Timothy Hawes is the Managing Director of Tarsus Middle East.. He is a publishing, conference, training and exhibitions professional with over 21 years of experience in both the UK, US and the Middle East. Prior to joining Tarsus, he worked as Commercial and Portfolio Director at Dubai World Trade Centre, as well as holding positions at Informa and Centaur Media Plc. With extensive multiple industry, sector and territory exposure in the UAE, GCC, Africa, Asia, US and Europe, Timothy’s expertise include developing new events and growing existing ones, and strategising the tactics behind successfully launching in new geographies across the world. He has led on a number of major international events including Dubai Airshow, MEBAA Show, the Global Aerospace Summit, AIME MRO and the Abu Dhabi Space Debate. Both Tarsus Group and Aviation Week are part of Informa.

What’s new for 2023 at DAS?

Dubai Airshow is one of the world’s leading aerospace and defence events and the 18th edition will see a series of new and enhanced features. With this expected to be a pivotal year for the advanced aerial mobility (AAM) market, this edition will see the launch of a new pavilion dedicated to AAM & Drones. The event will combine an exhibition area featuring revolutionary products and services, eVTOLs on the static display and a dedicated AAM conference across two days. There is also the very exciting expansion of the Space Experience Zone, in partnership with the UAE Space Agency, which will feature an expanded exhibition pavilion, thought-leadership sessions and a host of space activations, both inside the exhibition hall and the outdoor static display area.

What are the new and major themes you expect to emerge from the conference?

This year, the Dubai Airshow’s thought-leadership conferences will have nine tracks across three stages. The key tracks will include the themes of Sustainability, Advanced Aerial Mobility, Space, Next-Gen Leaders, Air Traffic Management and a focus on innovative technology start-ups on the Vista stage. Additionally, the new themes this year include Passenger Experience and Diversity & Inclusion - both will be on the Aviation Mobility Stage and are areas of growing importance as the industry looks to ensure sustainable, long-term growth. The Passenger Experience conference will explore technological advancements

How will emerging topics such as sustainability and diversity & inclusion influence your thinking moving forward?

Sustainability will have an important place in the conference this year, running for two days on the Aerospace 2050 stage. Dubai Airshow 2023 will bring industry stakeholders together to highlight their sustainable projects and pave the way ahead for a sustainable future for aerospace and defence. The Sustainability conference will cover some of most pressing sustainable challenges and opportunities across two days. Industry experts will come together to discuss steps on creating a more sustainable aerospace ecosystem. On the Aviation Mobility stage, the Diversity & Inclusion track will highlight the strategic importance of diversity and the competitive advantage of developing an inclusive workforce. As the aviation industry continues to grow and evolve, the need to create a more equitable, inclusive and accessible environment has heightened. The conference will be showcasing the importance of creating a culture that values and supports new demographic realities.

What are the highlights of this year’s static and flying displays?

The famous static and flying displays are always a highlight for visitors and exhibitors, and this year will be no different as we welcome some of the worlds most advanced aircraft. The flying display will maintain its status as one of the most impressive ways for manufacturers to demonstrate their aircraft abilities to the global aerospace industry, while providing a breathtaking spectacle for visitors each day.

Meanwhile the static display will showcase more than 180 commercial and military aircraft from industry leaders and new players will be displayed, including a huge variety of business jets, drones and UAV’s, commercial airliners, military jets, helicopters and much more.

Emirates has confirmed it will be showcasing five of its aircraft – the Embraer-500 (Phenom 100EV), Boeing 777-300ER, Airbus A380-800 (A380-842), Diamond DA42-NG and Cirrus SR 22 – meanwhile AutoFlight, the innovative company focused on designing and manufacturing state-of-the-art autonomous electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, will also showcase its first ever aircraft as part of the static display.

What does the future hold for Dubai Airshow?

Dubai Airshow has established itself as one of the largest and most successful airshows in the world, building its reputation by convening aerospace, space and defence professionals across all areas of the industry. Backed by leading industry stakeholders and government entities, it is recognised as a world-class platform that provides invaluable market insights and countless learning opportunities, showcases innovative technologies and market leading solutions and plays an instrumental role in facilitating successful global trade deals that will drive change.

Each edition the Dubai Airshow builds on the previous show’s success, and we expect this year to be no different. As we get set to welcome and connect professionals across all areas of the industries and provide a platform for innovation and deals of the future, we look forward to seeing the continued legacies driven by Dubai Airshow.