Contact the programme on middleeastbiz@bbc.co.uk

Coming Up on Middle East Business Report

DUBAI AIRSHOW

This year’s Airshow is expected to see a big drop in new commercial aircraft orders compared to the last one, two years ago. Both Etihad and Emirates have told the BBC they will not be ordering many, if any, new planes. But while commercial orders are expected to fall, Middle Eastern countries are still spending heavily on defence, and companies such as BAE Systems are doing more business in the region.

We’ll also be talking to the President of DNATA who’s in charge of airport operations, cargo and travel services at Emirates Group.

CORPORATE JETS

It’s the ultimate status symbol - a private jet at your beck and call. But in the current economic climate who can afford one? This week Ben looks at two very different ways of getting on board. The cheaper pay-as-you-go private jet - and the newly launched super-expensive supersonic jet, to find out which will take off in this bad financial weather.

AEROSPACE

This week Mubadala Aerospace said it will open a factory to manufacture aerospace parts next year. The UAE government-backed company has already signed contracts worth around US$2 billion. Developing an aerospace industry is part of the country’s plans to diversify its economy away from oil and gas. Stephanie talks to Mubadala about their plans.

QATAR AIRWAYS

Earlier this year, Qatar Airways completed the world’s first commercial passenger flight powered by fuel made from natural gas. The flight was from London to Doha, and the fuel was developed and produced by Shell. It offers airlines the chance to diversify away from oil based aviation fuel.

Jeremy looks at whether plans to move from oil to gas-based jet fuel will take off.

---

Contact the programme on middleeastbiz@bbc.co.uk