Despite the recent global economic crisis and its impact on the aviation industry, the long-term nature of many airport projects continues to buoy up the aviation sector. Africa and the Middle East are currently at the forefront of these developments.
With an estimated US$ 3.2 billion worth of airport projects upcoming in Africa (Sudan, Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, Morrocco and South Africa) (as per Airport International) and more than US$ 86 billion scheduled to be invested in airport expansions over the next 15 years in the Middle East (according to Jane’s Airport Review), aviation industry suppliers and manufacturers have every reason to be optimistic about the future of this region.
As per Airbus’ Global Market forecast for 2009-2028, in less than ten years, the number of passengers passing through the Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports has increased by more than 300 percent. This growth continues to show in other areas as well with the Middle East fleet forecasted to treble by the end of 2028. Meanwhile, total new aircraft deliveries in Africa are expected to be 455 while those for the Middle East market will stand at 689. Boeing’s latest Current Market Outlook (CMO) forecasts the value of the airplane market in Africa to be US$ 80 billion with 710 new aircraft deliveries projected to take place to the continent by 2029, while the Middle Eastern market size is anticipated to be US$ 390 billion with 2,340 new deliveries projected to take place by 2029.
Further supporting this growth, AVEX International Airshow– the Africa and Middle East aviation platform – will be celebrating its 4th edition in November this year. First held in 2005 and hosting 60 exhibiting companies, this year’s AVEX has a fresh new look and focus and is already 40 percent larger than previous years.
Global business information company, naseba, announced this new look at a press conference in Cairo on Sunday, 8th August, which formally launched the air show. Speakers present at the press conference included Scott Ragsdale, Chairman, naseba group; Ibrahim Manaa, Chairman, Egyptian Holding Company for Airports and Air Navigation; Yousry Gamaleldin, Chairman, Egypt Airports Company; Hussein Masoud, Chairman, EgyptAir; Amr Elezaby, Chairman, Egypt Tourism Authority and Habib Fekih, President, Airbus Middle East. Key topics discussed featured the rapid growth and development of the African and Middle Eastern aviation industries and the catalytic role played by AVEX in augmenting this growth. Habib Fekih of Airbus also announced that Airbus would be sending the A380 to this year’s AVEX. This will be the first time that an A380 has landed on Egyptian soil and in North Africa, reaffirming Egypt’s image as a growth leader in MENA and the world.
The restructured AVEX 2010 will feature five key visiting areas: Expo, Aircraft Showcase Park, Custom Jet Show, Aviation Unity Summit and an Entertainment pavilion. The Expo will bring together exhibitors and aviation professionals from all sectors of the aviation industry. A display area for aircraft, the Aircraft Showcase Park, will feature small to mid-sized aircraft and business chalets for key exhibitors and sponsors of AVEX. The Custom Jet Show (CJS) is the region’s gathering ground for exclusive customised aircraft. CJS will take place over two days during AVEX and will consist of exhibiting areas for customised aircraft and the Custom Jet Awards which honour outstanding achievements in the categories of ‘Exteriors and Aircraft Livery’ and ‘Passenger Experience’. The AVEX Entertainment pavilion has been designed to add a dimension of fun and interaction between the aviation businesses’ attending. This year’s entertainment will feature aerobatic performances and go-kart racing, just to name a few.
Commenting on AVEX’s new focus, Nicholas Watson, AVEX Airshow’s Project Director said: “Thanks to the Africa and Middle East region’s unmatched growth, AVEX has become a bigger success than we expected. We are excited about Egypt providing strong sustainability in aviation on the world map. Through this strength, we have been able to identify key growth drivers in aviation including MROs, aircraft customisation, aviation training, low-cost carriers and small to mid-sized aircraft manufacturing. This is what has led to the successful launch of the new, expanded AVEX Airshow 2010”. AVEX, which has the patronage of Egypt’s Minister of Civil Aviation, Ahmed Shafik, and is co-hosted by the Ministry, is taking place at Sharm El Sheikh International Airport, Egypt from November 7th – 10th 2010. [End]
About Egypt’s Ministry of Civil Aviation
The Egyptian Holding Company for Airports and Air Navigation (EHCAAN) and its referring companies, including the Egyptian Airports Company and Cairo Airport Company under the supervision of the Egyptian Ministry of Civil Aviation, is carrying out its ambitious program to develop Egyptian airports. Recently a new terminal in Cairo International Airport was opened and converted into a hub airport to serve the region; further openings include the new terminals in Asyut, Borg El Arab airport and the new Sohag airport (Mubarak International Airport). EgyptAir plans to expand its fleet to a total of 61 aircraft by the end of 2010. By 2013, the national carrier will have 71 aircraft. About AVEX Organised every two years, AVEX International Airshow 2010 is the Africa and Middle East region’s platform for international aviation. The four day event, organised by naseba, is held under the patronage of the Egyptian Ministry of Civil Aviation at Sharm El Sheikh International Airport. Gathering key aviation decision makers, AVEX focuses on the Africa and Middle East region’s rapidly expanding aviation sector and aids business expansion, the formation of new client-partner relationships and cross border partnerships.
(For more information, please visit www.avexairshow.com).
Source: Egypt’s Ministry of Civil Aviation