WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
The industry displayed a remarkable growth in terms of the total number of passengers and flights taking off and landing at UAE airports . There are seven international airports in the UAE , including Dubai International Airport , the world ’ s largest international airport , and Abu Dhabi International Airport , which recently added the state-of-the-art Midfield Terminal in 2020 .
The UAE ’ s aerospace industry tops the Middle East region , and it is home to two major airline operators , Emirates and Etihad Airways . Pre-COVID-19 , 140 airlines directly connected Dubai to more than 260 destinations worldwide , with 8,000-plus weekly flights through Dubai airports .
The UAE ’ s aviation sector landscape has been altered as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic . The current situation has disrupted the country ’ s aerospace industry , where airline operations and profitability have been significantly impacted .
At the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic period , UAE airlines , including Emirates and Etihad Airways , conducted only cargo and outbound repatriation flights . Since the easing of lockdown in the UAE , airlines including Emirates , Etihad Airways , Flydubai and Air Arabia commenced commercial flights with additional destinations being announced .
As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve , airlines in the country seek to lead in the region and keep pace with the rising demand , while redefining strategies and increasing the focus on bringing more visitors to the UAE . By 2037 , it is estimated that more than 500 million passengers will transit through the Middle East and Dubai .
UAE airlines are open to the idea of identifying aircraft that best suit future trends . For instance , large wide-body aircraft , including Airbus 380s and Boeing 777s , are widely operated by Emirates and Etihad . There is a possibility for a move to smaller aircraft , or deferment or cancellation of existing aircraft orders .
During the height of the pandemic , flights were suspended , resulting in the entire travel and tourism industry taking on a big hit from the sudden drop in traffic and lockdowns across the world .
Despite efforts to cut costs and stimulate demand , aviation authorities in the UAE predict recovery to pre-pandemic levels is expected to arrive in late 2022 and early 2023 .
MRO Market in the UAE : Growth Forecast & Competitive Landscape
54 NORTHWEST AEROSPACE NEWS