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Dubai Aerospace Enterprise hit by downturn in airline industry

Dubai Aerospace Enterprise has suspended much of its University program and will amalgamate its Airports and Services division as it responds to a downturn in the global airline industry.

Sources say all courses at the University, with the exception of pilot training, have been suspended indefinitely, with just months to go before the September start date.

DAE Airports, one of six divisions within DAE, had made an unsuccessful $4.5bn bid for New Zealand’s busiest airport, Auckland, last year. That bid was rejected by the local council (along with a later bid from a Canadian retirement fund) and, given DP World’s experience with US politicians over the purchase of P&O, they may be reluctance to take on more hostile bids. Airports will now be merged with Services to create a new division - Solutions.

DAE Solutions may now tie up with other airport operators to bid for greenfield and brownfield projects. This still represents a huge opportunity:

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© 2008 Dubai Business Daily (DBD).