Airport Show to showcase growth opportunities in region’s AED 220 billion airport infrastructure projects
HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum: “Upgrade of facilities for next generation of super-jumbos creates outstanding opportunities for airport suppliers and contractors”
The region’s AED 220 billion investments in airport infrastructure projects will take the spotlight at this year’s edition of the Airport Show to be held from May 19 to 21 at the Dubai Airport Expo.
The latest edition of the Airport Show (www.theairportshow.com) is set to attract over 300 exhibitors from more than 40 countries. The event, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman, Dubai Airports, is organized by Reed Exhibitions, the world’s leading event organiser.
According to MEED (Middle East Economic Digest), more than AED 165 billion worth of airport-related projects are under way in the GCC, Iraq and Iran. Further afield, analysts estimate that airport development in the larger Middle East, North Africa and Asian subcontinent will be worth an additional AED 55 billion in planned and ongoing projects, bringing the total investments to AED 220 billion. With 39 airports being constructed or modernised across the Middle East, Africa and India, the region offers business opportunities for suppliers across the value chain of airport development and operations.
In a statement released with preparations underway for the Airport Show’s 2009 edition, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum said, “With billions of dollars earmarked for airport developments across the Middle East, Africa and the Indian Subcontinent, the region represents one of the fastest-growing aviation markets in the world today”.
“As regional civil aviations continue to construct brand new terminals, concourses and runways, and upgrade their existing facilities in preparation for the next generation of super-jumbos, this pace of modernisation creates outstanding opportunities for airport suppliers and contractors.”
Noting that the annual Airport Show was one of the world's largest events focusing on airport construction, technology and services, Sheikh Ahmed noted that “the event offers suppliers a unique forum to network with civil aviation officials and airport companies, as well as consultants and contractors from the sector, from across the region. Several other regional civil aviation entities will also be on hand to discuss their own developments in pre-scheduled, private meetings with exhibitors”.
Airport Show is supported by leading aviation authorities and trade bodies including Dubai Airports, Abu Dhabi Airports Company, British Aviation Group, British Airport Services & Equipment Association, German Airport Technology & Equipment (GATE), UBIFRANCE (the French Agency for international business development) and Danish Airport Group.
Frederic Theux, President of Reed Exhibitions Middle East said, "The region views airport development as an integral part of the economic diversification agenda. Reed is pleased to present the 2009 Airport Show in conjunction with our partners and leading government authorities. We believe the Airport Show platform creates an ideal environment for participants to network with industry peers, gain insights on industry trends and conclude business deals."
First held in 2001, the Airport Show has progressed rapidly to become one of the largest airport construction, operations, technology and services events in the world. The 2008 edition showcased 515 suppliers from 41 countries, over 17,000 sqm of exhibit space, and drew more than 5,000 trade professionals.
