The Dubai Airshow closed its doors on Thursday after seeing a total of US$63.3 billion worth of orders for aircraft, maintenance services and flight training programmes.

Visitor numbers broke the Dubai Airshow record with 56,548 people attending, making the 12th edition of the Dubai Airshow the biggest to date, organisers said in a statement.

Alison Weller, managing director of airshow organiser F&E Aerospace, said: "We promised a Dubai Airshow that would be bigger and better than ever and we did not disappoint.

"The past week has been notable for its buoyant crowds, spectacular aerial displays and astonishing order announcements."

Boeing left with an order from Emirates for 50 777-300ERs valued at US$18 billion at list price and pulled in another for two 777 freighters from Qatar Airways worth US$560 million.

Airbus's US$17.6 billion order tally relied almost entirely on the single-aisle A320neo, the industry's fastest-selling model.

Besides Qatar Airways, Airbus signed deals with Aviation Lease & Finance Co of Kuwait, Spirit Airlines, a low-cost U.S. airline that committed for 75 A320 jets, and U.S. leasing firm Aviation Capital Group.

The 2013 edition of the airshow will relocate to Dubai World Central, Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman, Dubai Aviation City Corporation announced.

"Dubai World Central is an integral component of the strategic vision of Dubai Government to establish the emirate as an international aviation hub and a gateway to global markets," he said.

The latest announcement is part of DWC's multi-phased plan to develop a dedicated aviation cluster.

Covering over 6.8 sq km, the aviation district will be home to many aviation companies, including FBOs, MROs and light manufacturing once completed.

The new venue of Dubai Airshow 2013 will encompass a larger area than the current facility and will consist of a grand reception building, two large exhibition halls, and static display areas, which will offer more space to accommodate additional aircraft.

The show's Royal Pavilion for VIP visitors will be positioned to overview the display line and static display.