The 14th edition of the Airport Show, which featured 250 exhibitors from 39 countries in Dubai, concluded on Tuesday and proved to be the most successful edition since its launch in 2001 with 20 per cent increase in gross exhibition space.

This year’s Airport Show had two co-located events, the inaugural Travel Catering Expo (TCE) and the second Global Airport Leaders’ Forum (GALF).

Organised by Reed Exhibitions Middle East, the aviation industry exhibition occupied about 12,600 sq m of gross exhibition space in three halls at the Dubai International Conference and Exhibition Centre.

This year’s show grew substantially in terms of exhibition space, number of exhibitors, hosted buyers and registered delegates. More than 60 per cent of the exhibitors were repeat participants.

The Hosted Buyers programme which offers dedicated meetings between the buyers and sellers of latest innovation and technology, recorded a spectacular 80 per cent growth with an all-time high participation of 105 decision-makers from 38 airport operators and civil aviation authorities from 19 countries.

Exhibitors unveiled as many as 40 new technologies, products and solutions, many of which were Middle East debuts.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, president of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, chairman of Dubai Airports and chairman and chief executive of Emirates Airline and Group, said: “This year Airport Show increased by 20 per cent compared to last year. It’s a clear message that Middle East is one of the best important markets for the industry and that the future is very beneficial for the aviation industry. Dubai continues to invest in infrastructure just to meet the need of the future growth.”

Jamal Al Hai, Executive senior vice president, International Affairs and Communication, Dubai Airports, said: “Dubai Airports invest $7.8 billion to improve the aviation infrastructure in Dubai and also improve passenger capacity around 100 million. I believe that next year the show will be another story of success.”

George Hannouche, CEO, 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 trade show was designed for the airport procurement, supplies, solutions and technology for the Middle East region where estimated $100 billion investments, including $40 billion in the six GCC states, have been earmarked for airports expansion and new developments to handle the anticipated growth in air traffic. – TradeArabia News Service