Top UK aviation equipment manufacturers are seeking to extend their presence in the Middle East as the region forges ahead with $10 billion worth of airport developments.
Leading energy and transport infrastructure manufacturer ALSTOM and specialist flooring manufacturer Flowcrete have joined an international line-up of exhibitors competing for lucrative contracts during the third Airport Build & Supply Exhibition and Conference taking place at Airport Expo Dubai from June 2-4. Organised by event management and marketing specialists Streamline Marketing, the exhibition is a vital showcase for airport suppliers from around the world. Companies like ALSTOM and Flowcrete, have high hopes of capitalising on the huge amount of airport development in the region. With annual sales volumes in excess of $24.5 billion and more than 118,000 employees in 70 countries, the ALSTOM Group has offices throughout the Middle East with the company's UK-based Airport Division mainly using the ALSTOM network offices in Sharjah, Riyadh, and Amman. ALSTOM airfield lightning equipment and control systems have been installed on more than 600 airports worldwide, and the company has just completed a project for Jizan Airport, Saudi Arabia. In addition, the company is constantly working on helipads and on providing obstruction lightning in the Middle East. The company's stand at the Airport Build & Supply Exhibition and Conference will feature an ALSTOM SmartControl demonstration unit that has simulated working examples of the control systems installed on London Gatwick, London Luton, East Midlands, Birmingham and Heraklion airports. First-time exhibitor Flowcrete is a leading manufacturer of resin based industrial and commercial flooring materials, car park deck coatings and corrosion protection systems. The company, which opened its office in Dubai three years ago, hopes its debut at the exhibition would help it to find reliable joint venture partners in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Egypt. "The sales volumes we generate in the region are expected to reach £1 million ($1.57 million) this year and we're looking to increase this figure dramatically as a result of the meetings we'll have in Dubai with key airport officials and engineers," said Ian Dawson, general manager, Flowcrete Middle East.