emaratech - Experts & Thought Leaders

Airport Show is all set for a smooth take-off for its 23rd edition on May 14 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) with key stakeholders utilising the annual exhibition dedicated to the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) to explore and embrace new technologies and innovative products to handle the fast rebounding air passengers and cargo traffic. Airport passenger expectations The participants will also have their focus and attention on products and services designed to transform passenger expectations at airports, ease of flying, and enhance safety and security. The trademark annual B2B platform will bring to the Middle East’s vibrant aviation market four co-located events - Air Traffic Control Forum, Airport Security Middle East, the Global Airport Leaders Forum (GALF), and the Women in Aviation (WIA) Middle East Chapter Conference.   Three-day trade-only exhibition The exhibition will provide opportunities to explore, experience, and source several advanced airport technologies The three-day trade-only exhibition will provide opportunities to explore, experience, and source several advanced airport technologies, innovations, and solutions along with networking with business pioneers and market movers. Organised by RX, the London-based company that hosts over 400 events in 22 countries across 42 industry sectors, the much-look-forward-to business platform will see over 6,000 decision-makers and professionals making their way to the three massive exhibition halls at a time when airports across the world are packed to their capacities. International passenger traffic The ever-surging passenger movement has prompted the Airports Council International (ACI), the trade association whose members operate 1925 airports in 171 countries including the DXB, the world’s top airport for international passengers, to claim that 2024 will be “a milestone for global passenger traffic recovery as it reaches 9.4 billion passengers, surpassing the all-time high 9.2 billion passengers handled in 2019.  International passenger traffic is forecasted to grow to 4.4 billion international passengers in 2026. Aircraft movements are forecast to grow to 111.6 million by 2026. Airports worldwide will see 153.8 million aircraft movements by 2041. Business Connect Programme More than 150 exhibitors from over 20 countries will participate in the exhibition which will feature four country pavilions and over 120 buyers from more than 35 countries. The trade gathering will host 3,500-plus meetings under its popular Business Connect Programme. Attendees in participation Siemens, Honeywell, TLD, Aviramp GSE, ITW GSE, ADB Safegate, and Airport Labs are among the exhibitors Global companies like Smiths Detection, emaratech, Siemens, Honeywell, TLD, Aviramp GSE, ITW GSE, ADB Safegate, and Airport Labs are among the exhibitors. Among the key airport project pioneers participating include Air India SATS Airport Services,  Airports of Thailand, Angkasa Pura Airports of Indonesia, Armenia International Airports,  Singapore’s BOC Aviation, CAAB of Botswana, Egyptian Airports Company (EAC),  Erbil International Airport, Hong Kong International Airport, Mactan- Cebu International Airport Authority, New Delhi Airport,  Ntech Aviation of South Africa, Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority, Uganda Civil Aviation Authority, and  Yerevan Zvartnots International Airport of Armenia. In-event networking and knowledge enhancement Innovation Trail, GSE Zone, Innovation Hub, and Youth in Aviation will provide in-event networking and knowledge enhancement opportunities. The four co-located events will see 60-plus speakers speaking on diverse topics, including Sustainability at Airports, Passenger Experience, Ground Handling, Airport Security, and Air Traffic Management (ATM).  Being held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, it is being supported by the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), Dubai Airports, Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP), Emirates Airline and Group, Dubai Air Navigation Services (dans) and dnata, one of the world's largest air services providers with services across five continents. DXB expansion The show is taking off as one of the three biggest airports in the world unveiled its ambitious expansion plans.  In a fast-forward mode to handle zooming passenger numbers, the expansion of Dubai International Airport (DXB), the world’s busiest airport for international passengers for 10 consecutive years with 87 million passengers in 2023, will require US$2. 7 billion. That will make it stand out among the Middle East airports that will be handling 1.1 billion passengers by 2040. Sheikh Ahmed asserted that Dubai will undoubtedly become ‘The World’s Airport’ and the city will be an expanded global hub for an impressive number of industries including aviation, tourism, technology, and education. Dubai's airport terminal plans The US$35 billion Al Maktoum International Airport is envisaged to have a capacity for 260 million passengers In April-end, Dubai unveiled plans for the construction of the world’s largest airport terminal. The US$35 billion Al Maktoum International Airport is envisaged to have a capacity for 260 million passengers upon completion, five times the size of the current DXB. All operations at DXB will be transferred to the massive facility over the coming years. Once completed, Al Maktoum, which opened in 2010, will be the new home for Emirates Airlines with the airport boasting five parallel runways and 400 aircraft gates. Technology and innovative systems The participation in the Airport Show will provide excellent opportunities for airport security whose global market size will reach US$26 billion by 2030, according to Spherical Insights & Consulting.  The participants will be updating their knowledge about technologies that facilitate smooth passenger screening facilitation, checkpoints, and baggage surveillance. Airports have been focusing on acquiring technology and innovative systems that keep glitches and shortcomings at a distance. Their search will also be ways for handling cybercrimes and explosive devices, filling up the gaps, and improving the systems and procedures. IATA-led workshop May Ismail, Event Manager at RX, said, “Along with concentrating on the picked-up pace of passenger and cargo business, the airport industry is focused on massive expansions and phenomenal improvements to be at the cutting edge of the game in the coming decades." "Their search for everything they want stops at the Airport Show.  This year, we will have 20+ first-time exhibitors. We will be hosting for the first time an IATA-led workshop as a by-invitation event." Sustainability and Innovation It had been predicted that processes within airports will be fully autonomous by 2050 along with zero-queue terminals Organisers have appropriately chosen this edition’s theme - Sustainability and Innovation – as the industry players' focus has shifted to embracing cutting-edge technology and greener initiatives to drive growth and efficiency while grappling with the complexities of rising passenger volumes, changing governmental regulations changing assessment of potential risks.  This is much needed as global consultancy Oliver Wyman predicted more than 19 billion passengers will pass through world airports each year by 2040, and the global commercial aircraft fleet be over 36,000 aircraft seven years earlier. It had been predicted that processes within airports will be fully autonomous by 2050 along with zero-queue terminals. Several companies have expressed their views about their association with the Airport Show. Enhancing efficiency and safety Jaffar Dawood, Senior Vice President, of Airport Operations UAE, and MEA, dnata, said, “We’re pleased to showcase our offering at the Dubai Airport Show during a time of remarkable growth throughout the region." "Our advanced equipment on display demonstrates our commitment to continually investing in our operations to enhance efficiency, safety, and sustainability. We look forward to meeting with our partners and fostering connections at this prestigious industry event.”  Alternative fuel solutions B. Tarik Özeler, Export Sales Manager at BMC said, “As the sole manufacturer of Apron Buses in Turkey, we are actively enhancing our product range with various alternative fuel solutions and are in talks with pioneering ground handling service companies across Turkey, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa to expand our offerings." "To boost production and enhance the Apron Bus range, we are engaging with pioneering engineering firms in Europe and manufacturers in the Far East for joint venture collaborations.” Streamlining operations Tamer Samy, Sales Director for Middle East at ADB SAFEGATE said, “Technology and innovation have played crucial roles in transforming airports across the Middle East and South Asia into smart hubs." "These advancements have streamlined operations, enhanced passenger experiences, and improved overall efficiency."  Airside 4.0 solutions "Our company is a pioneer in driving airports towards smarter functionalities with comprehensive solutions including airfield lighting, power systems, airport, and tower software, docking automation, apron management systems, and aftermarket services." "Our Airside 4.0 solutions not only enhance operational efficiency and safety standards but also elevate the passenger experience. The Airport Show is a pivotal platform for us to showcase our latest products and connect with industry pioneers, airport operators, and stakeholders.” Flexible digital solutions  Bruce Bowman, Strategic Advisor & Project Director at Cairn Consulting, the Aviation Consultancy Partner, said, “A primary challenge for airports is the strict regulatory and infrastructural environments that often delay the adoption of new technologies, preventing them from aligning with the rapid innovations seen in domestic digital commerce." "At Cairn Consulting, we are committed to navigating these challenges, advocating for regulatory reforms while pioneering flexible digital solutions that enhance both efficiency and the consumer journey, ultimately aligning airport experiences more closely with cutting-edge consumer market trends."  AR, VR, and LLM applications "We are exploring futuristic applications of AR, VR, and Large Language Models (LLM) to enhance passenger interaction with airport services, foreseeing a future where these technologies make airport stays more enjoyable and interactive, thus redefining what airports can offer beyond the traditional." "As airports refresh, renew, or build new infrastructure, incorporating these technologies from the ground up, will be crucial to creating spaces that are truly futuristic and responsive to the next generation of traveler needs.”

Multinational companies are tapping the pioneering annual airport industry-dedicated event, set to take place in Dubai, to enter into meaningful networking as the regional airports hunt to acquire the latest technology and innovative services to meet the expectations of the fast-growing air travel market. Airport Show 2024 The 23rd edition of the dedicated B2B platform for the airports industry in the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia (MENASA) region will be held from May 14 to 16 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).  Over 150 exhibitors from more than 20 countries and 6,000 visitors from over 30 countries will attend the three-day business gathering. Four co-located events The fastest-growing aviation market in the world will be required to invest around US$151 billion The Airport Show will have on its sidelines four co-located events – the ATC Forum, Airport Security Middle East, the Global Airport Leaders Forum (GALF), and the Women in Aviation Middle East Conference and Awards. The unfaltering interest of the global players continues as the Middle East Aviation Market, valued at US$60 billion in 2023, is predicted to rise substantially with its 110 airports projected to handle 1.1 billion passengers by 2040. The fastest-growing aviation market in the world will be required to invest around US$151 billion in capacity expansion. Airport sustainability, digitalisation, and urban air mobility His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), Chairman of Dubai Airports, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, and Patron of Airport Show said, “The business event will see innovations in airport sustainability, digitalisation, and urban air mobility being showcased." "Airport Show is the best venue to select and source the cutting-edge technologies and newest innovative products to better the airport operations.” Business Connect Brands like Smiths Detection, emaratech, Siemens, Honeywell, TLD, Aviramp GSE, and ITW GSE are among the exhibitors The Business Connect offers a premier platform to network, source, and collaborate with the minds behind the world’s most advanced aviation facilities. Pioneering brands like Smiths Detection, emaratech, Siemens, Honeywell, TLD, Aviramp GSE, and ITW GSE are among the exhibitors that will be at the Airport Show.  The participants include key project pioneers driving over US$260 billion in airport development across the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia (MENASA). Digital matchmaking service Among the key airport project pioneers who have confirmed their participation include Air India SATS Airport Services,  Airports of Thailand, Angkasa Pura Airports of Indonesia, Armenia International Airports,  Singapore’s BOC Aviation, CAAB of Botswana, Egyptian Airports Company (EAC),  Erbil International Airport, Hong Kong International Airport, Mactan- Cebu International Airport Authority, New Delhi Airport,  Ntech Aviation of South Africa, Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority, Uganda Civil Aviation Authority, and  Yerevan Zvartnots International Airport of Armenia. Exhibitors will be provided access to the Business Connect digital matchmaking service to plan and reserve their spots in the limited meeting schedules of the buyers. Creating connections May Ismail, Event Manager at RX, part of RELX that organises about 400 events in 22 countries across 42 industry sectors, said, “This will be a full-house edition with almost everyone who matters in the industry coming with strong enthusiasm and high expectations.  Growth and expansion of the airports in the region continue to be pursued at a phenomenal pace. Creating connections and learning is crucial for aviation businesses." "It is a good opportunity to make use of this platform to work together in identifying new revenue streams and new strategies, managing new businesses, and gaining a better understanding of the competitive marketplace.”

As the number of airline passengers has exploded to surpass the high pre-pandemic levels, airports across the world have been expanding and improvising their security regime and devoting wider resources to make the systems and processes smoother and free of glitches and shortcomings. The entire aviation value chain has been playing a key role in keeping the airports safe and secure as threats have remained a priority since the start of the 21st century. The threats continue to evolve and determine the present and future framework of airport security on the planet. Use of data and technologies By 2030, it is expected that the better use of data and new technologies and processes will all be involved in mitigating much of the checkpoint stress passengers endure. Airport security is continuously being expanded and upgraded through building wider collaborative relationships with governments, aviation regulators, and airport operators. Risk assessments in most parts of the world are being carried out in advance and screening technologies are becoming more discrete and decentralised, happening mostly at gates or along airport corridors rather than at a central location. Foundations for aviation security The improvements to and expansion of airport security are crucial for smoother movement Most experts believe that the foundations for aviation security in 2030 are already in place but there are issues to be resolved and improvised, and standards need to be determined for successful product design, with facial recognition and biometrics becoming the most coherent part of the aviation security infrastructure. The improvements to and expansion of airport security are crucial for the smoother movement of about seven billion air passengers by 2030. Off-site airport security The trend is towards moving the airport security processes off-site across several countries including the Middle East region, to cope with the rising passenger numbers and limited infrastructure development, according to officials of the Airports Council International (ACI-World) whose members operate 1925 airports in 171 countries, including the DXB, the world’s top airport for international passengers. Technologies were being tweaked for newer and emerging security environments and crucial data getting shared along the entire passenger journey to deal with threats including cybercrimes and explosive devices, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Current and future of aviation/airport security Airport Show in Dubai in May, to recommend measures to fill up the gaps and improve the systems and procedures The world’s leading experts and officials will discuss the current and future of aviation/airport security, during their participation at the upcoming Airport Show in Dubai in May, to recommend measures to fill up the gaps and improve the systems and procedures.  The 23rd edition of the Airport Show, with its co-located events Air Traffic Control (ATC) Forum, Airport Security Middle East, and the Global Airport Leaders Forum (GALF), will be held over three days from May 14 to 16. Sustainability and Innovation The much-anticipated event will bring together the world’s leading airport suppliers and service providers, as well as aviation leaders and regional decision-makers to showcase the latest innovations and technologies. The theme, Sustainability, and Innovation, reflects the airport industry’s focus on embracing cutting-edge technology and greener initiatives to drive growth and efficiency. Safety, efficiency, and security The imperative to enhance competitiveness, our company stands at the forefront" Emaratech Group CEO, Thani Alzaffin said, "As airports grapple with the complexities of rising passenger volumes, changing regulations, and the imperative to enhance competitiveness, our company stands at the forefront of addressing these challenges." "Through innovative IT solutions and advanced technologies, we are empowering airports to fortify their safety, efficiency, and security measures. Our state-of-the-art solutions, including biometric identification, and artificial intelligence, contribute significantly to the modernisation of airport security." Secured and integrated process "In the realm of smart travel, the company has been playing a major role in pioneering advancements, particularly in collaboration with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs-Dubai (GDRFA-Dubai), Emirates Airlines, and Dubai Airports." "It foresees a customer-focused experience achieved through a highly secured and integrated process that seamlessly encompasses all airport touchpoints."  Biometrics and touchless experiences From the perspective of airports and aviation authorities, the new experience holds immense promise "The future of travel pivots significantly on the transformative power of biometrics technology and touchless passenger experiences." "These innovations are designed to reshape the landscape of air travel, offering a multitude of benefits for all stakeholders involved especially when such seamless processes are introduced across countries," he said. From the perspective of airports and aviation authorities, the new experience holds immense promise. Stringent security measures According to industry insiders, airport security is a complex and crucial aspect of the Middle East region’s aviation infrastructure. Given the geopolitical situation and heightened security concerns, airports have been prioritising stringent security measures that cover passenger and baggage screening, access control, surveillance systems, and collaboration. Middle Eastern airports are at the forefront of implementing advanced technologies like biometric scanning, explosive detection systems, and AI-driven surveillance to enhance security. Additionally, stringent regulations are applied and airports and airlines adhere to international safety standards. Global airport security market These challenges significantly impact how airports approach and implement security measures The global airport security market size is expected to reach US$26 billion by 2030, according to a research report published by Spherical Insights & Consulting. It says the Middle East Airport Security Market faces unique security challenges primarily due to the complex geopolitical factors prevalent in the region. These challenges significantly impact how airports approach and implement security measures given their proximity to active conflict zones. Physical inspection + technology Middle Eastern airports are employing a combination of methods, including physical inspections and advanced technology. Passengers are screened through metal detectors, full-body scanners, and explosive trace detection machines. Additionally, hand luggage and personal items are subjected to X-ray scans to identify any prohibited or potentially dangerous items. In some cases, passengers may also undergo secondary screenings based on behavioral profiling or random selection, ensuring a thorough assessment of potential risks. State-of-the-art baggage screening systems Trained staff meticulously examine flagged items, ensuring that nothing poses a security threat before allowing baggage Middle Eastern airports use state-of-the-art baggage screening systems that employ X-rays and computed tomography (CT) scans to create detailed images of the contents of checked baggage. These technologies help security personnel identify any suspicious or prohibited items, including explosives, weapons, or contraband. Automated systems also flag anomalies for further inspection. Trained staff meticulously examine flagged items, ensuring that nothing poses a security threat before allowing baggage onto the aircraft. AI, facial recognition, and iris scans They are at the forefront of adopting advanced security technologies to enhance safety. Biometric systems like facial recognition and iris scans are increasingly being used for identity verification and access control, streamlining the passenger journey while ensuring security. Additionally, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) algorithms are deployed to analyse passenger behavior and detect anomalies that may indicate potential threats. Explosive Detection Systems (EDS) These systems use sophisticated algorithms to analyse X-ray images and detect trace amounts of explosives Explosive Detection Systems (EDS) are being widely employed to identify explosive materials in checked baggage. These systems use sophisticated algorithms to analyse X-ray images and detect trace amounts of explosives, providing an additional layer of security. CCTV, video analytics Furthermore, Middle Eastern airports are investing in surveillance technologies, including high-definition CCTV cameras and video analytics, to monitor passenger and staff activities across the airport premises. Real-time intelligence sharing has been enabling airports to proactively respond to potential threats and adjust security measures accordingly. Enhanced screening processes Facial recognition, iris scanning, and fingerprint recognition, are being widely adopted The region’s airports also benefit from access to cutting-edge equipment and systems that enhance screening processes and improve security outcomes. They have aligned their security protocols with internationally recognised guidelines, ensuring consistency and compatibility with airports worldwide. Biometric systems, including facial recognition, iris scanning, and fingerprint recognition, are being widely adopted at Middle Eastern airports. Passenger identity verification These technologies provide secure and efficient methods for passenger identity verification at various touchpoints, such as check-in, security screening, and boarding gates. Passengers can move seamlessly through the airport, reducing wait times and enhancing overall convenience while ensuring the highest levels of security. Travel trends to 2050 Airports will be core drivers of industrywide change, while themselves being transformed in the process" Talking about the travel trends to 2050, an Oliver Wyman analysis says by 2040 more than 19 billion passengers will pass through world airports each year, and the global commercial aviation fleet will expand by 33 percent, to more than 36,000 aircraft by 2033. It noted: “Airports will be core drivers of industrywide change, while themselves being transformed in the process." Customised and contactless experience "Airports are, after all, where air travel journeys begin and end. Going forward, the passenger experience will be customised, on-demand, contactless, and efficient." "The digitisation of airports will enable a tailored end-to-end journey through the airport and will create new retail and commercial revenue opportunities.” On-demand services The reduction in check-in counters and security screening queues will provide new opportunities" The transformation of passenger processing will drive a significant change in the internal layout of airport terminals where the future line of demarcation between the airside and landside is expected to be very different from today. “The reduction in check-in counters and security screening queues will provide new opportunities for commercial retail and relaxation spaces in terminals. By 2030, the expectation is that the integration of new technologies will enable airports to deliver passengers customised, on-demand services to improve their airport experience." Touchless travel digital ID cards "For passengers, touchless travel digital ID cards may replace paper passports by 2040, the year when the travel hub will be all about open-airport architecture, with physical and software design interfacing and allowing for touchless security and check-in," it said. By 2050, processes within airports will be fully autonomous, increasing the speed and quality of activities, from security to immigration and boarding. Internationally recognised digital identity By 2050, it can be assumed that robots and automation will have taken on most of the current roles at airports Through coordinated efforts by governments and regulatory bodies, there is a prospect of having an internationally recognised digital identity for all passengers by 2050. By that year, it can be assumed that robots and automation will have taken on most of the current roles at airports. One-stop processing Zero-queue terminals will be a reality by 2050, with customised and pre-planned processes creating a seamless journey from home to destination, and back. Passengers will use their devices or travel and airport apps to control every aspect of their journey and experience. Remote processing and one-stop processing pods which may be available during the transit time to the airport, will simplify boarding and security procedures.