Dubai’s Airport Show concludes 14th edition
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The 14th edition of the Airport Show concluded on Tuesday having grown substantially in terms of exhibition space, number of exhibitors, hosted buyers and registered delegates.
The 2014 edition recorded a 20% annual increase in exhibition space, and featured 250 exhibitors from 39 countries. More than 60% of the exhibitors were repeat participants. Exhibitors utilised the Airport Show to unveil as many as 40 new technologies, products and solutions, many of which were Middle East debuts.
Commenting on the show, George Hannouche, CEO of Bayanat Airport Engineering Supplies (BAES), said; “It was great show for us to meet and discuss deals with decision makers interested to improve their airports in the Middle East. It was also a wonderful opportunity for his company just to see the latest technology and promote new technologies worldwide. Dubai is one of the best markets in aviation.”
The Hosted Buyers programme which offers dedicated meetings between the buyers and sellers of latest innovation and technology, recorded a 80% growth with an all-time high participation of 105 decision-makers from 38 airport operators and civil aviation authorities from 19 countries.
The trade show was designed for the airport procurement, supplies, solutions and technology for the Middle East region where estimated US$100 billion investments, including US$40 billion in the six GCC states, have been earmarked for airports expansion and new developments to handle the anticipated growth in air traffic.
This year’s Airport Show also had two co-located events, the inaugural Travel Catering Expo (TCE) and 2nd Global Airport Leaders’ Forum (GALF).
GALF, a two-day knowledge sharing platform for the aviation industry professionals, hosted line-up of 30 key global government decision-makers and policy makers.
The inaugural session saw key players of the UAE and global aviation industry debating about enhancing competitiveness to broaden the socio-economic role and contribution of airports.
In his keynote address, Omar Bin Ghaleb, Deputy Director General of General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), said the aviation industry has been able to continue its growth and expansion in spite of the enormous challenges and obstacles.
“The challenges faced by the aviation industry are huge, while the quick solutions are limited. We need to look at broadening cooperation and coordination among the stakeholders and adopt latest technologies that will contribute to air traffic management efficiency to accommodate the anticipate air traffic growth,” he said.
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