahmed said Dubai, in its quest to position itself as the world's aviation hub, has earmarked investments in excess of $82 billion for the aviation and aerospace sectors, projects which will be executed in phases over the coming decade.

"What we aim to accomplish in Dubai in the coming years will change the face of global aviation and the logistics industry," he said, noting that plans for Dubai's logistics and aerospace sectors are very much grounded in realistic projections and well within its capabilities.

Speaking to media people from around the world on the sidelines of the Paris airshow, Shaikh Ahmed said the $4.5 billion second phase of expansion at the existing Dubai International Airport would add two world class concourses and another terminal to the facility, increasing its capacity from 25 million passengers per year to 75 million by 2009. "Terminal 3 and concourse 2 are nearing completion and will be operational by mid-2008, while Concourse 3 will be ready in 2009. With over 90 per cent of its contact gates designed for the superjumbo, Concourse 3 will be the world's first and only A380-dedicated facility upon completion."



On what is billed as the world's largest airport, he said upon completion the International Airport at Dubai World Central will have capacity to cater to 120 million passengers annually and handle 12 million tonnes of cargo at its 16 air cargo terminals. "An estimated $33 billion will be invested in phases in Dubai World Central. The first phase is already underway and involves the development of infrastructure for the $10 billion international airport, the Dubai Logistics City, Residential City, Commercial City, the Enterprise Park and a Golf Resort."

He said One of the total six runways at the new airport in Dubai World Central will be ready by October 2007 opening way for cargo operations to begin in 2008. The first phase of the project, which also includes a passenger terminal, will be completed later next year.

"Our expansion does not stop at airports. Emirates, the world's fastest growing airline has signed contracts totalling $30 billion, to buy 130 aircraft from both Boeing and Airbus. Emirates will receive some of these aircraft at the rate of one every month until 2012."

Shaikh, heading a high-level delegation to the world's oldest air show, said Dubai, drawing strength from its success in aviation and logistics, is keen to position itself as a global player in the aerospace industry. "Established to achieve this objective, the Dubai Aerospace Enterprise, the latest in Dubai's long list of mega-projects, focuses on aircraft spare parts manufacturers, aircraft leasing and maintenance, airport management, and an aerospace university."

"Another area of growth in the aviation sector has been the continuing success of the Dubai Air Show, which this November celebrates its 10th anniversary. Considered the world's third largest air show, the event's growing success indicates the emergence of Dubai as a global player. I am happy to announce that starting 2009, the Dubai Air Show will be held at a brand new site at the Dubai Exhibition World in Dubai World Central," he said.