April 26 - The aviation industry is showing signs of improvement as airport operators are considering investment plans for this year, said Ara Fernazian, Group Exhibition Director of Reed Exhibitions Middle East, the organisers of the 10th Airport Show in Dubai.
The three-day show was inaugurated by Shaikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of Dubai Airports.
“This year’s show is better than the last as it witnesses a six per cent growth in terms of exhibitors, but there was a slowdown in 2009 compared to 2008. So there is a slight indication of picking up of business and I think 2011 and beyond will be much better for the industry,” added Fernezian, pointing out that operators are still considering investing in airports because they are still though to be money-making projects. “We brought more airports this year at the show. This year’s event attracted 24 airports out of total 39 airports in Middle East North Africa and South East Asia. There are 42 representatives of 24 airports and they are decision makers and buyers. They can see the latest technology for possible purchase for future,” he added.
Meanwhile, the exhibitor presence in this year’s show has increased to 166 compared to 150 in 2009, an increase of 10 per cent. The net exhibitor space this year has also increased to 4,750 square metres from 4,438 square meters last year, registering a growth rate of 7 per cent.