The Global Investment in Aviation Summit, which will take place on 28-29 January 2019
at the Intercontinental Dubai Festival City, will bring together a group of major
international aviation companies along with 2000 participants, investors, aircraft and
service providers, operators, and high-level international dignitaries and government
officials.
The Summit is an initiative of the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority and carries the
theme “Linking Developed and Emerging Markets through Attractive Aviation
Investment Opportunities”. It aims to explore the most prominent investment
opportunities in the global aviation sector and to highlight projects related to the industry
for major participating companies.
Among the aviation companies participating in the Summit are Aerion, Zunum Aero,
Vinci Airports, Dubai South, in addition to start-up company, WheelTug Journey.
H.E Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the General Civil Aviation
Authority, said, "UAE has a good reputation in aviation sector. This big number of
aviation companies joining GIAS, reflects the unique position that United Arab Emirates
enjoys both on regional and international levels. UAE has been one of the first countries
to meet environmental compliance and reduction of carbon emissions. Along with our priority to enable flow of investments, and the role we play to develop projects and
implement regulations, we have rightfully earned our membership to the Committee on
Environmental Protection in Aviation Sector in 2016.”
“The Summit is a platform that will allow participants to learn about the latest
developments in the aviation industry, as well as it is an ideal opportunity to establish
and strengthen strategic partnerships between companies and aircraft operators, and to
exchange experiences that will enhance the investment opportunities in markets of
Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and the emerging markets.”
Among the projects displayed by companies participating in the Summit, is the
project launched by "Iron Supersonic" company, which aims to manufacture Supersonic
business jet that will revolutionize aviation sector when it is launched in 2023. Zenum
Aero, an electric aircraft hybrid with 50 seats, will be dedicated to kings and dignitaries
and is expected to be launched commercially in 2020. The executive aircraft is powered
by electric propulsion for a quick shuttle.
Dubai South will display its unique projects. Operating within an integrated global
aviation system, Dubai South project is in cooperation with Al Maktoum International
Airport, which upon completion stands to be the world’s largest airport with passenger
capacity of 220 million and 16 million tons of cargo annually.
Other highlights of the Summit will be incubators’ review of aviation and sector-related
projects as well as training programs and workshops for trainees who wish to know the
secrets and techniques followed to achieve success in the aviation sector. The first air
transport business incubators group has been established with the leading expertise of
Emirates Group in collaboration with General Electric, Etisalat and Dubai Silicon Oasis
Authority.
Further, Vinci Airports will present its acquisition of 50.01% of Gatwick Airport for
GBP2.9 billion. Gatwick is the second largest and the most efficient airport in the UK.
Pierre-Hugues Schmit, Chief Commercial Officer, Vinci Airports, will be sharing with
Summit participants their vision and plans and their expertise in the strategic
development and management of the airport.
Aspiring company WheelTug Journey will unveil their flagship project which is the
electric taxi system. The e-taxi system includes small electric motors in the nosewheels
to enable aircrafts to move forward and backward without using their engine or any
external tugs.
The Global Investment in Aviation Summit will take place as the travel industry in the
Middle East, one of the fastest growing markets, is growing. The International Air
Transport Association (IATA) predicts that growth will continue by 4.6% until
2034. Market developments in the Middle East, as well as the convergence of global
markets, will continue to create a safe haven for aviation capital investments on fixed
growth rates.
