THE region’s Dh220 billion investments in airport infrastructure projects will take the spotlight at this year’s edition of the Airport Show to be held from May 19 to 21 at the Dubai Airport Expo.
The latest edition of the Airport Show (www.theairportshow.com) is set to attract over 300 exhibitors from more than 40 countries. The event, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, president of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and chairman, Dubai Airports, is organised by Reed Exhibitions, the world’s leading event organiser.
According to MEED (Middle East Economic Digest), more than AED 165 billion worth of airport-related projects are under way in the GCC, Iraq and Iran. Further afield, analysts estimate that airport development in the larger Middle East, North Africa and Asian subcontinent will be worth an additional Dh55 billion in planned and ongoing projects, bringing the total investments to Dh220 billion. With 39 airports being constructed or modernised across the Middle East, Africa and India, the region offers business opportunities for suppliers across the value chain of airport development and operations.
In a statement released with preparations underway for the Airport Show’s 2009 edition, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum said, “With billions of dollars earmarked for airport developments across the Middle East, Africa and the Indian Subcontinent, the region represents one of the fastest-growing aviation markets in the world today.
“As regional civil aviations continue to construct brand new terminals, concourses and runways, and upgrade their existing facilities in preparation for the next generation of super-jumbos, this pace of modernisation creates outstanding opportunities for airport suppliers and contractors.”
First held in 2001, the Airport Show has progressed rapidly to become one of the largest airport construction, operations, technology and services events in the world. The event is supported by leading aviation authorities and trade bodies including Dubai Airports, Abu Dhabi Airports Company, British Aviation Group, British Airport Services & Equipment Association, German Airport Technology & Equipment (GATE), UBIFRANCE (the French Agency for international business development) and Danish Airport Group.
