Airport show turns spotlight on safety as region forges ahead with major expansion

The International Air Transport Association (IATA), which represents around 265 airlines comprising 94% of international scheduled air traffic, will use the Airport Build & Supply Exhibition to help planners identify the safest, most modern and cost effective project designs.

"In terms of airport expansion, the Middle East is among the fastest-growing regions in the world, and safety is paramount to the success of this expansion," said Nick Webb, director, Streamline Marketing, organisers of the Airport Build & Supply Exhibition.

"We see our participation at the Airport Build & Supply Exhibition as a unique chance to influence this important market at a crucial stage of its development," said Colin Spear, Assistant Director, Airport Development, IATA, whose goal is to ensure a reliable, safe, secure and efficient air transport industry worldwide. IATA will hold a specialised airport planning seminar during the three-day event taking place at Airport Expo Dubai from 23 May.

"The list of confirmations we've secured so far is impressive for the seminar. For many attendants, this will be a first when it comes to interacting with senior-ranking IATA representatives on such a close basis," said Webb.

"The rate of airport expansion in the region is closely related to the success of its aviation industry, and so far we've witnessed only good news as inter-regional travel increases, aided by the arrival of new low-cost airlines."

Research by Streamline Marketing has shown that construction and rehabilitation projects worth over US$13 billion are currently under way or just about to start at airports throughout the Gulf region, while plans are also under way to modernise the existing infrastructure in other countries around the Middle East, Africa and Indian Subcontinent.

Visitors to the Airport Build & Supply Exhibition this year include senior officials from civil aviation authorities in Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Nigeria, Tanzania and India, as well as representatives from airports in Bahrain, Kuwait, Cairo, Amman, Beirut, Tehran, Lahore, Islamabad and Nagpur in India.

Over 300 suppliers are gathering for the Airport Build & Supply Exhibition. All exhibitors will have pre-arranged meetings with the relevant project manager, engineer or architect on the Dubai Department of Civil Aviation's expansion team, enabling them to discuss Dubai International Airport's expansion as well as the recently-announced Jebel Ali Airport.

Held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Department of Civil Aviation, Dubai and chairman of Emirates Group, the exhibition also enjoys the support of Europe's four leading airport suppliers' associations - French Airport & ATC Technology (PROAVIA), German Airport Technology & Equipment (GATE), British Airports Group (BAG) and Netherlands Airport Technology (NAT).