Ahmed Bin Saeed Opens Airport Show 2024 In Dubai Amidst Bright Outlook For Global Aviation Industry

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, inaugurated the 23rd edition of Airport Show at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) on Tuesday, 14th May 2024. The exhibition, which is dedicated to the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA), opened amidst a positive outlook for the global aviation industry, particularly in the Middle East.

The region is experiencing a complete recovery, with prospects for record-breaking passenger numbers and significant airport expansions. These developments solidify Dubai's position as the global hub of civil aviation.In his opening speech, Sheikh Ahmed emphasized the importance of the Airport Show as a prominent B2B platform for the airport industry. He highlighted the event's role in facilitating knowledge exchange about fast-changing business dynamics, emerging trends, and disruptive technologies. With airports worldwide aiming for growth in terms of targets, investments, and innovations, this exhibition provides airport leaders with a unique opportunity to explore advancements in airport sustainability, digitalization, and urban air mobility.

This year's Airport Show takes place following Dubai's announcement of plans to construct the world's largest airport terminal. The Al Maktoum International Airport, with an estimated cost of $35 billion, will have a capacity for 260 million passengers upon completion. This is five times larger than the current Dubai International (DXB) airport. Over the next few years, all operations at DXB will be transferred to Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC). The new passenger terminal at Dubai World Central will have a capacity of 260 million passengers annually and will fully absorb DXB's operations within ten years. It will feature five parallel runways and 400 aircraft gates.

The future growth of the aviation industry is exemplified by Emirates, the world's largest long-haul airline. The company recently reported a record annual profit of $4.7 billion for the financial year ending on 31st March, representing a 63 percent increase from the previous year's profit of $2.72 billion. This success positions Emirates for further growth in the future.Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, expressed his excitement about the expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC). He emphasized that this project is not just about building another airport but about shaping the future of air travel and reimagining the airport experience. With an investment of AED128 billion, Dubai is committed to providing world-class infrastructure and experiences for its diverse and rapidly growing number of guests.

The positive outlook for the aviation industry is supported by the Airports Council International (ACI), which predicts that global passenger traffic will reach a milestone in 2024, surpassing the all-time high of 9.2 billion passengers handled in 2019. Additionally, aircraft movements are expected to grow to 111.6 million by 2026, with airports worldwide handling 153.8 million aircraft movements by 2041.The Airport Show, organized by RX, a London-based company that hosts over 400 events in 22 countries across 42 industry sectors, is expected to attract over 6,000 trade visitors and professionals over three days. The exhibition includes four co-located events: the Air Traffic Control Forum, Airport Security Middle East, the Global Airport Leaders' Forum (GALF), and the Women in Aviation (WIA) Middle East Chapter Conference. This trade-only exhibition provides opportunities to explore advanced airport technologies, innovations, and solutions while networking with industry leaders.

With over 150 exhibitors from more than 20 countries, including four country pavilions and over 120 buyers from more than 35 countries, the Airport Show offers a diverse range of products and services. The event also features the popular Business Connect Programme, facilitating over 3,500 meetings between exhibitors and buyers. Global companies such as Smiths Detection, emaratech, Siemens, Honeywell, TLD, Aviramp GSE, ITW GSE, ADB Safegate, and Airport Labs are among the exhibitors.

The exhibition attracts key airport project leaders from around the world. Participants include Air India SATS Airport Services, Airports of Thailand, Angkasa Pura Airports of Indonesia, Armenia International Airports, Singapore's BOC Aviation, CAAB of Botswana, Egyptian Airports Company (EAC), Erbil International Airport, Hong Kong International Airport, Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority, New Delhi Airport, Ntech Aviation of South Africa, Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority, Uganda Civil Aviation Authority, and Yerevan Zvartnots International Airport of Armenia.Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum and with the support of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), Dubai Airports, Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP), Emirates Airline and Group, Dubai Air Navigation Services (dans), and dnata, the Airport Show is a significant event in the aviation industry. It showcases Dubai's commitment to remaining at the forefront of the aviation industry for years to come.

With inputs from WAM