World’s Top Airlines and Airports Define the Future of the Industry
The UAE Capital, Abu Dhabi, will once again host the Middle East Aviation Outlook Summit for the 2nd year in a row. This important conference will bring together leaders from the world’s top airlines and airports to define the future of the industry. The event will be held at the prestigious Beach Rotana Hotel & Towers, Abu Dhabi from 3 to 5 March 2009.
Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) and Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority are the Host Sponsors of the Summit, and Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, is the Official Carrier. H.E. Khalifa Al Mazrouei, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Airports Company, will address the conference, which will be chaired by Peter Harbison, Executive Chairman of CAPA.
H.E. Khalifa Al Mazrouei, ADAC Chairman, expressed his support for the conference: “ADAC is committed to facilitating dialogue between our most respected industry peers through our sponsorship. The fast-paced dynamic aviation sector offers many opportunities and challenges. This conference offers a chance for aviation professionals to share knowledge and experiences and develop industry-recognised best practice.”
Abu Dhabi International Airport is currently undergoing a major AED 25 billion (US $6.8 billion) redevelopment programme drawing on such international best practice standards. The redevelopment is spurred by the exponential increase in demand for airport facilities in Abu Dhabi, and includes a second runway, which opened in the final quarter of 2008, a third passenger terminal, a new cargo terminal due for completion in 2010, and the Midfield Terminal Complex, which is scheduled for completion in 2012.
Organized by Terrapinn, the leading business media company in coordination with the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA), the summit has established itself as the region’s premier strategic forum for the aviation industry. It will consist of a high-level speaker program and an accompanying exhibition.
Hifazat Ahmad, General Manager Terrapinn Middle East, says: “The Middle East remains the key market for growth in the aviation industry, and one you need to be part of. It is where the future makers of Middle East aviation gather to discuss the shape of things to come.”
“The economic diversification plans of regional governments has ensured focus on tourism development projects and attracting tourists to the region, helping fuel double digit aviation and tourism growth. Abu Dhabi is the best example of these diversification plans with its 2030 plan that looks at every aspect of the development of the emirate; economic, environmental and social. The impressive vision and amazing dynamism and speed at which Abu Dhabi is implementing its programmes makes it the perfect venue for this landmark event,” Hifazat Ahmad adds.
Al Mazrouei concludes: “Abu Dhabi’s star as a world class centre for investment, tourism and commerce is rising. This is reflected in the passenger traffic figures - up by over 30 per in the last couple of years. In 2008 alone, we welcomed seven new airlines to Abu Dhabi International Airport, which increased the number of airlines operating out of Abu Dhabi airport to 41.
“With the wide ranging events and developments taking place in the Emirate, we expect demand to continue to increase. Our redevelopment programme is creating a world class facility that will provide capacity for today and the future. We look forward to sharing our experience with our peers at the conference.”
An unprecedented assembly of up to 250 industry leaders are expected to gather in Abu Dhabi for this crucial event, with participants including government ministers and CEOs from the leading airlines, airports, investors, suppliers and tourism/property developers with an interest in the region.
