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Omar Bin Ghaleb delivering a keynote speech at GALF 2023The Global Airport Leaders Forum (GALF) marked its 10th edition with a positive outlook for the aviation industry, particularly in the Middle East region leading the way in the global recovery, currently at 93% of pre-2019 traffic levels. This is welcome news for the industry hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Saudi Arabia will soon cross the 100%

Noaman Alsaleh speaking at GALF 2023

Noaman Alsaleh speaking at GALF 2023

recovery mark. Passenger traffic in the region is anticipated to fully recover by 2024 and grow annually by 4.2% through to 2040.

In his keynote address at the GALF, Omar Bin Ghaleb, Deputy Director General of UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), emphasized the need for a world-class aviation ecosystem that embraces sustainability and innovation. He highlighted the significant investments in modernizing infrastructure, upgrading regulatory frameworks, and enhancing operational capabilities.

Bin Ghaleb also noted that while the aviation industry faces challenges such as security threats, technological disruptions, and evolving customer expectations, the industry must navigate the rapidly changing landscape to remain at the forefront of global best practices.

The UAE has embraced digital transformation and cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, and blockchain to improve efficiency, enhance safety, and personalize passenger service. Sustainability also remains a priority for the UAE, focusing on mitigating the aviation industry’s environmental impact through strategic partnerships and eco-friendly practices.

Ibrahim Ahli, Deputy CEO of Dubai Air Navigation Services (dans), said that Dubai had become the hub of aviation and travellers in the shortest time ever, thanks to the empowering leadership of H.H Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum. He acknowledged the post-pandemic challenges but expressed confidence that foresight and sustained efforts would result in more extraordinary breakthroughs and innovations in global air traffic management.

A session at GALF 2023

A session at GALF 2023

The role of the circular economy in air traffic management and the aviation ecosystem was also discussed, with Noaman Alsaleh, Acting Head of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability at Dan’s, highlighting the importance of transitioning towards a more sustainable future. He noted that by adopting circular economy principles, the aviation industry could reduce its environmental impact and create new economic opportunities.

Leadership and engagement with stakeholders across the industry is essential to achieve this. By adopting a circular economy leadership approach, airlines and other aviation stakeholders can create more resilient and sustainable systems that benefit both the environment and the bottom line.

The Airport Show, organized by RX Global, the world’s largest airport industry B2B platform, was supported by Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects, Dubai Airports and dnata, and sponsored by ADB Safegate, Smiths Detection, and HADID International Services.

The focus on sustainability in this year’s event reflects the industry’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and promoting eco-friendly practices. The positive outlook for the aviation industry, particularly in the Middle East region, is encouraging and highlights the importance of continued investment in modernizing infrastructure, enhancing operational capabilities, and embracing innovative and sustainable practices.

 

 

 

Written by: Anne Keam

 

 

 

 

 

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