Massive Middle East Airport growth drives record show by suppliers

The exhibition takes place at a time when, according to research by the organisers, Streamline Marketing Group, airport development and expansions worth more than US$40 billion are currently taking place across the region with US$ 20 billion in the UAE alone.

Projects attracting the attention of suppliers include the US$ 8.1 billion Dubai World Central International Airport, the final master plan for which was unveiled by the government last month. The airport is a central tenet of Dubai World Central, the massive multi-phase development 40 kilometres south of Dubai city centre previously known as Jebel Ali Airport City. Work began in 2005 on the airport, which is designed to serve the emirate's passenger and cargo air transportation needs until 2050 and beyond, handling 120 million passengers a year.

Other airport projects under the spotlight at the Airport Build & Supply Exhibition include
the US$4.1 billion revamp of Dubai International Airport and the US$ 6.8 billion expansion of Abu Dhabi International Airport. In Qatar US$ 5.5 billion is being invested in the New Doha International Airport to create a new aviation hub in the region, while in Saudi Arabia the US$ 1.5 billion expansion of the King Abdul Aziz International Airport in Jeddah is underway.

Much of this growth was highlighted at an official press conference in Dubai today which was addressed by Khalifa Al Zaffin, Director, Engineering Projects, Department of Civil Aviation (DCA), Dubai.

Taking place at Airport Expo Dubai from June 5 - 7, the Airport Build & Supply Exhibition shows a 25 per cent increase in exhibitors this year, with nearly 400 airport and aviation suppliers assembling in Dubai to pursue the lucrative contracts on offer. Germany has the biggest national representation while France has the greatest increase in the number of exhibitors from last year. For the first time French companies will be taking part in a dedicated French pavilion.

Each of the exhibitors will have pre-arranged meetings with the Department of Civil Aviation, Dubai enabling them to discuss Dubai International Airport's expansion as well as the new Dubai World Central International Airport. They also have pre-arranged meetings with 'Hosted Buyers' representing civil aviation authorities across the region. This year 18 DCAs will be represented, a 50 per cent increase on last year, including Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Egypt, Thailand and India.

The event also includes an exclusive programme of seminars giving updates on the region's most ambitious developments plus insights into issues affecting the aviation industry worldwide. One of the highlights is a presentation on 'Forecasting growth and future airport capacity' by a senior figure from the US Federal Aviation Adminstration.

"Once again the exhibition has generated an excellent response. Many new international suppliers have joined this year, an acknowledgement of the event's importance as a comprehensive forum for regional airport development," said Laith Kubba, Director of Streamline Marketing Group, who was also present at the press conference.

The Airport Build & Supply Exhibition 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. The event also enjoys the support of industry leaders including Netherlands Airport Technology Group (NAT); German Airport Technology and Equipment (GATE); British Airports Group (BAG), UBIFRANCE, the Society of Indian Aerospace Technologies & Industries (SIATI) and British Airport Services and Equipment Association (BASEA).