BUSINESS opportunities in Iraq’s $50-billion aviation infrastructure projects will be highlighted during the Iraq Airports show, which will be held in Sulaymaniyah, south Kurdistan, from December 3 to 4, 2014.
Organised by Babylon International, and now in its fourth edition, the show will focus on the progress of Iraq’s ongoing airport projects, expansion and construction of new terminals, as well as best practices in air traffic control/air traffic management (ATC/ATM), safety and security, IT support, maintenance, operations and ground handling. Ram Muthaiah, general manager of Babylon International FZE, said the Iraqi aviation market currently offers vast economic potential and remains undeterred despite recent market challenges. “Air transport infrastructure in the country has crumbled after years of under-funding, but the Iraqi government has a clear vision to rebuild the aviation sector by injecting cash into redevelopment efforts and regaining international investor confidence,” he said.With a population of over 33 million, Iraq has 19 civilian airports and seven military air transport facilities, serving around 30 airlines, including its national carrier Iraqi Airways. Across the country, major airport infrastructure development programmes are under way as air travel demand within Iraq increases. Existing airports in Baghdad, Basra, Erbil, Najaf, Mosul and Sulaymaniyah are undergoing expansion, while new airports are being constructed in areas such as Karbala, Kirkuk and Dohuk. Iraqi Airways is also upbeat after it placed an order of 55 new aircraft, worth over $2.6 billion with global aeroplane manufacturers Boeing and Bombardier. The Iraq Airports conference and exhibition will feature over 60 companies from Iraq and overseas. The two-day event will be held at the Titanic Hotel Sulaymaniyah.