Fairs & Exhibitions (F&E), the company behind organising Dubai’s annual airshow, announced it will stage a B2B trade exhibition serving the aircraft interiors sector.
Aircraft Interiors Middle East (AIME) will make its first appearance at Airport Expo Dubai in June of 2008, and will look to service the region’s rapidly developing commercial and business aviation fleets.
F&E said AIME, which will focus on aircraft interiors, airline cabin systems and in-flight entertainment, is responding to growing demand from the Middle East’s rapidly expanding commercial and business aviation operators.
“The Middle East is now internationally acknowledged as one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation regions with new airlines emerging and existing carriers expanding their fleets,” said Virginia Kern, Chairman of F&E.
“The scenario is just as bullish for the business aviation segment with the region’s 300-strong fleet forecast to double within the next five years.”
Kern also said the region’s commercial aviation sector is floating with flagship carriers like Etihad, Emirates and Qatar on “seemingly endless aircraft acquisition trails”, and fresh competitors like RAK Airways — which is scheduled to officially launch in April this year. It has set the target of buying two aircraft a year to achieve its ambition of carrying 2.7 million passengers within just five years.
“Adding to the equation is the emergence of non-government, private airlines. Kuwait’s low-cost carrier Al Jazeera is a prime example and has a no-compromise stance on interiors quality with leather seats and in-flight entertainment in its Jazeera Plus premium product. Another two private carriers in Saudi Arabia are readying to launch this November. It is an extremely vibrant market,” Kern added.
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