The 10th Airport Show in Dubai that ran from April 25-27, highlighted the growth potential of the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia regions in the airports and aviation sector, and reiterated Dubai’s standing as a premier destination for business negotiations in the region. The show attracted more than 4,700 attendees from 63 countries over three days.
“We are pleased with the results of this year’s Airport Show that were reinforced with positive feedback from exhibitors and key industry leaders. The level of interest and engagement by the visitors at the event was outstanding,” said Ara Fernezian, Group Exhibition Director, Reed Exhibitions. “A highlight of the event was our Hosted Buyer Program which represented 54 executives in the process of equipping and upgrading infrastructure of over 30 airports’ across the MENA and South Asia regions.”
Global and regional exhibitors, buyers and pavilion leaders from Jordan to the UK called the 10th Dubai Airport Show a successful business event, and expressed their confidence in the Middle East as a leading region driving the aviation and airport industry.
Mr. Lee Ebbutt, from Oman Airports Company said: “Participating at the Airport Show presents excellent opportunity for us as we have many projects underway in Oman. There are a great number of specialized companies introducing brilliant products and services that will help us leverage capabilities of our new airports”. As a participant in the Hosted Buyer Program, Mr. Ebbutt states “Six airports projects are to be implemented over the next few years in Oman. The Muscat and Salalah airport projects alone are estimated at USD 5.5 billion. We have managed to progress significantly with some exhibitors who will supply us with some of our requirements”.
Mr. S. Sittarasu, Marketing Manager, Maharashtra Airport Development Company states: “India is making remarkable progress in the aviation domain and has major plans for airport expansion and building a solid infrastructure equipped with the latest innovations. Investment of about 100 to 125 million US dollars is already in process at airports that are expanding the Maharashtra state in India.”
“We are specifically looking for airport equipment such as ground security, surveillance, airway navigation and radar systems”, said Mr. Sittarasu. “This exhibition provided us the opportunity to discover the latest products and services in the industry.”
Mr. Dieter A. Heinz – President of German Association Gate - Airport Technology and Equipment, that has participated at the Airport Show every year since its launch in 2001 - said: “We continue to select this show because it provides an opportunity like no other; it’s the best destination for business opportunities.” Germany is known for its airport equipment and infrastructural solutions and was the supplier of choice for ground handling among the hosted buyers.
Mr. Song Dayu from China National Aviation Fuel (CNAF) said: “We are honored and proud to be here for the first time this year. Dubai is regarded the most important business centre and the Airport Show is highly ranked in China as one of the biggest and most successful shows dedicated to the aviation industry.”
Chinese exhibitors showcased a wide range of products and services to help in the development and maintenance of airport facilities including Conventional Aircraft Tractor and Towbarless Tractor; Container/Pallet Loader; Aircraft Refuller; Aircraft Conditioning Unit; Airport Bus; Airport Firefighting Vehicle; Airport Security Inspection System; Passenger Boarding Bridge System and Airport Friction Measuring System.
The Airport Show 2010 hosted a number of networking events including Innovation Seminars, Project Seminars and Roundtable Discussions. 16 Innovation Seminars presented an overview on new solutions and technologies to increase efficiency, cut operational costs and enhance customer safety and comfort in airports. Project Seminars at the Show provided insights into Airport projects under expansion, construction or renovation.
The Airport Show 2010 is supported by leading aviation companies and trade bodies including Dubai Airports, Abu Dhabi Airports Company, German Airport Technology and Equipment, Danish Airport Group, British Aviation Group, British Airport Services and Equipment Association, and UBIFRANCE, the French Agency for International Business Development.
