May musings
While Dubai is all spruced up to host the 16th edition of the Airport Show between May 9 and 11 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC), we take a close look at how the show provides as an ideal B2B platform for companies to present airport and aviation-related products and services. The world’s leading B2B event for airport procurement, supplies, solutions and technology has been in the forefront of meeting the industry’s expectations. This year’s event expects participation from more than 300 leading global companies who will showcase their latest technology, innovation and product offerings to a projected 7,500 attendees, including 150 hosted buyers and over 50+ regional aviation authorities expected to attend the event.
Also, in the backdrop of the recent IATA report that suggested that Middle Eastern region will witness exponential growth in the aviation sector, we ponder over how airports are increasingly focusing on investing in smart technology to effectively handle large passenger volumes, while ensuring security at the same time. As the region is expected to add an additional 237 million passengers a year by 2034 and with the global trade association estimating the total market size to be around 383 million passengers, undoubtedly United Arab Emirates leads aviation growth in the region. Not just this, millions of dollars is being invested in airport technology and system upgrades to ensure seamless passenger experience along with security.
On the Cover, read an exclusive interview with Mr. Ulrich Ogiermann, Chief Officer Cargo, Qatar Airways Cargo who took time off to explain to us how the airliner has grown at a phenomenal pace especially in the last one decade and how it recently attained the third position of being the world’s third largest international cargo carrier, its expansion plans and his outlook for the global air cargo industry going forward.
In the Lounge, we featured Hasan Ozdemir, Cargo Operations Manager, Pegasus Airlines. Read his interview in the inside pages to learn more about his role in Pegasus Cargo, while he talks about his job, life and interests.
Also, among other articles, read a feature on the thriving e-commerce market in the UAE. According to Frost & Sullivan, the country’s e-commerce market is worth nearly $2.5 billion a year and is expected to grow to $10 billion by 2018.
Yet another feature on Sri Lankan air cargo industry will make an interesting read. IATA’s recent reports highlighted Sri Lanka as one of the five fastest growing international freight markets over the period 2011-16, with an average growth rate of 8.7 per cent. The country’s air cargo sector also witnessed consistent increase in uplifted tonnage year on year mainly due to increase of freighter frequencies and wide body passenger belly operations to Colombo by leading global airlines.
As always we are looking forward to hear from you. Send in your valuable suggestions and feedback so that we can incorporate them going forward.
Sincerely,
Dipti Das
Editor
