Airbus Continues to Soar with Major Orders and Collaborations at Dubai Airshow 2023.
In a resounding testament to Airbus’s global standing and technological prowess, several significant announcements at the Dubai Airshow 2023 underscore the company’s pivotal role in shaping the aviation landscape.
- airBaltic is set to become the largest customer for the Airbus A220 in Europe following the confirmation of an additional order for 30 A220-300s. This move will elevate the airline’s total firm orderbook to an impressive 80 aircraft. Already standing as the largest A220-300 operator globally with a fleet of 44, airBaltic has a long-standing relationship with the Airbus A220-300, dating back to 2016 when it became the launch customer. In 2020, the airline took a strategic step to exclusively operate this aircraft type, solidifying its commitment to the A220 series.
- Mubadala Investment Company and Airbus have inked an agreement aimed at providing internship opportunities for Emirati senior university students specializing in engineering. The pact, signed at Dubai Airshow 2023 by Fatima Al Marzooqi, Director of Portfolio Emiratisation at Mubadala, and Mikail Houari, President of Airbus Africa and the Middle East, outlines a plan to host 12 Emirati engineering students at Airbus headquarters in Toulouse, France, for internships over the next three years.
This initiative aligns with Airbus’ commitment to promoting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education in the Middle East and Africa, fostering industry awareness, practical experience, and skill development among students and entrepreneurs in the region. - EGYPTAIR has unveiled plans to enhance its global flight operations with the acquisition of 10 new Airbus A350-900s, a deal announced at the Dubai Airshow. The introduction of these A350s into EGYPTAIR’s fleet is expected to deliver a 25% reduction in fuel consumption, leading to lower emissions. Passengers will experience the comforts of Airbus AirSpace cabin design, characterized by spacious interiors, wide seats, high ceilings, and ambient lighting.
The signing ceremony occurred at the Dubai Airshow, attended by EGYPTAIR’s Chairman and CEO, Engineer Yehia Zakaria, and Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International, Christian Scherer. The A350-900 is positioned as a key asset for EGYPTAIR, offering a combination of benchmark economic efficiency and passenger comfort. - Ethiopian Airlines Group, Africa’s leading airline, has solidified its commitment to the Airbus A350 by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for an additional 11 A350-900s. This move increases Ethiopian Airlines’ total order and commitment for the A350 to 33, which includes four A350-1000s. With a current fleet of 20 A350-900s, this new agreement reaffirms Ethiopian Airlines’ position as the largest A350 customer in Africa.
The MoU was signed at the Dubai Airshow in the presence of Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mr. Mesfin Tasew and Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International, Christian Scherer. The Airbus A350 has garnered widespread popularity with over 1,000 orders from leading airlines worldwide.
In summary, these developments at the Dubai Airshow 2023 underscore Airbus’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and global collaboration. As the aviation industry evolves, Airbus continues to lead the way in providing cutting-edge solutions and fostering partnerships that drive the sector forward.
