More than 200 buyers from 60 regional authorities expected at Airport Show 2017

DUBAI, 30th March, 2017 (WAM) -- Middle East airports are making massive investments towards expansion projects to drive global aviation growth and attract global manufacturers and suppliers to explore business opportunities in the region’s aviation sector. In order to address a capacity gap, over $100 billion worth of airport projects is underway and planned across the Middle East, according to a recent report from business intelligence service MEED. Airport passenger volumes in the region were 11 percent higher than the capacity, but new projects will look to create additional capacity for 400 million passengers annually over the next 10 to 20 years, the report said. In 2016, Middle East airports showed the world's most robust growth, recording a 9.4 percent increase in the number of passengers passing through its airports, according to Airports Council International, ACI. t The Airport Show 2017 will bring in buyers, global suppliers and manufacturers. More than 200 buyers from 60 regional aviation authorities are expected to join "Business Connect," a unique matchmaking platform for business opportunities through pre-scheduled meetings. The event will be held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, DCAA, Chairman of Dubai Airports, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, from 15th May to 17th at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. Daniyal Qureshi, Group Exhibition Director, Reed Exhibitions Middle East, said: "Airport expansion in the Middle East has been driving global aviation growth with the numerous business opportunities, it is creating for international manufacturers and suppliers. With $100 billion worth of projects planned and underway in the region, suppliers are highly keen on tapping into the potential business it can create. As the number of passengers is projected to continue rising, aviation industry expects further investments. We are highly pleased that the Business Connect programme is providing an apt platform where suppliers get an opportunity to directly connect with the decision-makers and buyers and make the most of their three-day participation in the Airport Show. Last year, Business Connect witnessed over 3,000 pre-scheduled meetings and this time, we expect the number to significantly exceed this." This year’s show will see buyers from Algeria, Armenia, Burkina Faso, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Pakistan, Qatar, Sudan, Tanzania, Kuwait, Seychelles and the host country, UAE. http://wam.ae/en/details/1395302605882