DUBAI — The most eagerly-awaited global airport industry exhibition and knowledge-sharing platform is all set to take off in Dubai today (May 10) with over 300 exhibitors from 40 countries on board. The three-day 15th edition of Airport Show, with the 3rd edition of Global Airport Leaders' Forum (GALF) and 2nd edition of Travel Catering Expo (TCE) as co-located events, is expected to attract 8000 industry professionals during its three-day run at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC). Occupying about 12,000 square metres of exhibition space, spread over three halls, the show is being held under the patronage and presence of Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group. The world's top-league airport industry B2B event is supported by Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), Dubai Airports, Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP), Dubai Air Navigation Services and dnata, among others. Strong backing came from trade bodies like German Airport Technology and Equipment (GATE), Danish Airport Group, British Aviation Group, British Airport Services and Equipment Association, Swiss Airport Suppliers, Netherlands Airport Technology, UBIFRANCE, UAE Society of Engineers and UAE Contractors' Association. The sponsors include emaratech, LG, KIDS, Rotana Hotel, Padiglione Italia, Ajman International Airport and DTP. Sheikh Ahmed said: “The importance of airports as global travel hubs continues to grow and massive investments being made to meet the rising traffic demand are having a positive economic impact throughout the region. In Dubai, the aviation industry is growing exponentially due to the massive airport expansions needed to accommodate the growth in air traffic and airport development continues to play a strategic role in our future growth agenda. The huge and consistent aviation investments will have a positive impact not just for Dubai alone but for the UAE, Gulf region and the world.” He added: “The event will bring international aviation experts and leaders to Dubai for an unparalleled knowledge and expertise sharing experience. The Airport Show offers the opportunity to experience the latest aviation technologies and innovations from around the world and allow participants to meet global suppliers and service providers who can help meet their procurement needs. These events will contribute to our combined efforts towards the sustained growth of the global aviation industry.” Daniyal Qureshi, Group Exhibition Director, Reed Exhibitions Middle East, organizers of Airport Show, said: “We are delighted about the Show's progress over the years. It is a completely sell-out show. Airport Show 2015 will be the strongest on several fronts, and will deliver the global expertise and innovation that the region's aviation leaders are looking to reflect in their mega-airport developments.” He added: “The strong interest among international aviation industry players to participate in the event clearly highlights their keenness to tap into the region's economic optimism and meets the requirements of regional decision-makers to source their requirements at their doorsteps,” he added. The show has recorded 38 percent growth in participants for the Hosted Buyers program with an all-time high participation of 127 hosted buyers. — SG
