What’s new at the Dubai Airshow 2021
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The lounge Dubai Airshow has existed since 1989, and takes place every two years over several days. As an average geek and Canada’s reference media for aviation-related awards programs, we jumped at the chance to visit the lounge and check out what’s new!
More than 140 participating countries with the most recognized exhibitors in the world. And this year, the spotlight was on the future of aerospace and defense, with the presence of renowned astronauts and the presentation of technological masterpieces on the theme of sustainability and air mobility.
Presentation
Numerous countries had their own exhibition stands at the lounge, but were also present on the tarmac with commercial, military and private aircraft.
Despite the crisis of COVID-19, business is back on track, and traffic growth is expected in the years ahead. Orders for both Boeing and Airbus are well underway, to serve more destinations and replace older, fuel-hungry aircraft with greener ones.
We discovered the latest Boeing 777X, spacious and promising, as well as Bombardier’s Global 7500 and a new product unveiled by Emirates with its Premium Economy class! Nice surprises.
So what could be better than a life-size show on the tarmac with superb aircraft. We were able to watch acrobatics performed by incredible pilots in the sky: Rafale, F-16, Boeing 777X, Airbus 350, Russian helicopters and so on. A pleasure for the eyes, not to mention for the ears!
Industrialists shared their vision of the future with new flying vehicles. Pilots have been invited to train using virtual reality, and artificial intelligence is being promoted with the development of intelligent, autonomous drones.
Another example, the Lufthansa Technik stand unveiled a model aircraft inspired by the “welcome home” concept with large screens on board and cozy spaces with sofas for a home-like experience, in flight!
What’s more, the various exhibitors we visited emphasized reducing in-flight drag, aiming to cut fuel consumption. Lufthansa says it drew its inspiration from nature, using the example of shark skin.
Others are promoting using more sustainable, neutral fuels, intending to emit less CO2 and, why not, achieving zero carbon emissions. This is the case for Airbus, which thinks it can achieve this by 2035 with its ZEROe liquid hydrogen propulsion technology.
In the meantime, the focus is on sustainable fuels or SAF(Sustainable Aviation Fuel) developed from cooking oils, animal fats, sugars, algae or starches or so-called biofuels. And precisely, on December 1, 2021, United carried out a world first, a test flight with passengers with 100% SAF in an engine.
All of these projects are incredible; huge challenges await aircraft manufacturers, particularly in terms of costs, production capacity and certification requirements.
We made sure to show up! As a Canadian company, Jean-Maximilien and I represented Milesopedia, but not only because Jean-François, who also works with us as a volunteer, joined us at the lounge!
On the aerospace side, we were able to discover the impressions of two astronauts from the United Arab Emirates, Hazza Al Mansoori and Sultan Al Neyadi.
Hazza is the first Emirati to go into space in 2019, aboard the International Space Station (ISS), and has done so for the last 32 years.
Meetings
Our visit to the show was punctuated by meetings with airlines and manufacturers. Like with Matthieu Duvelleroy, from Airbus.
We also had the chance to meet other bloggers like Sam Chui and his team! Or Tiezheng from Vicarious Voyager.
Or Doyle who was the Chief of Cabin during the Emirates flight in First Class on Jean-Maximilien’s A380 in January 2021: it was a happy coincidence that we met on the tarmac.
It is a pleasure for us to share our passion together and to travel with them.
The planes
Boeing 777X
Arriving from Seattle on a nearly 15-hour flight, the longest flight to date for this aircraft, Boeing unveiled its experimental 777X, which is highly anticipated in the marketplace. For the moment, tests continue to evaluate its performance and stability.
In terms of capacity, the fuselage is surprisingly wide, as is its length. It is equipped with more efficient engines, new composite wings with folding tips. The control is carried out inside the cockpit and is done in 20 seconds.
The Boeing 777-9 promises to deliver an enhanced passenger experience and exceptional performance in terms of fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and operating costs.
Finally, the interior walls have been slimmed down as much as possible to allow 18″ seats to be aligned, as on an A380. A larger interior, bigger windows and higher ceilings.
Mike Fleming, Boeing’s SVP, explained that Boeing spent 18 months analyzing and 11 months testing on the ground before the inaugural flight in January 2020. At present, the aircraft has completed more than 600 flights and 1,700 hours. Before certification – expected by the end of 2023 – the aircraft will have completed a further 3,500 hours of testing.
Emirates A380-800
Emirates has unveiled its fourth cabin, the new Premium Economy, which will be inaugurated in flight in early 2021. This product should appeal to many and see itself as a very good compromise between business and economy class. Comfort is far from being forgotten!
Economy
As for the economy class, the colours have been revised. The colors range from gold to green, with touches of gray for the belts. The seats are installed in the classic 3-4-3 layout for an A380.
Note that the seat number is written on the armrests. So you don’t get confused with the seat next to you, as we often see!
Premium economy class
Premium Economy will be available on 52 Airbus A380s, including the last five Airbus A380s and 53 Boeing 777s, with 56-passenger cabins located forward on the main deck. The premium economy class has many advantages such as:
- a 2-4-2 composition,
- a space of 1 meter between the rows
- a cream-coloured leather seat
- a footrest and a support for the legs,
- an incline of 8″
- a Panasonic 13.3″ screen with USB connection.
In future, this new class could overshadow some of our competitors’ business classes, which are not up to scratch!
Business class
Emirates Business Class doesn’t offer the same level of intimacy as First Class, of course, but it’s a product that’s right up there with Premium Economy. Elegance and sobriety once again, Emirates has sought to lighten and purify its product with beige tones and the choice of a less blinged-out wood-like material.
First class
We were happy to see this first class again, sinece we have all had the chance to experience it in the past. An exceptional product among what is offered on the market.
Nevertheless, we prefer the new first class on B777 which allows a complete privacy.
Etihad Airlines
Etihad Airlines is actively working on its Greenliner to reduce CO2 emissions. It claims to have succeeded in reducing them by 72% on a journey from London to Abu Dhabi! The tests are carried out with the Dreamliner 787.
Sustainable fuels are a promising alternative to older fuels, but sourcing and loading are still unresolved issues.
Etihad intends to meet this challenge with the help of its many partners,
In business class, Etihad is also committed to sustainability and ecology by offering its customers more responsible products:
- green water bottles made from plants,
- glasses made of recycled and biodegradable materials,
- Bamboo toothbrushes with activated charcoal toothpaste,
- bags made from recycled curtains from old appliances.
Etihad also presented its Airbus A350-1000, where tests are carried out to further reduce CO2 emissions, with the aim of having zero net CO2 emissions.
The aircraft is signed UAE50 in honour of the 50th anniversary of the UAE federation and Etihad’s commitment to carbon neutrality by 2050. The aircraft should be put into service during the year 2022.
A model of the A350-1000 was on display at the Airbus stand.
Ethiopian Airlines
Ethiopian airlines presented its A350, one of the world’s most durable wide-body jets, with 300 to 410 seats, an aerodynamic design with carbon-fibre fuselage and wings, low weight and one of the world’s most efficient engines.
All of this results in a 25% reduction in operating costs, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions – no mean feat!
Inside, Ethiopian Airlines distinguishes itself with two different products: an economy class in green shades and a business class called “Cloud Nine” in red and grey shades with its green blankets.
The whole thing is simple, colourful and warm in order to offer an extra service for travelers wishing to travel in Africa. Ethiopian Airlines is accessible with Aeroplan points.
Gulf Air
Aboard the 787-9 Dreamliner in the emblematic 70th anniversary livery, we discover the products of Gulf Air, the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, and Aeroplan’s new partner.
As Canadians, we didn’t know what Gulf Air had to offer, and we thoroughly enjoyed our visit. We will definitely choose this company in the future to try it out!
We liked it so much that we visited this unit 3 times!
Economy
To begin with, the economy class offers optimized comfort. The 11.6″ touchscreen entertainment system is nice and has a wide selection of movies. Also, it’s impossible for your neighbour to see your screen!
There is a 3-3-3 seating arrangement. The comfort is correct, with a 17.2″ seat.
Business Class
I must say that we particularly liked the Gulf Air business class. The layout is designed so that each passenger is in the same direction of travel and can access his or her seat without disturbing other passengers.
Another example: the seat is positioned completely horizontally to allow the most efficient sleep. On the window side, the space is even more impressive.
The seating arrangement is 2-2-2. Practical when you are a couple since you can be side by side with a folding partition.
The business cabin is very straight, decorated with bronze gilding and gray and blue tones. The seats can be massaging and outlets are accessible. The meal served is designed by award-winning Sky Chefs for a better flying experience.
And of course, having access to the cockpit is always a pleasure! So when the opportunity arises, we go!
Saudia Airlines
Saudia Airlines is the flag carrier of Saudi Arabia and a member of the Skyteam alliance, which also deserves to be better known. For example, you can use Flying Blue Miles for travel on board.
The aircraft mainly serve European cities, but also the USA, Asia and the Middle East.
This company has some particularities to know about, as we could see it by ourselves. This may not be suitable for everyone.
For example, you will not be able to enjoy a drink on board. A one-minute prayer is also broadcast before each takeoff, films are available but censored, and a prayer room is located at the back of the aircraft for seclusion, with curtains and a screen indicating the time of the next prayer.
Finally, passengers are asked to dress respectfully (shorts not accepted, for example).
The stopovers are via Jeddah and Riyadh.
Economy class
The leather seats are comfortable and arranged in a 3-3-3 pattern. The windows change colour to blue to darken the cabin. The screens are of good size.
Business class
The business class has been revamped. It is stylish and reminds me of the one Air France had on its B777. A complete Missoni kit is provided.
Uganda Airlines
Uganda is new to the aviation market with its Uganda Airlines. A beautiful product, the colors chosen are warm and welcoming, reflecting the country’s image.
The spaces are pleasant. We really appreciated the uniform detailing in both economy and business class.
The aircraft presented is an A330neo. Inside, three classes are offered. A partnership was concluded with the company Geven to make the flight experience comfortable and to optimize the aesthetics of the cabin.
Economy is arranged in a 2-4-2 with comfortable 18″ wide brown leather seats. Shades of yellow enhance the whole.
The Premium Economy seat features an adjustable headrest, wide armrests and an 11.6″ screen. Each seat has a bottle holder and a larger pocket.
Finally, the Business Class is modern and pleasant. The seat reclines to the full bed position.
Wizz Air
Finally, the Airbus A321neo presented by Wizz Air, an Etihad low-cost airline. Orders for the A321neo were also strong at the lounge, making it one of the stars of the Dubai Airshow. For example, the private equity firm Indigo Partners has signed a contract for 255 A321 NEO aircraft!
The A321neo is equipped with the latest generation of engines and a special feature, the wing-sharklet, which once again reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by over 25%.
The interior design is colourful, vivid with its royal blue and purple hues. Noise has been reduced for the comfort of passengers (and airport residents). It has everything you need to leave in a good mood! And of course, a dynamic team is there to serve you and offer a fast and efficient service.
The destinations covered are currently the regions of Central and Eastern Europe but could be expanded.
Other categories
Alaska Airlines with its EcoDemonstrator
Boeing introduced its ecoDemonstrator aircraft under Alaska Airlines. Climb aboard this 737 and you’ll discover all the experimental tests in progress, with the aim, among other things, of constantly improving noise performance, i.e. reducing community noise, using recycled materials and calculating emissions.
Bombardier Jets
Private Jets were also in the spotlight on the Dubai airport tarmac. Exceptional aircraft that can fly anywhere in the world, for companies and wealthy consumers.
We were able to visit the Global 7500, an aircraft that can accommodate up to 19 people, including a bedroom in the back of the aircraft with a small bathroom, and the Challenger 650.
Airbus jets
The ACJ320neo is an A320neo modified to suit the corporate jet market. The interior of the cabin is luxurious and spacious, and can accommodate up to 19 people.
There’s a lounge with sofa and seating, a real kitchen (dishwasher, sink, coffee machine and chopping board!), a bedroom with a large private bathroom – you’d almost think you were at home.
The Lufthansa concept, which I mentioned at the beginning of this article, is not so futuristic!
Comlux Aviation also presented its ACJ319 model which can accommodate up to 7 single beds and 20 passengers in a cabin at the rear of the aircraft:
UAE Air Force
The presence of an evacuation aircraft was reminiscent of the last missions that were conducted to repatriate citizens fleeing Afghanistan this summer.
These cargo planes can be used for various missions, from transporting people (military personnel, citizens) to military equipment, or even supplies during natural disasters (floods, earthquakes, etc.).
One of the advantages of these aircraft is that they can travel long distances.
M C 21
The Russian M C-21 aircraft uses new composite materials to lighten the weight of the fuselage and wings, thus reducing drag, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. It has a vague resemblance with the Airbus A320.
The aircraft is due to be launched by Russian Airlines by the end of next year.
Bottom Line
In figures, Airbus won the order victory during this first Lounge since the pandemic COVID-19.
Airbus has booked orders for 408 aircraft:
- Wizz Air: 75 A321neo and 27 A321XLR
- Frontier: 91 A321neo
- Volaris: 39 A321neo
- JetSMART: 21 A321neo and 2 A321XLR
- Air Lease Coporation: 25 A220-300, 55 A321neo, 20 A321XLR, 4 A330neo, 7 A350F
- Jazeera Airways: 28 A321neo
- Ibom Air: 10 A220
Boeing has booked orders for 80 aircraft:
- Akasa Air: 72 B737-Max
- Air Tanzania: 2 B787, 1 B767F and 2 B737-Max
- Sky One: 3 B777
A lounge that ended with music and an impressive air show. Beautiful discoveries with beautiful meetings. We’ll be back!
Relive our coverage of lounge on our Instagram story.
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