Mideast aviation market resilient to global downturn, says HH Sheikh Ahmed

Speaking at the opening of Aircraft Interiors Middle East 2008 (AIME) - the dedicated aircraft interiors sector event which opened today featuring 100 companies from 15 countries - His Highness reiterated how impressive regional aviation growth was driving the international aircraft interiors market, and that Middle Eastern carriers and business jet operators, were leading the way in innovation and demand.

"The global aviation industry is enjoying mixed fortunes at the moment - there is both positive and negative news. But here in Dubai we believe there is the potential for it to be all good news especially for all of those in the aircraft interiors sector - which is entering one of the most exciting stages in its recent development,"

said HH Sheikh Ahmed.

"While we hear of airlines around the world cancelling back routes and postponing orders, in the Gulf we continue to see unrivalled growth. Although some routes may be affected, others are growing at a rapid pace. That is why Emirates Airlines continues to push for the new fleet deliveries we need to sustain our growth - we believe that growth will continue despite the global economic uncertainty.

"And we are not alone. Gulf Air has bought new jets in the past month, in Abu Dhabi, Etihad is driving an ambitious growth strategy, and we've recently seen the introduction of several more low-cost carriers operating regionally.

"At the same time, as pioneers of Open Skies, we are seeing new trans-Atlantic routes opening up and importantly, more airlines are continuing to come here, with most planning to utilise the new Al Maktoum airport at Dubai World Central Aviation City when it begins operations next year.
"And so, it is fair to say, the aviation industry is booming in the Middle East. Subsequently, it is creating opportunities in the aircraft interiors market for both designers and the people who supply them with materials and equipment," he added.

His Highness also outlined the key trends influencing the aircraft interiors market including the wider range of choice for in-flight entertainment, passenger comfort, in-flight wellbeing and catering - all of which are addressed at AIME 2008 - which runs till 17th June at the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre (DICEC).

"Increasingly, what is happening in the cabin in terms of design and installation is having a huge impact on areas such as weight, connectivity and of course passenger satisfaction. This industry is producing new ideas that save weight, which in turn saves fuel and therefore saves money," he said.

"The Middle East's aerospace market - which is predicted to buy and receive an additional 870 aircraft by 2027 - is proving to be an important growth catalyst for the international aircraft interiors market. Regional airlines have, for some time, been recognised as agenda-setters on aviation interior advancements and their specifications are now amongst the most demanding."

"As such, the strength and breadth of products and technologies being embodied across airline fleets industry-wide is testament to the sector's evolution; and creates a roadmap of where future standards may be heading."

In terms of on-board technological advancements, regional carriers have already set new standards. Emirates Airlines, which will receive its first A380 aircraft in the coming weeks, was the first commercial airline to allow passengers to make mobile phone calls during flights.

Having pioneered the use of state-of-the-art technology, which stops mobiles from interfering with a plane's electronics, the Dubai-based company now plans to extend the system to more aircraft later this year.

"We are seeing new technology being introduced that is providing virtually a home entertainment system for every passenger on board while at the same time we see systems that allow them to make phone calls or use the internet to keep in touch with their offices or homes while travelling."

The show's organisers, F&E Aerospace - the company behind top aviation events such as Dubai Airshow and MEBA - echoed His Highness' optimism and said that AIME's debut was a case of the time being right for a regional platform to address the booming aircraft interiors market.

"The aircraft interiors industry is reaching new heights, especially here in the Middle East. Passengers and airline operators are looking for the ultimate in aircraft luxury, refinement, connectivity and comfort, which has brought about a significant boom within the global aircraft interiors industry," said Virginia Kern, Chairman, Fairs & Exhibitions.

"This growth is clearly having a considerable knock-on effect for the aircraft interiors market as suppliers, providers and developers seek to increase their regional presence - something which is evident by the strong participation at this year's inaugural Aircraft Interiors Middle East.

"Therefore the need for a dedicated B2B forum to address this surging market is critical to its continued evolution. The launch of AIME is the realisation of just that. By providing a world-class industry platform, we are actively promoting the exchange of ideas and the uptake and development of new technology and products to better serve the segment's advancement."

AIME 2008 is expecting a visitor turnout of 2,000 over the show's two days. This region's first-of-its-kind event is focusing on aircraft and VIP interiors, airline cabin systems and in-flight entertainment.

Its exhibitor profile spans design, seating, textiles, finishes, lighting, flooring, galleys and galley equipment, waste management, safety equipment, power supply, lavatory products, laminates, food service equipment, upgrades, replacement parts, cabin systems integration, touch screens, seat interfaces, food products, comfort products, amenity kits, refrigeration, completion centres, security products, biometrics, cockpit doors, medical equipment, air quality products, catering facilities and electrical systems.