DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Nov. 7, 2015 – The Middle East continues to be a key market for growth in both the commercial and defense aerospace sectors, according to the latest Boeing market forecasts released ahead of the Dubai Airshow which opens tomorrow.

Boeing will showcase a range of products and services at the show, including flydubai’s Next-Generation 737-800, Qatar Airways’ 25^th787 Dreamliner, the Maritime Surveillance Aircraft, the U.S. Navy’s P-8 Poseidon and the U.S. Marine Corps MV-22, among others.

“We continue supporting Middle East countries in their efforts to drive continuous and sustainable development. Boeing’s industry and community partnerships across the Middle East demonstrate our commitment to strengthening our presence in the region,” said Bernard Dunn, president, Boeing Middle East, North Africa and Turkey. Boeing offices in Riyadh, Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Kuwait City are examples of that commitment.

In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Boeing’s heritage goes back 70 years. Since then, Boeing has developed strong bonds with local partners and customers within Saudi Arabia by understanding the region’s needs and providing the right products and services.

“Through in-country cooperation, Boeing is focusing on expanding the Saudi workforce through creation of self-sustaining jobs, technical skills development for local young Saudis and further involvement and development of the Saudi aerospace supply base,” said Michael Kurth, Senior Vice President, Boeing Defense, Space and Security, Saudi Arabia. “We are proud of our commitment to supporting the Kingdom in the development of its aerospace industry.”

The Middle East is a key market for Boeing Commercial Airplanes, underlining the growing confidence that airline customers in the region continue to place in Boeing products and services. Regional customers have responded well to new products such as the 737 MAX, which will deliver unsurpassed fuel efficiency in the single-aisle market, and the 777X, which will be the largest and most efficient twin-engine jet in the world. Meanwhile, the 777-300ER continues to form the backbone of many of the region’s leading airlines, and the 787 is considered the world’s most technologically advanced airplane with composite materials making up 50 percent of the primary structure by weight, including the fuselage and wing.

“Our customers in the Middle East continue to respond well to our products, and we expect the region to require 3,180 new airplanes over the next 20 years, worth an estimated $730 billion. We are confident that Boeing’s products and services will continue to meet our customers’ needs and support the continued development and growth of the fast-paced Middle East aviation sector,” said Randy Tinseth, Vice President, Marketing, for Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

Boeing Defense Space & Security (BDS) is also expanding its regional footprint. Customers in the region operate a range of products including the AH-64 Apache, CH-47F Chinook helicopters, and C-17 Globemaster III military-transport aircraft.

“There continues to be great interest in our defense solutions from governments across the Middle East as plans for upgrading defense capabilities move forward,” said Paul Oliver, vice president of International Business Development for the Middle East and Africa, Boeing Defense, Space & Security. “BDS continues to pursue opportunities to support the Middle East in shaping the future of aerospace in the region.”

Boeing will hold a series of media briefings and activities during the Dubai Air Show. Media at the show should check the briefing schedule daily at the Dubai Air Show Press Center for updates and visit www.boeing.com/dubai2015.