Over 50% increase in y-o-y space bookings for next edition of Airport Show say organizers

WAM --- Buoyed by its remarkable success over the last 16 years, the Airport Show has announced further expansion in its next edition, which will take place from 15^th to 17^th May, 2017, at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Dubai.

The show organisers confirmed that the huge interest of the global aviation industry in the Middle East and in the latest smart technologies showcased on this platform has led to an over 50 per cent increase in year-on-year space bookings for the 2017 edition.

Citing a report by Frost and Sullivan, the organisers said that it is estimated that the global annual spend on airport security would surge to US$12.67 billion in 2023, up from US$8.22 billion in 2014, organisers said in a press release.

Held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of Emirates Group, the last year’s edition was the most successful so far with a participation of over 300 exhibitors from over 55 countries and occupied Zabeel Halls 4, 5 and 6 with a gross space of 15,000 square metres.

Airport Show, which is the world’s largest annual airport event, is organised by Reed Exhibitions Middle East and is supported by Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), Dubai Airports, Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP) and dnata, amongst a host of regional and international aviation bodies and associations.

"The success of the Airport Show reflects the strong interest and an unwavering global confidence in the Middle East, particularly in the UAE, which is making significant investments in the sector, actively embracing latest technological innovations, and opening doors of tremendous opportunities for global industry players," Sheikh Ahmed said earlier during Airport Show 2016.

Major General Pilot Ahmed bin Thani, Deputy Commander-in-Chief for Ports Affairs, Dubai Police, said Airport Show 2016 provided immense opportunities to learn about international best practices and smart technologies in the field of security. "The traditional methods of providing security are not effective in the present rapidly changing aviation environment due to which we have a strong focus on adopting the latest technologies to ensure security at the airports."

Smart solutions are an important component to keep up with record growth of passenger numbers, especially as Dubai International Airport expects over 85 million passengers by the end of this year and more than 100 million passengers by the end of the year 2020, Bin Thani added.

WAM/MMYS