Dubai Airshow proceeds despite security fears to boost arms sales, Emirates to showcase world’s first two class A380 at the show

The opening day of the Dubai Airshow was a demonstration of military power as fighter aircraft from the US, UK and France dominated the aerial displays. Moreover, Emirates unveiled for the first time its first two-class configured A380 at the Dubai Airshow.

According to the BBC, there are 160 aircraft on display at the Dubai Airshow, including the passenger aircraft of Boeing and Airbus which Gulf carriers normally order in their hundreds. But alongside these slick aircrafts are fighter jets and the drooping rotor blades of the latest attack helicopters.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, launched the 14th session of the Dubai Airshow 2015, as reported by Gulf Today.

More than 90 US companies are participating in the show, and six American states have their own pavilions. The support of the fighter planes puts assurance on the US military and Department of Defense. Last year, it spent $80.7bn (£52.8) on defense, which is a 17% rise on the year before, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.

Organisers also claim that the last edition of the Dubai Airshow generated business of up to $200 billion, with orders for planes in the first few hours alone topping $162.6 billion, beating the show's previous record of $155 billion set in 2007.

"Due to large previous orders, the total show order tally this year will be much less than years prior," stated Ben Moores, senior analyst at IHS Aerospace, Defence & Security. But this year's show might have a "record set for lack of sales," Moores added.

Moreover, the show also showcases the Emirates, which for the first time unveiled its first two-class configured A380 at next week's Dubai Airshow from the 8th to 12th of November. Emirates display its 68th A380 in its fleet. It was delivered directly from Airbus in Hamburg Finkenwerder to the show site, allowing Dubai Airshow visitors to be among the first guests on-board the brand new double-decker, as claimed by AME Info.

For now, the demand for aircraft weaponry is soaring in the Middle East, especially in Saudi Arabia, the most powerful of the Gulf states. Additionally, Emirates will also be displaying its newly acquired Cirrus SR 22 and Embraer Phenom 100 jets, which will be utilized by the Emirates Flight Training Academy.