Gulf airlines have been driving many developments in the aircraft interiors market as they take advantage of new aircraft orders to introduce technologies that enhance the passenger experience, said a top official.

“The upcoming Aircraft Interiors Middle East (AIME) promises to be an important business event for the aviation sector, regionally and globally,” added Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, president of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, chairman of Dubai Airports, and CEO and chairman of Emirates Airline & Group.

AIME will take place on February 5 and 6 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).

Hot on the heels of the Dubai Airshow in 2013, which witnessed more than $200 billion in aircraft orders for local carriers, the upcoming AIME will bring suppliers and carriers together.

Boeing’s Current Market Outlook (CMO) 2013-2032 report predicts Middle East Airlines will require 2610 new aircraft worth an estimated $550 billion over the next 20 years.

“Dubai is actually a focal point for air traffic” says Mario Schisa, CEO of returning exhibitor Aviointeriors, the Italian aircraft seating manufacturer, which will use AIME 2014 to launch their new international business class seat.

AIME also features a dedicated inflight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) pavilion in partnership with HMG Aerospace (publisher of Inflight magazine); which is set to be a major differentiator in an increasingly competitive market - attendees will see exhibitors such as OnAir, GOGO  and THALES; who will be showcasing the latest in technology and innovation.

As well as the pavilion, this year’s AIME will also see the first Inflight IFEC workshops and an award ceremony specifically for this sector.

Michele van Akelijen, managing director, F&E Aerospace, organisers of AIME, said: “We saw a mammoth order book at Dubai Airshow 2013 - AIME is aligned with regional demand and we expect AIME and MRO Middle East to underpin this need for expansion, renewed fleets and investment in infrastructure across the region.”

While twin-aisle models are predicted to account for 24 per cent of new aircraft globally, that figure almost doubles to 47 per cent in the Middle East, according to Boeing’s Current Market Outlook (CMO) 2013-2032 report.

Tim Garvin, vice president Sales, Regent Aerospace Corporation, said: “Attending AIME provides us with the right type of opportunity to meet our clients and helps us continue to explore this dynamic market.” – TradeArabia News Service