The Dubai Airshow 2021: five days, a record 100,000 visitors, and unprecedented support shown for the recovery of the aviation sector. It is challenging to know where to begin when summarizing such an epic show, so I will borrow a quote from His Excellency, Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of the General Civil Aviation Authority of UAE who said, “Now is the time to come back and enjoy travel”.
I couldn’t agree more. After two years of unimaginable conditions, the aviation sector came together again at the Dubai Airshow. As a community, we celebrated our strength and resilience and welcomed back the return of global travel.
For Jet Luxe, this was also one of the first opportunities that our global team had to spend time together face-to-face. It reminded me of how much better we are when we come together in person. And what a way to kick-off our teamwork, with the launch of the INVICTUS Partnership, a series of team-building events, media interviews, and important deals agreed.
From its beginnings in the late 1980’s to 2021, the Dubai Airshow was bigger, better, and it came back with a bang! DAS2021 was an epic display of innovation, technological advancement, and aviation’s humanity and prowess, despite all challenges. The team and I were wowed by the first ever public display of the Boeing 777-9X, an aircraft that is cited to be “the world’s largest and most efficient twin-engine aircraft”.
Equally, we were blown away by the $200 million Airbus 340-500 with an incredible $100 million fit-out by Louisiana based completions firm, Citadel. Seeing was believing with this aircraft with its enormous, luxurious spaces including four private bedrooms, a shower large enough for two, and an expansive dining space that is nothing short of a flying fine-dining experience.
It is no secret that Jet Luxe is a huge fan of the Bombardier Global, an aircraft model that we manage in our expanding fleet. At the show, we stopped by the Bombardier 7500 to catch up with colleagues, friends, and get a glimpse into what we can expect from the eagerly awaited Global 8000.
As you may have seen in the news, on day one of the show we released the INVICTUS Partnership – our new, innovative product. It was no easy task preparing INVICTUS for the market, but we are committed to delivering a product that challenges the status quo and one that is truly differentiated. INVICTUS is not a jet card or fractional ownership, it is a unique partnership style approach to accessing private aviation.
Partners will have guaranteed access to our global fleet 24/7, 365 – which at this current point of scarcity, is unique. Furthermore, we have built INVICTUS to be truly transparent and partners can access full data at the click of a button. We have all heard previous promises of transparency and efficiency, and to date, no product truly offers either. Until INVICTUS.
I am thrilled to confirm that the media and the market have responded extremely positively, and we have already confirmed the first three INVICTUS Partnerships. As travel returns and with time being more precious than ever, INVICTUS presents the ideal solution to the current shortage of private jets. The Partnership is the culmination of our decades of experience into a product with previously unseen transparency, efficiency, and value. We are proud that the launch was so well received!
Between a flurry of team meetings, client briefings, and a lot of hard work, we remembered to have fun at the show! We enjoyed a glorious hot air balloon ride at sunrise, which was a literal reminder for us to take a big picture, birds-eye view and retain a sense of perspective. We also welcomed VIP’s and our valued clients to a fun golf evening. The overwhelming message that came through from our clients is that private aviation gives back time, arguably our most precious and in-demand resource. I speak on behalf of the team when I say that it gives us great pleasure to be able to serve the businesses that serve the world, giving back time to enable these companies to achieve more – more stability, growth, greater economic contribution, more jobs, brighter futures.
The show was a success for so many of aviation’s stakeholders, and by the end of day four, there were 509 aircraft sold. Deals were being made from the largest players in the industry through to its new entrants. Whilst it is easy to get caught up in the glamour and luxury of the show, it is important to note that a large proportion of the aircraft sold to commercial airliners will serve budget airlines. In addition, aviation serves remote communities in need of humanitarian support, and those requiring medical evacuation. Aviation is a literal lifeline to so many and it creates and provides jobs to communities all around the world. A strong aviation industry helps bolster economies, and Jet Luxe is proud to be part of aviation’s recovery story.
In summary, the Dubai Airshow was a treat for the eyes, ears, and most importantly, the soul. DAS2021 was incredibly impressive, refreshingly diverse, and full of positive energy. I was inspired to hear Uganda Airlines speak of “strength and courage”, a message that is so relevant to so many of us. Likewise, as the industry evolves towards a greener future, I was encouraged to witness the launch of the new Greenliner sustainability program. Finally, we all need to believe in the “impossible” and I was delighted to see at the show the first two astronauts from the UAE to enter space, Hazza Al Mansouri and Sultan Al Neyadi. Underpinning the show’s success was a clear and deep commitment on the part of the authorities to support a resumption of travel. For this, I am truly encouraged and optimistic about the years ahead.
Over and above all the many impressive sights and statistics from the Dubai Airshow, I am most grateful for the opportunity to work in person with my team, our friends in the media, and the industry at large. Thank you to all that connected with and supported Jet Luxe at the Dubai Airshow 2021.
