Past Dubai Airshows were mostly about the big Gulf carriers placing massive orders with Boeing and Airbus, launching programs like the 777X or rescuing the A380 with another follow-up commitment. No one involved left a doubt that their business was growing fast.This year's show-the industry's first global air show since Singapore 21 months ago-underscored how dramatically things have changed. Emirates bought just two 777Ps to replace aircraft going off lease. Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways ordered none. Instead, the region's airlines continued to negotiate the delivery schedule for aircraft ordered years ago. The stars of this year's Dubai show were low-cost carriers (LCC), which accounted for virtually all of the large airline orders. And surely a significant part of the big Air Lease Corp. (ALC) commitment for A321neos will end up with LCCs, too.
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