Over 1,000 delegates will take part in a voluntary assembly of Iata and non-Iata airlines in Abu Dhabi, wherein the global airline industry will optimise their winter 2014 schedules.

The biannual Iata Slot Conference will be held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec) in June next year.

With over 200 airlines and representatives of over 60 schedules-facilitated or fully co-ordinated airports, the conference goal is for airlines and airports to obtain the slots that will give them the best possible schedule to offer their customers, said a statement.

The conference is organised by World TEK Event & Travel Management. It is being hosted by Abu Dhabi Airports Company (Adac), Etihad Airways and Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau, who have estimated the conference will deliver a direct economic impact of Dh4.8 million ($1.3 million) to the emirate, it said.

Tony Douglas, CEO of Adac, said: “This gathering will bring many of the UAE capital’s key aviation partners, and potential partners, to a destination which has emerged as an international aviation hub, showcasing its merits as a key enabler in driving air transport connectivity between the region and the world.

 “Abu Dhabi Airports Company is eager to use this opportunity to introduce delegates to the huge investment being made by Abu Dhabi into its aviation infrastructure and to develop stronger working relationships with key stakeholders and strategic partners who play a crucial role in bringing Abu Dhabi’s vision for air transport to life,” he said.

“The business events sector is delivering significant guest nights and economic benefits to the emirate with the Convention Bureau having sealed five major conventions in as many months with more in the pipeline,” said Jassem Al Darmaki, deputy director general, TCA Abu Dhabi. - TradeArabia News Service