Mid East Airports looking to source CNS-ATM systems at Dubai Air Show, says ATS Chief

According to Mansoor Taher, the upgrades are in line with a global CNS/ATM implementation plan laid down by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO)

Taher said his department and counterparts throughout the Middle East and Asia would be at the Dubai air show to scrutinise the latest CNS/ATM systems and equipment.

"We would like to see more participation from companies providing airport systems and equipment," said Taher. "We visit air shows around the world and too often not enough focus is given to this sector but in the Middle East, the opportunity for providers of air traffic management systems are immense."

Taher said some demand follows the ICAO's Future Air Navigation Systems Committee recommendation that satellite technology is the only viable solution to overcome the limitations of current systems and meet future needs on a cost-effective global basis.

"All airports are now looking for these systems and new technologies, including Dubai. Although in Dubai we are well ahead of the game, we still need to automate our systems totally to handle projected traffic growth."

Dubai DCA projections say passenger traffic through Dubai International Airport will rise from 16 million last year, to 40 million by 2010 and 70 million by 2016.

"This means we will be supporting an operation the size of London Heathrow," explained Taher. "So there will be phased introduction of new systems and technology to meet this growth."

Taher said passenger management systems would also be in demand as Dubai International Airport is to have a new Terminal 3, which will be exclusively for Emirates airline, expand its existing Terminal 2, and build a second and third concourse.

"From the air traffic side, we are going through the first phase of upgrading ATS systems.

"Presently an advanced surface movement guidance and control system, with three Radar heads, is being installed and very soon tendering will begin for one primary and one secondary surveillance radar to replace the present systems," explained Taher.

"Dubai is the first airport in the Middle East to have a published GPS approach procedure for landing and we have plans to install a Local Area Augmentation System (LAAS) for precision approach to CAT One. At the same time, we are also planning for the latest in technology, new airport systems for gate management and the entire passenger management arena. Airport systems in general are being planned for Dubai," explained Taher.

The ATS General Manager said management teams from the Department of Civil Aviation, Government of Dubai would be at Dubai 2003, the eighth international aerospace exhibition, taking place from December 7-11, to meet suppliers.

"We will then plan accordingly," said Taher. "Other Civil Aviation delegations from throughout the Middle East and Asia will also be in attendance as they are also expanding and planning the modernization of their air traffic and airport systems in order to meet the expected traffic growth in the region.

"We want to see companies which provide these systems. They exhibit at specialist ATC shows, such as the annual event in Maastricht, but the Dubai air show offers them greater exposure to a region of enormous opportunity.

"Specifically we want to see air traffic systems, radar displays and satellite technology which support air traffic and airport operations."

Taher said Dubai is also witnessing increasing demand from the leisure aviation sector and predicted exhibitors serving this segment would receive strong support at Dubai 2003,

"There is demand for gliders, paramotors and hot air balloons as Dubai's tourism infrastructure grows. Dubai is also now a venue for major international events and even advertising is now taking to the skies over the emirate."

As to the flying display, which will run for three hours daily during Dubai 2003, Taher said it would once again attain its world-class standards.

"It will live up to the reputation Dubai has earned for one of the best flying displays worldwide. While we cannot at this stage confirm any particular participation, we are in talks to secure participation by the French and Italian aerobatics display teams. Sukhoi has also already expressed an interest in demonstrating its aircraft during the flying display," he explained.

Dubai 2003, which is organised by Fairs & Exhibitions (F&E) in conjunction with the Department of Civil Aviation, Government of Dubai and the UAE Armed Forces, is 95% reserved.

To date, exhibitors from 26 countries have registered for Dubai 2003, which also has pavilion commitments from Italy, the UK, USA, France, Germany, Russia and for the first time, the Ukraine and Jordan.

"The Dubai air show official delegations programme, one of the most extensive in the world, will once again be a key selling point of the show," said Clive Richardson, CEO of F&E's aerospace division. "When a delegation leader, such as Mansoor Taher, gives advance notice of what they most want to see, it is much-sought-after advice for the industry."

Dubai 2003 will also host the inaugural Aviation Fire & Security International conference and exhibition (AFSI). An AFSI pavilion is being incorporated into the Airport Expo's West Hall, while the AFSI conference will run at Airport Expo Dubai on December 10 and 11.