NLR at Dubai Air Show

The National Aerospace Laboratory of the Netherlands (NLR) took part in the Dubai Air Show in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on 17 and 18 November 2013. Headed by the Netherlands Aerospace Group (NAG), the Dutch aviation cluster showcased itself at the region’s largest aerospace event. The presentation at the air show was a follow-up to the ‘Desert Tulip’ trade mission to the UAE roughly one year ago to promote the activities of the Dutch aviation industry in the UAE by identifying, developing and contracting orders for Dutch companies and establishing joint knowledge-building activities. Desert Tulip resulted in a PIB, a Partners for International Business covenant. The Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs initiates PIBs.

The purpose of NAG exhibiting at the air show was to put the spotlight on knowledge available in Dutch industry that can be used to support the UAE in developing their own aircraft industry. The UAE are also interested in the Golden Triangle model in which government, industry and knowledge organisations cooperate with a view to promoting the production of innovative, high-quality products and services.

NLR mainly focused on its capabilities in the fields of design, MRO and the development and use of new materials like composite. The Netherlands holds approximately one percent of the global aircraft market. The Dutch aviation cluster is striving to generate a larger market share by exporting knowledge and expertise through closely-knit cooperation. The activities in the UAE offer ten Dutch companies an opportunity to do long term business with the UAE. This will capitalise internationally on the aerospace knowledge developed in the Netherlands.