Page 58 - DAEP PR REPORT - FEBRUARY 2025

2/19/25, 5:17 PM Airports racing to win the hearts and minds of passengers through technology-led transformation | UAE News 24/7
before the pandemic, and 76 percent of airports confirmed that sustainability objectives are important
drivers of technology investment. More than three-quarters of airports are either already investing in or
planning to invest in technologies aimed at improving sustainability.

Key areas of investment include moving passenger and operational systems to energy-efficient cloud
computing, optimizing aircraft departure sequences to reduce fuel burn, and implementing data analyt-
ics to power down unused airport resources. It noted: “The airport sector is undergoing digital trans-
formation as inflexible legacy technology is gradually replaced by cloud-native systems that connect
more easily from anywhere.

A substantial slice of the fast pace and progress of airport technology and innovation – and a look into
th
the future – will be showcased and discussed at the 24 edition of the Airport Show, the world’s
largest B2B platform for the airport industry, to be held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from May 6
to 8. The exhibition will offer unparalleled networking and business opportunities for the airport indus-
try players from the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, with the participation of over 160 exhibitors
from over 20 countries. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with participants from different
national pavilions and connect with numerous representatives the through the renowned Business
Connect Programme.

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, remarked: “Airports are vital connectors and economic engines for communities and
countries. By 2040, airports in the Middle East will handle 1.1 billion passengers. Airports across the re-
gion are also modernizing and expanding to meet growing demand. The Airport Show has remained a
vital stage for business growth and expansion in the airport industry.”

The three-day show will have co-located conferences – the Global Airport Leaders Forum (GALF),
Airport Security Middle East, the ATC Forum, and Women in Aviation (WIA). The annual platform is
supported by the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Dubai Airports, Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects,
Emirates Airlines, Dubai Air Navigation Services, and dnata.

The Airport Show will remain a crucial platform in 2025 too for the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia
region as US$1.3 trillion in airport development projects are readying to take off. The B2B platform will
facilitate global companies to showcase their cutting-edge technologies and innovations designed to en-
hance airport operations, facility expansion, safety enhancement, improve passenger experiences and
sustainability, and widen automation.

The Middle East region is required to invest up to US$151 billion in near-future expansions and im-
provements to facilities. According to the Airports Council International (ACI) whose members operate
1925 airports across 171 countries, passenger numbers to/from/within the Middle East are expected to
reach 105 percent of 2019 levels in 2025.

May Ismail, Event Manager at RX, a global company that organizes about 400 events across 42 industry
sectors in 22 countries including Airport Show, said: “Digital transformation is happening fast across the
airport industry. Airports are focusing on advanced technologies. The buzz world today is convenience,
efficiency, and communication. Enhancing the airport experience boils down to three critical factors –
easy navigation, cleanliness, and passenger service. By 2050, several processes within the airport envi-
ronment are predicted to be fully autonomous, and the airports with better passenger experience will
have a competitive edge. In the technology-driven era, the focus for airports is on thriving rather than
just staying operational.”

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