Ben Moores

The Dubai Airshow took off yesterday to a slow start amid expectations for a record low in sales as the Gulf's main airlines have already placed large orders with major manufacturers.

"Due to large previous orders, the total show order tally this year will be much less than years prior," said Ben Moores, senior analyst at IHS Aerospace, Defense & Security.

Saudi Arabia overtook India in 2014 as the world's biggest importer of defence equipment, fuelled by tensions in the Middle East, according to a study published Sunday by respected analysts IHS Jane's.
      
Global defence trade currently stands at $64.4 billion, said the report from the London-based defence specialists.