AIME/MRO Middle East finishes on a high

MRO Middle East and Aircraft Interiors Middle East closed yesterday after a record run seeing 300 exhibitors and more than the expected 4500 trade visitors attend the two day event at Dubai World Trade Centre.
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There was such an immense amount of business done during the show’s two day run that many exhibitors were keen to confirm their attendance for 2018. Among those already booked to return were Snap On Tools, Skyone and VD Gulf.

Returning exhibitor Turbine Services & Solutions Aerospace LLC (TS&S Aerospace) took advantage of the event to cement their agreement with MTU Maintenance, signing a long term V2500 parts repair agreement at the show.

Also returning for 2018 will be Lonseal, Diehl Aerospace and Sprung Structures. “AIME and MRO Middle East has been, without a doubt, the best aviation show we have attended in the past twelve months,” said Stuart Mansbridge, Regional Business Development Manager MENA for Sprung Structures. “We have met 100% of our objectives for the show and have already committed to exhibit again in 2018.”

“Attendee numbers for the show have surpassed our expectations,” said Michele van Akelijen, Managing Director of show organisers F&E Aerospace. “The feedback that we have had from exhibitors is that they are seeing an increase in the amount of contacts that they are making too, and doing a larger amount of business.”

The MRO Conferences, some of which were standing room only throughout the two days, concluded today with a regulatory working group focusing on key issues and challenges facing the industry and provided a platform for lively discussions and recommendations.

“We are thrilled to see this event gaining popularity and developing its reputation in the region,” Lydia Janow, Managing Director, Events at Aviation Week confirmed. “Over the years it has grown continually and now encompasses not just the Middle East, but the wider region too.”

The show also hosted the Inflight IFEC Pavilion and Awards, organised by HMG Aerospace, recognising outstanding product or service offerings from suppliers and airlines serving the Middle East. Emirates Airline won “Airline of the Year” and other Middle Eastern airlines were well represented in the awards, with Etihad Airways winning “Innovation in Commercial Airline Cabins”, Qatar Airways  winning “Content Innovation”, flydubai claiming the prize for “Interior Retrofit Project of the year” and first-time winner Saudia clinching the “Airline IFEC Provider” award.

Bluebox won the competitive “Handheld and/or Wireless IFE System” category while for the second year running, Zodiac Inflight Innovations was crowned “Seat-centric IFE system” winner and Panasonic Avionics Corporation earned the “Connectivity provider” award.

AIME and MRO Middle East will return 22 – 23 January 2018 at Dubai World Trade Centre. Due to the show’s increasing growth, it will move to larger halls.