Aerospace

The Future of Aviation: Dubai Airshow 2023 Conference Insights

The Dubai Airshow 2023, scheduled to take place from 13-17 November, is set to make waves in the aerospace, space and defense industry with a comprehensive conference agenda featuring nine thought-leadership tracks across five days. More than 300 speakers will deliver upwards of 80 hours of engaging content that will drive the conversation forward on key industry topics. The CPD-accredited conferences at Dubai Airshow 2023 will play a pivotal role in addressing critical industry challenges and fostering innovation.

The event will bring together experts, leaders, and stakeholders to shape the future of aerospace with a focus on priority topics such as Advanced Aerial Mobility, Sustainability, Passenger Experience, Air Traffic Management, Diversity & Inclusion, Space, start-ups and mentoring platform Vista, student-focused NextGen Leaders, along with the Airworthiness & Safety Conference.

This year, Dubai Airshow in partnership with the UAE Space Agency will host a 2-day Space-focused conference and will address fostering innovation, highlighting projects and space programs in partnership with private companies and government agencies. The sessions will align with the show’s focus on sustainability, highlighting how space plays a vital role in informing sustainable policies and finding solutions for climate change through earth observation. An interview on Emirates’ mission to the asteroid belt and a discussion on quantum tech in space will offer further insights.

The VISTA stage will showcase the start-ups conference theme featuring panels on aerospace start-ups’ success stories in the UAE and the innovation and business models of start-up airlines. Air Worthiness & Safety Conference will be a defence-focused conference track and stage organised by the UAE Ministry of Defence and accessible by invitation only.

Aerospace

When Ratan Tata was denied entry to the airfield at the Aero India show, he waited

During our visit to Aero India 2019, we had the unexpected opportunity to see Ratan Tata at the event, which was a thrilling moment for us. However, there was a surprising hiccup when the security staff didn’t allow him to enter due to a lack of a security pass.

Despite this, he remained calm and patiently waited for about 20 minutes until a member of the Tata team brought him the required pass, after which he calmly proceeded inside. It was a humbling sight, showcasing his composed demeanor even in such situations.

Ratan Tata ji is not only a renowned industrialist but also a trained pilot, holding a pilot’s license. In 2007, he became the first Indian civilian to fly the F-16 Falcon during the Aero India show in Bangalore—a proud moment for the nation.

His passion for aviation extended beyond flying, as he played a key role in shaping India’s aerospace industry. Under his leadership, Tata ventured into manufacturing and maintaining aerospace components while upholding its legacy of quality. Notably, Tata’s collaboration with Airbus to develop and manufacture the C295 aircraft is a testament to its growing influence in the sector.