At the Dubai Airshow 2021, aerospace companies from across the world will launch and exhibit their latest technologies and innovations that will not only help boost the recovery of the sector but also drive future opportunities

Dubai Airshow 2021 will serve as a platform to showcase the role of cutting-edge technologies in bolstering the recovery of the aviation, aerospace and defence industries following the impact of the pandemic on those sectors.

The impact of technologies such as cybersecurity, robotics, AI and 5G will be high on the agenda at Dubai Airshow, which is set to take place at Dubai World Central (DWC), Dubai Airshow Site, from November 14 to 18, 2021.

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Defence, the event will bring together experts and representatives from commercial and business aviation, defence and military, aircraft interiors, and air traffic management, among others.

Aerospace companies from across the world will launch and exhibit their latest technologies and innovations to promote the sector’s growth in the region and the world at the air show. The event will also include conference programmes dedicated to the topics of AI, 5G and cybersecurity.

The impact of the pandemic has accelerated the use of new technologies, including AI, machine learning, cybersecurity, touchless solutions, 5G, robotics, and automation. These solutions serve as a means to drive new opportunities within the industry and enhance safety, operations, productivity and profitability.

A recent report shows that 69 per cent of aerospace and defence executives say they have prioritised anticipating and responding to supply-chain events in order to protect the customer experience. Covid-19 has emphasised the need for more resilient, flexible and adaptable supply chains for the industry. Executives overwhelmingly agree emerging technologies like AI, Internet of Things, automation and wearables have accelerated the pace of automation over the past three years.

About 60 per cent of industry executives are also making investments for long-term remote work a priority for the next six months. AI is also being used to deliver personalised travel experiences to passengers in order to generate the maximum customer satisfaction. A new market study predicted a CAGR of 46.4 per cent for AI in the aviation market by 2023.

New Vista for startups

Dubai Airshow 2021 will introduce its new dedicated startup event, VISTA, which will be a major platform for innovators, creators and market disruptors to display the latest technologies and play a part in accelerating the future of the aerospace and defence industries.

The co-located event will connect startups with venture capitalists who are looking for disruptive new entrants that can out-hustle the big players.

The event will be attended by national leaders, CEOs, investors, developers, technology disruptors, operators, and other key experts. Successful entrepreneurs from established global startups will also be present to inspire and guide aspiring startups.

During the five-day programme, VISTA will feature a number of sub-events in partnership with Gothams, a leading accelerator that is helping to build the next generation of aerospace and defence startups. Entrepreneurs can take part in pitch competitions where they will be able to present their technologies to industry leaders and investors with a chance of winning some great prizes. They will have the opportunity to get involved in mentorship programs, workshops, and high-level networking, learn about market trends and receive the best guidance from experts, key decision makers, and global investors.