By Graeme Smit
What an extraordinary day! I have been to previous airshows, but none that took place in the UAE. This was definitely something else: some would say it was done in typical Dubai style. There was so much to see and enjoy!
You did not have to be any form of an aeroplane fanatic to appreciate the event. There was more than just the convention centre filled with booths from all sorts of companies; there were stationary planes ranging from Emirates’ A380 to private jets all the way to the United States air force fleet to see. These machines were a thing of beauty to admire and wonder at when given the opportunity. Of course, one of the main attractions was the airshow itself, which I would imagine was most people came to watch. The 3 hours show had a complete range of aircraft that were showcased in all their flying glory. Nothing to me will compare to the ‘feeling’ of an F-22 Raptor flying over your head leaving its tail of thunderous roars from its engines. I would highly recommend if ever given the change to attend the Dubai Airshow in the future, you should go in a heartbeat. I guarantee you will not regret it one bit.
I would like to thank Mr Andy Pacino and Murdoch University for giving students the opportunity to attend this event. Opportunities like these do not come around so often but when they do, they make the world of a difference.