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Dubai’s Airport Show, the world’s largest annual airport event, concluded on a high note, signalling a full recovery in the global aviation industry, particularly in the Middle East and the UAE. The 22nd edition of the show, which was inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, witnessed a significant number of quality visitors and industry stakeholders, with over 5,000 attendees.

As the Middle East prepares for substantial expansion in airport terminals, investing $151 billion to accommodate 1.1 billion passengers by 2040, the Airport Show provided a timely platform for exhibitors to showcase their innovative products and services. His Highness Sheikh Ahmed emphasized the importance of constructing new airports and upgrading existing facilities to meet future demands and exceed travellers’ expectations.

Airport Show 2023 concludes.

The event featured over 150 exhibitors from over 60 countries, making it the most significant annual airport industry B2B platform worldwide. Under the theme “Together in Innovating Future Sustainable Airports,” participants from countries such as the United States, Italy, France, Germany, China, and the host country UAE, among others, showcased cutting-edge technologies to enhance safety, sustainability, efficiency, and the passenger experience.

In addition to the main show, several co-located events, including the ATC Forum, Gulf Aviation Leaders’ Forum (GALF), Airport Security Middle East, and the Women in Aviation Middle East Anniversary Conference, proved to be highly successful. These events facilitated meaningful discussions, strategic partnerships, and industry insights, particularly highlighting GALF’s pivotal role in shaping the future of the aviation sector.

During the GALF, it was announced that the Middle East, specifically Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Saudi Arabia, would achieve 100% recovery soon, as affirmed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Kashif Khalid, IATA’s Regional Director for the Middle East and Africa, revealed that the Middle East is leading the global recovery, having reached 93% of pre-pandemic levels. He predicted a full recovery in passenger traffic by 2024, with an annual growth rate of 4.2% through 2040. Furthermore, the Middle East is the only region expected to profit in 2023, with airlines such as Emirates, flydubai, Etihad Airways, and Air Arabia reporting robust growth rates and record profits.

The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) reiterated its commitment to creating a world-class aviation ecosystem that prioritizes technological advancements, innovation, sustainability, and exceptional customer experiences. Omar Bin Ghaleb, Deputy Director General of GCAA, emphasized the importance of positioning airports and airlines in line with global best practices to ensure continuous growth.

The Airport Show highlighted the industry’s dedication to reducing its carbon footprint. Panel discussions, technology displays, and service offerings underscored the aviation sector’s focus on sustainability and adopting innovative technologies to minimize environmental impact. One notable product launch during the event was Honeywell’s ‘Honeywell Navitas Smart Visual Docking’ system, designed to assist pilots safely docking aircraft at airport gates through advanced signalling.

As part of its commitment to sustainability, the Airport Show collaborated with dnata to present the Sustainable Apron, showcasing manufacturers of electric/hybrid Ground Support Equipment (GSE) and Ground Handling Equipment (GHE)—this initiative aimed to promote environmental efficiency and encourage the airport community to reduce its carbon footprint.

May Ismail, Event Manager of the Airport Show, expressed satisfaction with the successful gathering of top aviation leaders and stakeholders at the various platforms offered by the event, including the ATC Forum, Airport Security Middle East, GALF, and the Women in Aviation Middle East Anniversary Conference.