Regional airport growth continues to soar with $60bn developments on horizon

Fueled by strong economic growth and increased passenger traffic, the region is one of the fastest growing aviation markets in the world.

Major projects currently underway in the Gulf include the US$8.2bn Dubai World International Airport at Jebel Ali, the $6.8bn expansion of Abu Dhabi International Airport, the $5.5bn New Doha International Airport in Qatar and the $11.3bn upgrade of King Abdul Aziz, Madinah and Tabuk airports in Saudi Arabia.

In Africa, $3bn has been earmarked to expand Libya's Tripoli International Airport and build five new airports, $850m will be spent on airport projects in Egypt including Cairo International Airport and $725m on Tambo and Johannesburg International Airports and other regional developments in South Africa.

To match the continuing demand for airport supplies, the Airport Show has expanded its exhibition programme and preparations are well underway for its return to the Airport Expo Dubai in 2008. Next year's show is expected to attract 750 of the world's leading airport and aviation suppliers, making it one of the largest airport construction, operations, technology and services shows in the world.

"In the Middle East alone, airport developments and expansions are worth in excss of $37bn," said Nick Webb, Director of Streamline Marketing Group, organisers of the Airport Show. "An outstanding opportunity exists for airport suppliers and contractors to capitalise on this growth and meet with various developers across the region at the 2008 Airport Show."

Now in its 8th year, the annual event is held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Department of Civil Aviation and chairman of Emirates Group. It attracts a targeted audience of regional Civil Aviation departments, government officials, VIPs, consultants and contractors behind many of the region's airport developments, in addition to ground handlers, security personnel and airline representatives.

The show has become a major forum for the selection and pre-qualification of suppliers for airport development schemes. In 2008, the Dubai Department of Civil Aviation will use the event to source suppliers for the $33bn Dubai World Central Project and amongst other key developments.

Three new exhibition areas - air traffic control, ground handling and aviation security will have a dedicated forum at next year's show and two new conferences - baggage handling and emergency planning, will make their debut. The event will also host 12 national pavilions, representing countries such as Germany, France, UK, Canada, China, Singapore, India, Australia and Spain.

The expanded show will cover over 17,000sq.m of exhibition space which is a 35 percent increase on the previous year, and 30 percent more exhibition space has already been sold compared to this time last year.