2021
 

 

The 2021 edition of the Dubai Airshow was the first major industry event since the start of the Covid pandemic and was seen as a launching point to restart the growth the industry had been enjoying.  There were many firsts in Dubai, including the international debuts of the Boeing 777X and the Sukhoi Su-75 Checkmate.  The opening fly past on the afternoon of Sunday Nov 14 was spectacular, featuring airliners and military hardware from across the UAE and ending with flare demonstrations from four F-16E Desert Falcons and a C-17 Globemaster III.  Four major aerobatic teams were in attendance, including the Saudi Hawks, Surya Kiran (Indian Air Force) and the Russian Knights, but it was the local team, Al Fursan, that I found most impressive.  Flying seven Aermacchi MB-339NAT trainers, their showmanship and maneuvers were crisp and entertaining and they seemed to maintain an aircraft in view of the crowd for the majority of their performance.  

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For a more detailed review of this incredible event, please enjoy my article on Checksix - the military aviation online magazine.

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