AeroBD | The AERO news Company…Dubai, UAE, Nov. 10, 2015 : The United Arab Emirates Air Force has today signed a purchase agreement with Swedish Aerospace firm Saab at Dubai Airshow, worth US$1.27 billion. The deal will see the UAE purchase two new Global 6000 long-range surveillance aircraft, featuring brand new to market operating systems, while a further two Saab 340 jets already in UAE ownership will undergo systems upgrades.

Unveiling the deal at the Dubai Airshow this afternoon, Major General Abdullah Al Hashimisaid: “I am really happy to announce the first deal that has been signed between the United Arab Emirates Air Force and Saab Industrial this year, to buy two new aircrafts for the amount of US$1.27 billion. By buying two new aircraft, and upgrading two existing aircraft, we are very happy to continue our relationship with Saab.”

In response, Saab Group President and CEO, Håkan Buskhe, said: “We are an extremely proud supplier to the UAE Air Force, and we think, in cooperation with the UAE Air Force, that this deal is the start of something new. The new platform offers increased endurance and a newly developed suite of sensors that the UAE will be the launch customer for. This will be a game changer for surveillance capability going forward.” While a time frame for the deal is still to be formally agreed, the UAE says it expects to take delivery of the aircraft, which have air-to-air, ground-to-air and air-to-sea capability, in around two years time.

The deal was welcomed by Michele van Akelijen, Managing Director of Dubai Airshow organisers F&E Aerospace, who said: “The Dubai Airshow is at the forefront of the aviation industry and this agreement demonstrates once again that is a place to do business. We are seeing a huge military presence at the show this year and we are pleased that it is once again the choice of those looking to make significant and ground-breaking deals.”
For F&E Aerospace, contact: Kate Taylor, PR Manager – T: +971 4603 3300 E: kate.taylor@dubai.aero / @DubaiAirshow#DAS15

About F&E Aerospace
F&E Aerospace is a division of F&E, one of the most influential names in the aerospace industry’s events sector, and which launched the very first Dubai Airshow in 1989, in conjunction with Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Dubai Airports and the UAE Armed Forces.  Covering all aerospace-related events in the F&E portfolio, F&E Aerospace has a long-standing relationship with the global aerospace industry, an in-depth knowledge of the market and a hard-earned reputation for delivering event excellence. F&E Aerospace maintains offices in Dubai, Connecticut, Hong Kong and London.