Saturday, March 2, 2024
At the Arab Aviation Summit (AAS) 2024, which recently wrapped up at the Al Hamra International Exhibition & Conference Centre in Ras Al Khaimah, the spotlight was on the transformative effects of cutting-edge technologies and evolving customer demands. The event also emphasized the critical importance of enhanced cooperation to foster sustainable investments within the aviation industry. This premier aviation and tourism gathering in the region delved into a wide array of vital topics, including the challenges posed by shortages of components and delays in deliveries, alongside the industry’s remarkable resilience which is spearheading its recovery and expansion.
The summit’s 11th iteration, themed ‘Exploring the Future of Travel’, brought together top professionals from the industry for a comprehensive two-day program comprising panel debates, keynote speeches, and opportunities for networking. These activities provided a platform to discuss the challenges and prospects in the Middle East, a rapidly expanding aviation hub.
The discussions at the summit were framed around achieving sustainable growth in the sector amidst current economic and geopolitical tensions. The significance of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in the transition towards a more eco-friendly future was a central topic, with experts examining viable strategies for achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Additionally, the event highlighted the critical shortage of skilled workers in the field and its potential impact as the demand for travel increases.
The first day of the summit focused on the innovative technologies and disruptions reshaping the aviation sector, alongside the potential for advanced air mobility to create distinct tourism experiences in the MENA region. The influential role of Middle Eastern carriers in leading global trends and influencing consumer travel habits was also a key focus.
Ras Al Khaimah, marking its most successful tourism year in 2023 with 1.22 million overnight stays and a notable 24% increase in international tourists, is poised to emerge as a leading destination, according to H.E. Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority. His remarks on the second day of AAS highlighted the emirate’s investment in enhancing air connectivity, tourism infrastructure, and a sustainable ecosystem, further establishing its position as the region’s fastest-growing destination. He also noted the potential impact of the Unified GCC Tourist Visa in facilitating easier travel experiences across the emirate.
In his opening remarks Adel Ali, Chief Executive Officer of Air Arabia, highlighted the critical role of aviation and tourism industry as a key contributor to the GDP of nations and the biggest generator of employment opportunities across the world. He also pointed out that as disruptive business models and technologies reshape future expectations and transform consumer experiences leading to increased productivity and efficiency, it was just as important to bridge the current skills gaps in the industry. Taking a collaborative and solutions-focused approach in addressing sustainability and climate action challenges, both on the ground and in the air, will be instrumental in taking the sector into its next phase of growth, he added.
However, the aviation industry’s post-pandemic recovery is still hindered by the short-sighted policies of some countries during the health crisis, as stated by Abdul Wahab Teffaha, Secretary General of the Arab Air Carriers Organization. He pointed out the ongoing supply chain issues, inflation, and global economic challenges that restrict the industry’s growth, underscoring the urgency of adopting clean energy incentives and the digitization of travel to overcome technological gaps.
Aviation is an intrinsic part of tourism, asserted Julia Simpson, President & CEO, World Travel & Tourism Council, as she called on all stakeholders to collaborate on improving sustainability in the sector. While the technology potential and regulatory frameworks associated with Sustainable Aviation Fuel are poised to lead the industry on the sustainability path, governments must step up efforts with supportive policies and incentives and establish the trajectory needed to scale up for 2050, she added.
The summit’s final day discussions highlighted the importance of aircraft leasing for the industry’s financial health and expansion, amid strong orders and persistent supply constraints. Steve Rimmer, CEO of Altavair, and Tariq Al Ghaziri, Deputy CEO of AviLease, discussed the sector’s growth prospects and strategic plans aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, focusing on regional and international market expansion and achieving investment grade ratings.
The AAS 2024, in partnership with the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, enjoyed support from global industry stakeholders including Airbus, CFM, Collins Aerospace, Turkish Teknik, T3 Aviation Academy, among others, showcasing a united front in advancing the aviation sector’s future.
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
