(7 June 2011)
Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) announced today that it will host the upcoming Airport Exchange 2011 in Abu Dhabi. Airport Exchange is an annual event by two regions of Airports Council International: ACI EUROPE and ACI ASIA-PACIFIC, thereby bringing European and Asian air transport executives together in one global event. This influential industry conference is expected to attract over 1,000 professionals at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) between 28 and 30 November 2011.
The dynamic three-day event includes six different conferences focusing on key airport activities, raising industry knowledge and promoting best international aviation business practice, along with an exhibition showing all the very latest products, equipment and services in the sector. Airport Exchange 2011 is the first industry event ACI has developed in the Middle East, showing the region’s growing importance as an international aviation hub.
James E. Bennett, Chief Executive Officer of ADAC, stated: “Abu Dhabi Airports Company is delighted to have the opportunity to host an event of such international calibre here in Abu Dhabi. We look forward to showing our global colleagues the city as a vibrant, dynamic and a tourism and business destination.”
Bennett added: “As the airport plans its next stage of development this is an ideal opportunity to bring the international aviation community to the capital to witness its transformation to a leading air transport hub for the region.”
Olivier Jankovec, Director General ACI EUROPE commented: “The Middle East is a by-word for all that is ambitious, exciting and innovative in the global landscape of aviation at the moment. With ADAC as our host, and Airport Exchange’s specialised conference streams covering all the most relevant facets of the airport business today, the 6th annual Airport Exchange is set to be an unmissable event for aviation executives and policy makers.”
Maggie Kwok, Regional Director ACI ASIA-PACIFIC commented: “I am glad that the two regions join hands once again in presenting this premier industry event to our members. The Middle East has been showing robust growth in air traffic, well exceeding the world’s overall growth in the first quarter of 2011. What a timely occasion for ADAC and ACI to bring our airport colleagues and business partners to a place full of growth opportunities. I look forward to welcoming you in Abu Dhabi in November.”
As host, ADAC will support ACI EUROPE & ACI ASIA-PACIFIC in preparing for the event in AbuDhabi and liaising with the relevant government bodies for all necessary arrangements. It will also have a significant presence in all conferences with key speakers, as well as arranging further activities for participants and delegates at the airport and around the city, in partnership with ADTA.
Since its launch in 2006, Airport Exchange has established itself as ACI EUROPE’s largest industry meeting at which expertise is shared, business relationships are formed and industry development is the principal goal. Last year’s event, hosted in Istanbul, Turkey, was the first time ACI EUROPE Airport Exchange took place in partnership with ACI ASIA-PACIFIC and was attended by over 1,000 leading speakers, delegates and dignitaries.