A recent poll shows opinions are divided about growth in the region’s aviation industry next year, and whether the global crisis will continue to keep travelers at home.  An online survey carried out on the last day of the Dubai Airshow on Thursday showed that only 15.9 percent of people believe that Middle Eastern Airlines will see significant passenger growth in 2010.  33.6 percent of respondents think carriers in the region will will grow slowly, while 33.5 percent think the industry will stagnate.  14.2 percent believe the industry will sustain a big hit this year.  

Sales at the bi-annual Dubai Airshow have dropped substantially since it last took place in 2007 because of the sluggish global economy.  This year there was only $14 billion in orders for planes, equipments, and services, compared to $155 billion in 2007.   Organizers said they have already sold 50 percent of space for their next exhibition in 2011.