Airport Show gives suppliers chance to capitalise on USD10 billion expansions

Organised by Streamline Marketing, the third Airport Build & Supply Exhibition and Conference has been commissioned by the Dubai Department of Civil Aviation (DDCA) in its bid to ensure a new generation of airports across the region are built to the most technologically advanced specifications possible.

Taking place at Airport Expo Dubai from June 2-4, the exhibition is being held under the patronage of H.H.Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, president of the DCA, and will be exclusively for companies wishing to meet the decision-makers on these massive airport projects.

A targeted audience of regional departments of Civil Aviation, key players on regional airport projects, government departments, VIPs and UAE-based consultants and contractors, are being invited. Each exhibitor will have private meetings with DCA project managers, engineers or architects to discuss Dubai International Airport's US$4.1billion expansion. DCA officials from neighbouring countries will also be encouraged to schedule private meetings with exhibitors.

H.H.Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum said: 'With over US$10 billion earmarked for expanding and upgrading regional airports, the Middle East offers unrivalled opportunities for the world's airport and aviation suppliers.

'New airport development projects from Egypt to Saudi Arabia are receiving top priority from Governments in their drive to achieve and maintain international safety, security and technological standards. The exhibition will give participating companies a unique platform to meet with regional project decision-makers and showcase their products, services and technologies.'

Joanne Evans, director of Streamline Marketing, the event management and marketing specialists, said: 'The exhibition is essentially for suppliers of equipment and services needed by airports, and we anticipate an increased number of major exhibitors from around the world.'

The event spotlights the Government of Dubai's development plan to make Dubai International Airport one of the world's leading aviation hubs, at a time when other major airport developments are under way in Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Bahrain, Libya, Kuwait, Tunisia, Algeria, Oman, Morocco, Ajman, Syria, Sharjah and Al Ain.

Work is now under way on the expansion of Terminal Two in Dubai at a cost of US$137 million.

Phase One, which includes the construction of an interim terminal building, will be completed by August. The second phase, to be completed by 2005, includes construction of a larger and more passenger friendly Terminal 2 building.

Currently, 36 scheduled and chartered airlines operate out of Terminal 2, compared with 23 when it opened in 1998, and more growth is expected. On average, Terminal 2 has witnessed a 20% growth each year since it opened, with the number of passengers using the terminal reaching 1.2 million in 2002, a growth of 26% on 2001.

Last year's Airport Build & Supply Exhibition attracted 90 exhibitors from 17 countries, as well as 1,359 visitors from 35 countries across the Middle East, Africa, Europe and other parts of the world. Almost a quarter of these were Airport Authority, Department of Civil Aviation or Government officials, and others including airline officials and civil contractors.

This year's Airport Build & Supply Exhibition line-up will include suppliers of a massive range of equipment and services, from escalators, elevators, and moving walkways, to security and lighting systems, telecommunications, automated baggage systems, fixtures and fittings, signage and graphics, first and business class lounges, leisure facilities, aircraft hangers and fire stations.