The inaugural Global Aerospace Summit opened in Abu Dhabi today (April 16) with more than 700 delegates from aerospace, aviation and space sectors.

The two-day summit is being held at St Regis Hotel on Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Island.

Opening the summit, Sultan Saeed Al Mansoori, Minister of Economy for the United Arab Emirates said the event provided “an opportunity to demonstrate the country’s progress and ambition in the aerospace, aviation and space sectors.”

He underlined the government’s support for a culture of partnerships spanning the public and private sectors.

“As the UAE moves from an economy that has a solid base through natural resource revenues to one that will be sustained in the long-term through a diversified, knowledge-based approach, it is vital that we provide a platform for thought leadership,” Al Mansoori added.

Tony Tyler, director general and CEO, International Air Transport Association (Iata), said: “Aviation’s importance as a catalyst for growth is well-understood in the Middle East and particularly in the Gulf region, where airports rise from the desert ahead of the demand curve, not behind it.”

“Governments work in partnership with industry through forward-looking policies that value aviation as a generator of wealth and jobs… So when I am asked what the future of aviation will look like, I am tempted to respond that I hope it bears more than a passing resemblance to what is occurring today in the UAE.”

However, he warned that “a bright future is not guaranteed” and called for a shared agenda between industry and government on the issues of safety, security, infrastructure and environment. – TradeArabia News Service