Airport Show, the world’s largest airport exhibition, opened today (April 29) in Dubai, with a record 375 exhibitors from 60 countries showcasing more than 50 new technologies and innovative products over the next three days.

The 19th edition of Dubai Airport Show was officially 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 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The show has consolidated its market standing with participating companies set to sign multi-million dirham deals across almost the entire spectrum of airport operations and management, said the organisers Reed Exhibitions Middle East.

The Airport Show, with all the co-located events, is offering an ideal platform the Middle East, Africa and South Asia’s aviation authorities, companies and individuals to come together and collaborate with international experts and leaders to improve global aviation.

The co-located events are Air Traffic Control (ATC) Forum, Airport Security Middle East, Global Airport Leaders Forum (GALF), Women in Aviation (WIA) General Assembly and CAPA Middle East & Africa Aviation Summit.

Earlier addressing the media, Sheikh Ahmed said: "With passenger numbers expected to continue their growth trajectory and drive airport expansion projects to accommodate the demand, the UAE’s aviation sector remains a key driver of our economic growth."

The Airport Show has 211 hosted buyers from 30 countries. Besides Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait and the host UAE, this year there are hosted buyers from Algeria, Armenia, Angola, Djibouti, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, India,  Jordan,  Lebanon, Maldives, Mauritius, Moldova, Nigeria, Pakistan, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sudan, Sri Lanka, Tunisia, Turkey and Uganda, said the organisers.

The Hosted Buyer Programme has been a highly-acclaimed feature since 2009.

The participating companies include 60 top industry bellwethers. More than 75 per cent of the exhibitors are repeat participants. Over 50 new technologies and innovations are unveiled during the Show which occupies over 15,000 square metres of exhibition space in three DICEC halls, they added.

Daniyal Qureshi, group exhibition director at Reed Exhibitions Middle East, organiser of the Airport Show, said the show has been a clear sell-out, indicating the industry’s continuing vibrancy and investment potential for expanding facilities and new technologies at airports and the aviation industry in general.

Delivering the airport keynote address at CAPA Aviation Summit, Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports Corporation, said DWC is set to handle 240 million passengers with personalised experience in the future.

“The hub model is the right and sustainable model, which is benefiting Dubai,” he stated.

Thani Abdulla AlZaffin, director general and board member, emaratech, delivered the keynote address on enhancing the seamless passenger experience at the Global Airport Leaders’ Forum.-TradeArabia News Service