Dubai Airport Show 2018 officially opens
HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group and Patron of Airport Show, opened the 18th edition of Airport Show in Dubai.
Opening the worlds largest annual aviation event, HH Sheikh Maktoum said: “The contribution of the aviation sector to Dubais GDP has been growing steadily and is expected to reach 38%, thus creating more jobs and
aiding overall growth. The government wants to work with the private sector to bring in more traffic and business to Dubai to support the new initiatives.
The 18 th edition of Airport Show features two new co-located events, Air Traffic Control Forum, Airport Security Middle East, in addition to CAPA-Centre of Aviation Global Airport Leaders Forum (GALF) and Women in
Aviation.
Dubai Civil Aviation Authority director general, HE Mohammed Abdullah Ahli, said: Our participation in the show is in line with our objectives of benefiting from the latest knowledge and expertise along with the best practices in managing air traffic growth.
“The Middle East aviation industry is witnessing an exciting time with the region recording the second highest passenger traffic growth rate and continuing with its multi-billion- dollar airport expansion and modernisation programs. Whether it is the latest scanning technologies, passenger experiences or robot baggage handlers the regions airports are investing in the latest of technology and concepts and stay ahead of competition. This exciting time in the industry will be reflected at the Airport Show 2018.
The worlds largest annual aviation event brings together more than 300 exhibitors from over 90 countries under one roof to showcase their innovative and game-changing products offered to key decision-makers across the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia (MENASA) aviation industry, which is witnessing a massive growth.
The show is supported by International Civil Aviation Authority (ICAO), Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP), Dubai Airports, dnata, Contractors Association and Shipping and Cargo Logistics Group (SCLG).
Delivering the keynote Address at the Global Airport Leaders Forum (GALF), Dubai Airports CEO, Paul Griffiths, said: Technology will improve the airport experience for the future of travellers as most of things they hate today will be removed such as security hassle, long distance to the aircraft among others. 10 million passengers take plane every day and it will go up to 21 million by 2035. Dubai has spent $12bn on infrastructure to boost the capacity to 90 million at Dubai International airport.
Airport Show organisers Reed Exhibitions said the show is a complete sell-out with 10% increase in participation and space.
Daniyal Qureshi, group exhibition director at Reed Exhibitions Middle East, said: The Middle East region has been recording a phenomenal growth in terms of passengers as well in infrastructural investments. This has generated a tremendous interest from global aviation players and Airport Show provides an ideal platform bringing companies,
organisations and decision-makers from all over the world on this platform to explore the latest technology as well as information.
