Focus on technology at 13th Airport Show in Dubai

Dubai: The 13th Airport Show opened on Monday with technology and products on display by 220 exhibitors from 35 countries, who are expected to conduct deals worth $25 billion (Dh91.8 billion).

Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), Chairman of Dubai International Airport, Chairman and CEO of Emirates Airline and Group, opened the show at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC).

Major highlights included the Airport Passenger Experience zone that allows visitors to explore the touch and feel of future airports and the Women in Aviation exhibition that encourages Emirati women to pursue careers in aviation.

“The aviation sector represents one of the region’s main economic pillars. Billion dollar investments aimed at developing the airports and air carriers will strengthen the region’s presence on the international air transport map. The Airport Show will enable decision makers to convene in one venue to share airport industry updates as well as identify future challenges,” Shaikh Ahmad said.

Asked about his expectations for Emirates airlines’ financial results this year, he said: “It will be better than last year.” He did not elaborate.

A survey of aviation industry professionals conducted by the Airport Show rated the Middle East as the region with the ‘highest potential’ for airport investment and expansion in the next five years.

About 64 per cent of respondents voted online for the Middle East region, followed by the Asia Pacific with 16.7 per cent, Central Asia and Africa regions with 5.2 per cent each and Europe with 3.4 per cent.

Dubai is planning a Dh28 billion expansion of the Dubai Airport to increase its capacity to 90 million passengers. It expects over 65 million passengers to go through the airport by the end of this year.