The world’s largest annual airport exhibition in Dubai is going to be power-packed when it returns for its 19th year run in April 2019 with a record 375 exhibitors expected from 60 countries.

To be held under the patronage of Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, president of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, chairman of Dubai Airports and Chairman and chief executive of Emirates Airline and Group, the Airport Show, organised by Reed Exhibitions Middle East, will take place at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC) from April 29 - May 1.

About 7,500 attendees are expected to attend the B2B show, with 75 per cent exhibitors returning after a highly-successful 2018 participation. The show will take place over an exhibition space of over 15,000-sq-m across three Zabeel halls of the iconic DICEC, with visitors and hosted buyers from across the world getting the latest insights from leading international exhibitors and industry experts.

The aviation industry is soaring new heights of growth and expansion. An investment of $90 billion is projected to go into the aviation industry in the Middle East by 2020; more than three-fourths of which is in the Arabian Gulf states alone. According to CAPA, $255 billion is being invested in new (Greenfield) airport projects around the world. Together with the $845 billion investment in existing airport projects such as new runways, terminal buildings and extensions, $1.1 trillion in airport infrastructure projects are planned or underway. Currently, there are 415 new airport projects in the world, of which 64 are located in the Middle East alone.  

There are currently over 2,300 airport construction projects worldwide, varying from $1 million to $20 billion in investments. UAE airports are investing up to $50 billion in new and expanded projects over the next 15 years, which will provide capacity for an additional 200 million passengers per annum.

Sheikh Ahmed remarked: “With passenger numbers expected to continue their growth trajectory and drive airport expansion projects to accommodate the demand, the UAE’s aviation sector remains a key driver of our economic growth. The Airport Show, with all the co-located events, is an ideal platform the Middle East, Africa and South Asia’s aviation authorities, companies and individuals to come together and collaborate with international experts and leaders to improve global aviation.”

The Airport Show 2019 will have two co-located events: Air Traffic Control (ATC) Forum and Airport Security Middle East, as well as providing leading conferences:  a newly-revamped Global Airport Leaders Forum (GALF), Women in Aviation (WIA) General Assembly and a new addition, CAPA’s Middle East & Africa Aviation Summit.

The event will also focus on the theme of ‘Smart Airports’, which will bring together the most influential innovations that are shaping the design, features and day-to-day operations of the modern airport. Exhibitors who have breakthrough technologies will be highlighted on the show floor, a new Smart Airports Conference will take place on day 1 of Galf and the new Innovation Hub will present a selection of innovators from across the globe who will be showcasing their breakthrough technologies set to shape the future airport experience.  

A dedicated ‘Live Stage’ featuring CPD accredited industry presentations will also be available for all visitors to attend for free.
 
Daniyal Qureshi, group exhibition director at Reed Exhibitions Middle East, said: “The show continues to grow from strength to strength. 75 per cent of our exhibitors have already confirmed they will be back next year, demonstrating the region’s economic attractiveness and valuable opportunities the event delivers. Our new smart theme is a clear signal that more than ever the industry needs to work together to revolutionise the future passenger experience. Airports are investing in the latest technologies and concepts to delight customers and stay ahead of the competition and our event is the leading global platform to highlight the new technologies being adopted by our exciting industry.”
 
He continued: “Last year, the largest number of regional hosted buyers - 190, came from 34 countries and this year we aim to exceed 300 buyers hosted at multiple content and networking events. The show has everything related to airports under one roof and we are pleased to facilitate regional airport growth and development through its exclusive matchmaking platform.” - TradeArabia News Service