Spending on airport infrastructure and development is set to hit US$15 billion over the next five years – with a significant proportion of that amount (3 US$ Billion) to be spent on Special Airport Systems…
Spending on airport infrastructure and development is set to hit US$15 billion over the next five years – with a significant proportion of that amount (3 US$ Billion) to be spent on Special Airport Systems – according to senior figures at Bayanat-DPS, the leading integrator of airport systems across the Middle East.
With US$5.8 billion of investment earmarked for projects in the UAE alone – with construction of a third terminal at Dubai International Airport, the development of new airports at Jebel Ali and Ajman, and expansion plans for Abu Dhabi and Sharjah International Airports – airport authorities are viewing with increasing interest the potential that technology holds to reduce operational costs while allowing for optimization of existing resources.
The sums that are being spent on ensuring that the Middle East`s network of airport facilities remain among the best in the world is staggering, and is indicative of the commitment of the governments and aviation authorities to delivering a world-class service to travelers, explained Georges Hannouche, CEO of Bayanat-DPS. Through technology, they can ensure that the facilities are in place to effectively and safely cater to the rise in flight traffic and airline passengers.
Over the last five years, the Middle East`s airport sector has witnessed a surge in tourist arrivals, with regional hub Dubai International Airport alone expecting 60 million visitors by 2015. With the region`s authorities diversifying their economies to capitalize on the tourist boom, and the emergence of global travel hubs, industry experts are predicting that the aviation industry is set to go from strength to strength.
In line with the expansion that we are observing, we are also seeing an exponential growth in demand for the latest airport technologies, as airports seek to upgrade their flight management capabilities. The introduction of new airlines, and the new super-jumbos they will fly, will mean that airports will also have to install special airport technologies to cater to the rising numbers and size of aircraft, added Hannouche.
Having delivered airport technology solutions for Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Fujairah and Sharjah airports in the UAE alone, Bayanat-DPS is the leading integrator of Special Airport infrastructures that include Flight Information Display Systems, Check-in and Baggage Handling Solutions, Instrument Landing Systems, radars, simulators and network infrastructures.
Through developing next-generation facilities, Middle East airports will ensure that they remain ahead of the rest of the world in providing airlines, passengers and the industry in general with unique services. By advancing their technology, they will also be boosting their short, medium and long-term business, added Hannouche.
Photo: Georges Hannouche, CEO, Bayanat-DPS
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
