Against a backdrop of new airplane programmes, growing passenger traffic globally, low commodity prices, and political uncertainties, the aerospace and defence, industry is going through significant changes, particularly in the Middle East.
The industry is facing a range of challenges to address environmental and regulatory issues, and an increased dependence on a global supply chain. The network of organizations – including suppliers, distributors, customers, competitors, government agencies and so on – involved in the delivery of passenger jets, defense products and weapons systems are facing these tremendous challenges both at home and abroad through competition and limited resources.
Supporting the industry’s evolution are countries that are trying to build indigenous aerospace capabilities in exchange for access to markets to help grow economies, gain technologies, provide employment opportunities and eventually to compete on the world marketplace. In barely a decade, Qatar has emerged as a leading light in the region’s aviation industry. With its booming airline and airport companies, the nation has put in place world-class infrastructure including Hamad International Airport which was established in 2014. Ever since the airport has achieved a range of milestones and in 2016 alone, the airport handled 37.3 million passengers and 245,800 landings and take-offs.
Additionally, exciting opportunities are emerging to create “aerospace ecosystems”; In Qatar you are starting to see STEM related industries beginning to flourish. To support STEM activities at a grassroots level and help secure the future of science and technology, Boeing has supported many initiatives in Qatar including research and development, teacher training, internships and mentorship programs.
For example, Boeing works with the Qatar Computing Research Institute (QCRI) on a joint research project to examine ways to better recognise patterns, correlations and anomalies in data produced by aerospace systems. Boeing has supported initiatives to inspire Qatari youth with aviation activities. Through this partnership Boeing was able to provide educational aviation activities that taught children the basics of flight.
Time and time again, success in aerospace and defence manufacturing compliments efforts in other areas of development and adds to capabilities. Pioneering roles in scientific research and development contribute to building new technologies and capabilities to lay the groundwork for manufacturing, economic growth and employment.
Many companies can provide these assets, but Boeing is uniquely positioned to become ingrained in the fabric of Middle East societies.
We are committed to providing the Middle East with key partnership and aerospace development opportunities.
(The views expressed in this column are that of the author.)
