Blogs

This year’s Airport Show came to an end last week (7th – 9th May) after three busy days which focused on key industry themes. The 18th edition of Airport show was opened by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group and Patron of Airport Show. Whilst opening the show, His Highness said contribution of the aviation sector to Dubai’s GDP has been growing steadily and is expected to reach 38 per cent, thus creating more jobs and aiding overall growth.

With more than 300 exhibitors from over 90 countries showcasing their products to Middle East, Asia and Africa, these regions are experiencing significant growth. The show which claims to be the largest in the world provided an excellent platform for suppliers across the entire value chain of services from airport operators, ground handling companies, air navigation service providers, system manufacturers and consultancy firms.

GAL ANS exhibited in the new ATC Forum which was introduced this year and will be a regular feature of the Airport Show going forward. ATC Forum offered air traffic management professionals a dedicated exhibition and conference, aimed at ANSPs, CAAs, airports, airlines and the military. GAL ANS presented its full range of capabilities in Air Navigation, Engineering, Training and Consultancy services. ATC Forum created a good platform for key players in the Air Traffic Management industry to discuss topical subjects like Airspace and ground capacity, UAV Traffic Management and digital/remote towers. We welcomed a record number of visitors to our stand.

GAL ANS General Manager for Abu Dhabi Airports Sally Franks, was a panel speaker at this year’s Women in Aviation conference, the panel discussed Airport Management – What defines a best airport: a closer look at the ambitious airport plans in the Middle East. The panel discussed the factors driving airport growth in the Middle East, airport performance and what the industry must do to attract more people into the industry. During the panel Sally explained that collaboration was the key to success of an Airport and that Abu Dhabi Airport was in the process of implementing Airport-Collaborative Decision Making to ensure seamless collaboration of all stakeholders which will improve overall performance and increase resilience. Sally also highlighted that the Air Traffic industry needs to do more to enlighten and showcase the air traffic management industry as a prospective and exciting career path at all levels of education from primary schools to tertiary institutions.

Even though the show was held at a time when there is transformation and re-structuring taking place in reaction to economic and geo-political challenges, it was clear that the industry is showing its resilience with green shoots of growth starting to emerge. Reflecting on the back to back meetings with many industry partners and stakeholders, GAL ANS had a very busy and fruitful three days during the show. Bring on next year’s ATC Forum.