UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: Extraordinary growth and rapid development will be the watchwords at this year’s Aircraft Interiors Middle East (AIME) taking place 5-6 February 2014 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).
Hot on the heels of the Dubai Airshow in 2013 which witnessed more than $200 billion in aircraft orders for local carriers, has elevated the upcoming AIME to a must attend event; known for bringing suppliers and carriers together.
Boeing’s Current Market Outlook (CMO) 2013-2032 report predicts Middle East Airlines will require 2610 new aircraft worth an estimated US$550 billion over the next 20 years.
“Dubai is actually a focal point for air traffic,” said Mario Schisa, CEO of returning exhibitor Aviointeriors, the Italian aircraft seating manufacturer, which will use AIME 2014 to launch their new international business class seat.
“Gulf airlines have been driving many developments in the aircraft interiors market as they take advantage of new aircraft orders to introduce and optimise technologies that enhance the passenger experience by providing the latest in comfort and innovation. AIME promises to be an important business event for the aviation sector, regionally and globally,” ahead of the event, HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and CEO and Chairman of Emirates Airline and Group said.
AIME also features a dedicated in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) pavilion in partnership with HMG Aerospace (publisher of In-flight magazine); which is set to be a major differentiator in an increasingly competitive market – attendees will see exhibitors such as OnAir, GOGO and THALES; who will be showcasing the latest in technology and innovation.
As well as the pavilion, this year’s AIME will also see the first In-flight IFEC workshops and an award ceremony specifically for this sector.
“We saw a mammoth order book at Dubai Airshow 2013 – AIME is aligned with regional demand and we expect AIME and MRO Middle East to underpin this need for expansion, renewed fleets and investment in infrastructure across the region,” Michele van Akelijen, Managing Director, F&E Aerospace, organisers of AIME, said.
Van Akelijen’s palpable confidence in AIME is justified with a quick glance at industry reports and figures – while twin-aisle models are predicted to account for 24 per cent of new aircraft globally, that figure almost doubles to 47 per cent in the Middle East, according to Boeing’s Current Market Outlook (CMO) 2013-2032 report.
“Attending AIME provides us with the right type of opportunity to meet our clients and helps us continue to explore this dynamic market,” another returning exhibitor expresses confidence in a market clearly growing apace is Tim Garvin, Vice President Sales, Regent Aerospace Corporation, said.