The tenth edition of the Airport Show, the only event in the region dedicated exclusively to airport construction, operations, technology and services, will showcase growth opportunities in airport development and refurbishment worth AED235 billion (US$64 billion).
The show running from April 25 to 27 at the Dubai Airport Expo is held under the Patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of Dubai Airports.
It will host international exhibitors and suppliers exploring the growth potential offered by the fastest growing airport industry in the world in the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia (MENASA) region. With 39 airports currently under construction or renovation in the region, the tenth Airport Show will put the spotlight on the extensive opportunities for potential collaborations in specialised areas of airport development.
This year, more than 223 specialized providers and industry suppliers from 34 countries will attend the show. China, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Denmark, and Switzerland will host national pavilions that occupy a gross exhibition space of 10,508 square meters covering the West and Central Halls of the Expo.
His Excellency Jamal Al Hai, SVP Strategy & Development at Dubai Airports said: “Dubai International is the sixth busiest airport internationally in terms of passenger flow. The airport serves over 130 airlines flying to over 220 destinations across 6 continents. Hosting the Airport Show in Dubai is a reiteration of the emirate’s standing within the global aviation industry.”
He added: “Dubai has set international benchmarks in aviation industry through a number of initiatives the latest being the forthcoming opening of Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International. This in turn has been a catalyst for the growth of this year’s Airport Show.”
Announcing the details of the Airport Show at a press conference here today, Ara Fernezian, Group Exhibition Director, Reed Exhibitions Middle East, said that the Show has gained tremendously from the emergence of Dubai as a major hub for air traffic in the Middle East region.
“This year’s show has attracted stronger interest and participation from a range of global leaders in the industry specialised in six key sectors: airport build, supply, security, technology, ground support, operation and air traffic control,” he said.
Highlighting the growth of the Airport Show, Fernezian explained: “Both the number of participants and number of participating countries has increased this year. We have confirmed participation of over 223 exhibitors from 34 countries - several of them as part of dedicated country pavilions- compared to 210 exhibitors from 29 countries which means a 6% increase over last year for exhibitors and 17% growth in the number of participating countries. The international exhibitor presence has grown to 166 compared to 150 in 2009, an increase of 10%. The net exhibitor space this year has also increased to 4750 sq metres from 4438 square meters last year, registering a growth rate of 7%.”
Fernezian highlighted the importance of networking events that will be hosted at the show. “As part of strengthening returns on investments for our exhibitors, we are expanding the Hosted Buyer Programme this year with 54 Hosted Buyers compared to 38 in the last show. This programme aims at providing a highly interactive business platform that brings together key players, developers and managers of Airports from around the region as well as potential suppliers and solutions providers.”
Another introduction to the Show this year are the Project Seminars, where project owners, managers and suppliers come together to discuss plans and close deals. “This programme highlights the Show’s relevance as a facilitator for stronger industry linkages,” Fernezian added.
The Airport Show Gala Dinner will host for the first time the Emerging Markets Airports Awards (EMAA), to honour industry leaders and key players for their outstanding work, dedication and accomplishments.
Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman and Managing Director of the Dubai World Central, and Jamal Al Hai, SVP Strategy & Development at Dubai Airports, attended the press conference.
