HIGH interest was evinced over expected investments of $400 million in the Middle East’s airlines and airports when companies linked to the aviation industry gathered for the Airport Show in Dubai.

The three-day (May 22 -24) event concluded at the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre with the participation of over 210 exhibitors from 32 countries.

It provided the global aviation industry an opportunity to tap into the vast growth potential in the Middle East, particularly the GCC area, as massive investments lie in the pipeline in terms of airports expansions, said Mohamad Bader-Eddin, show director of organiser Reed Exhibitions Middle East.

“There is more positive hope and huge prospects for long-term growth for the global aviation industry in this region. This year’s show reflected enthusiasm and interest among buyers and suppliers of technology and services from across the world,” he added.

Dieter A Heinz, president of German Airport Technology & Equipment (Gate) and a long-term supporter and exhibitor at the Airport Show, felt the present climate was more convivial to growth than ever before.  In the long-term, given today’s geo-political environment, there would be a great deal of stress when traveling flying, not necessarily in terms of flying, but in relation to airports in general, where security regulations, congestion and time-consuming operations would lead to a feeling of anxiety among passengers. But eventually airports that ensured quality passenger handling, contributing to a stress-free travel experience, would be the ones that would attract passengers, he said. “At a time when so many airlines offer so many different travel deals, it is no longer money spent to get the best of resources that will matter. What will make the difference is making sure the passenger relaxes and has a pleasant airport transit experience.”

Sheikh Ahmed touring the stalls

Hans Christian Ettengruber, managing director, Unitechnik-ICM Middle East, who represented his company at the Dubai Airport Show over several years, felt that the region’s growth momentum and the sheer synergy between different economic players had brought to fruition the vision of its leaders.

“Dubai’s strategic geographical position stands in good stead when it comes to attracting profitability and growth. What’s more, compared to South America, China and other growth areas, here you get a sense of urgency to get it done. For instance, when parking spaces were a problem for Emirates Airlines, owing to their ever-increasing fleet (it is amazing that Emirates acquires two aircraft a month), they simply moved cargo operations away from the terminal to Jebel Ali. While this may increase their operational costs, it needed to be done to continue with their growth plans. Such decisions can only send the right signals out to the industry,” Ettengruber said.

Echoing his sentiments about the ease and flexibility of implementing new developments in Dubai and the region, Michael H Lampen, CEO, Siemens SD (Middle East) Infrastructure Logistics, noted that the Airport Show had grown in the past two years, defying recession worries in Europe and elsewhere.

He was happy the concept of green and efficient airports had gathered steam at this year’s event and there was larger participation by companies dealing with environment-friendly technologies. He said the event was a great networking opportunity for aviation professionals to up their ante and adopt state-of-the-art technologies in daily operations. Siemens is involved with providing operator and maintenance support at the Dubai World Central DWC in Jebel Ali and the Abu Dhabi Terminal as well.

Khizar Edroos, chairman of Excel Industry Co LLC, Ajman, noted that the Middle East and Asia were rapidly growing markets, as clearly seen by the ambitious airport expansion plans in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Oman among other places. He cited the $6 billion expansion plans announced for Kuwait International Airport as another case in point.

Airport show was opened by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, president of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, chairman of Dubai Airports and chairman and CEO of Emirates Airline and Group.