Arabian Reach, the organisers of the prestigious Emerging Markets Airports Awards (EMAA) said they have received record number of nominations.

“In just one month of online nominations, over 4500 entries have poured in, an encouraging figure by any standard,” said John Ellis, chief executive officer, Arabian Reach.

“We are delighted with the response to the first EMAA Awards. Given 2009 was a difficult year for the global airports industry, having such a healthy number of entries from across the Middle East, Russia, CIS and the Indian sub-continent gives the Awards greater credibility.”

The Middle East airports are expected to invest $86 billion (Dh315.62 billion) in expansion plans. This is estimated to double after 2025, with major airports in the region turning into global hubs, according to new study by market research company Frost and Sullivan, a reputed international business research and consulting firm, also the auditors of EMAA.

The awards were created to recognise the outstanding achievements of individuals and airport companies, focussing on areas the particular airport has made significant progress in.

Nominations for EMAA 2010 which began in December 2009, will end on February 14, 2010.

“Winning this prestigious award, which is already being touted as the Oscars of the airport industry, is the best industry acknowledgement and the unprecedented number of entries highlights just that,” said Ellis.

The idea of having a distinguished award function recognising the talents of the industry across the Mid East and other emerging markets was voiced during the last inter airport Europe 2009 trade fair that took place from October 6 to 9 at the Munich Trade Fair Centre in Germany.

The 2010 EMA Awards will be announced in Dubai on April 26.-TradeArabia News Service