What it's like to attend one of the world's most exclusive air shows, where billionaires tour private jets and hundreds of planes are sold
Advertisement
Nov 18, 2019, 21:38 IST
The Dubai Airshow takes place near Al Maktoum International Airport, about 25 miles into the desert from the famous Dubai Marina.
Advertisement
Getting in even involves going through an airport-style luggage scan and metal detector.
Advertisement
Inside the conference hall, companies that make everything from airplane wings to tiny screws to military drones show off what they have to offer.
But the real buzz is outside, where 165 different aircraft are on show.
Advertisement
What's there ranges from the world's largest passenger plane, the Airbus A380...
... to the Japanese Military of Defense's Kawasaki C-2 military transport aircraft.
Advertisement
You can peer inside some private jets...
... like I did in this Bombardier Global 6000.
Advertisement
Some airlines roll out the red carpet. Literally.
You can get a lot closer to parts of the plane than you are typically allowed.
Advertisement
Even on the bigger jets, the flight attendants on almost every plane will offer to take your picture. I relented while looking at Business Class in an Emirates Boeing 777.
It's a chance to see first-class accommodations up close. This is what first class suites are like in the Emirates A380.
Advertisement
All these planes take up a lot of space, and Dubai, even in November, is really hot. So most people travel up and down the runway in golf carts.
The big players build massive chalets, where deals are done and staff can work, relax, and watch the air displays.
Advertisement
They are pretty exclusive, and you need an invitation to get in.
The air display, which goes for on hours each day, is a highlight. In this case, fighter jets made the shape of a heart in the sky.
Advertisement
Airlines and aircraft makers use the week as a chance to lay out their vision for their companies and for the industry, and often show concept artwork and models.
The show continues until Thursday 21 November, so there will likely be lots more for guests to see.