Press Release

INAUGURAL AIRCRAFT INTERIORS MIDDLE EAST OFF TO A FLIER, NEXT EDITION TO DOUBLE IN SIZE

Two Day Workshop Examines Hot Industry Topics

release date: 17th June 2008

The inaugural Aircraft Interiors Middle East 2008 (AIME) - a dedicated aircraft interiors sector event featuring 100 companies from 15 countries – got off to a flying start this week with the show’s organiser, F&E Aerospace, announcing it expects the next AIME edition to double in size.

Additionally, following positive industry feedback, F&E Aerospace is examining the possibility of making the two-day event an annual fixture.

"AIME offers visitors and exhibitors a more intimate business environment, which is vital in such a niche sector. We have focused on securing high quality visitors and buyers - with strong purchasing power - that have the authority to pursue on-site business deals," said Alison Weller, Director, F&E Aerospace.

"We are looking at the possibility of making AIME a yearly show in light of the very positive overall feedback. We have had a lot of confirmations already from exhibitors saying they'll be back with an enhanced offering for the next edition, there are many more companies who are evaluating this year's event with a view of signing up, and also we are assessing our visitor and hosted buyer programmes to ensure the next edition capitalises on the debut show’s successes."

Weller's appraisal of AIME's market sustainability was further endorsed by key exhibitors and visitors at the two day event – which was held at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC).

Abdulla Al Qurashi, CEO, DWC Aviation City, which announced deals worth over US$200 million at the show, said: "For DWC Aviation City, the Aircraft Interiors Middle East show was the perfect platform to reach out to all our potential suppliers and manufacturers. Our MRO facilities will provide every conceivable infrastructure required by the interiors market to call our facility home. The project also provides an opportunity for the global and regional aircraft interiors market to be part of what is a truly international aviation hub."

Italian-based Iacobucci, which made its regional exhibition debut at AIME, also reaffirmed the show's emerging status as an important business forum.

"This show is very much about quality over quantity. AIME has given us an important in-road into the Middle East market and our presence here has already paid dividends with us receiving a number of VIP business leads," said Lucio Iacobucci, the company’s Managing Director.

One of the core elements of the show, which ran at the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre (DICEC), was the conference programme. Led by some of the industry's top names, the seminars examined the latest trends impacting the market, from technological hurdles and catering solutions, to what passengers can expect from the new-generation of aircraft, such as Boeing's 787 Dreamliner.

"The workshop programme has proved to be extremely successful and again, the feedback we've received has been excellent. AIME is not just a face-to-face business platform, it goes beyond this. By presenting a forum for discussion, we are enabling the industry at large to foster a knowledge-sharing arena, which will be a critical factor in ensuring the aircraft interiors market continues to record strong Middle East growth," said Weller.

"The old adage, knowledge is power, has never been truer. Aviation is one of the fastest growing and most dynamic global industries. Those not staying ahead of the curve will suffer."

Increasing pressures to attract customers and reduce operating costs, which is being driven by growing competition levels and rising fuel prices, have resulted in carriers and business jet operators examining aircraft interiors for solutions to diversify product offerings.

Emirates Airlines recently made history for being the first commercial carrier to introduce in-flight mobile telephone services. And the success of this was outlined by the Dubai-based carrier's Vice President for Passenger Communication and IFE, Patrick Brannelly, in a dedicated AIME session.

"We see a modern-day passenger who is a much more connected passenger. It is important to look forward as portable electronic devices grow and develop. As phones are used more and more, it'll be impossible for airlines to restrict their use in-flight. 20 years from now it will be the norm, and with considerably more available communication facilities than we see today," said Brannelly.

And Kent Craver, Boeing's Regional Director of passenger satisfaction and revenue, gave a stark warning in his session, saying that manufacturers and operators alike need to re-examine their design ethos to meet the needs of passengers.

"We’re aiming to get rid of the stress and strain, and bring back the joy of flying. We are now addressing these issues, and while security and traffic problems are out of our control, there are advancements coming to meet on-board concerns," he said.

Boeing has gone to great lengths to examine the issues, and has brought in behavioural psychologists to look at the way people view flying. This has already had an impact on the Dreamliner's design with Boeing enlarging the aircraft entrance to create a sense of height and to increase the size of the windows – concepts that are likely to be adopted by other manufacturers.

"We have to find ways to engage people. Because of composite technology used in the Dreamliner, we can have larger windows - up to 65% bigger that the 777 - which let people see the sky and the earth meet, restoring the unique sensation of flying," he added.

AIME, which ran on June 16 and 17 2008, focused on aircraft and VIP interiors, airline cabin systems and in-flight entertainment. Its exhibitor profile spanned design, seating, textiles, finishes, lighting, flooring, galleys and galley equipment, waste management, safety equipment, power supply, lavatory products, laminates, food service equipment, upgrades, replacement parts, cabin systems integration, touch screens, seat interfaces, food products, comfort products, amenity kits, refrigeration, completion centres, security products, biometrics, cockpit doors, medical equipment, air quality products, catering facilities and electrical systems.