Saturday, March 2, 2024
The Arab Aviation Summit (AAS) 2024, held at the Al Hamra International Exhibition & Conference Centre in Ras Al Khaimah, showcased the transformative power of cutting-edge technologies and evolving customer demands in the aviation industry. Cooperation was emphasized as crucial for sustainable investments, with discussions covering challenges like component shortages and delivery delays, countered by the industry’s resilience driving recovery and expansion.
Themed ‘Exploring the Future of Travel’, the 11th AAS gathered industry leaders for a two-day program of panel debates, keynote speeches, and networking, focusing on challenges and prospects in the Middle East, a burgeoning aviation hub. Talks centered on achieving sustainable growth amidst economic and geopolitical tensions, with a spotlight on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) for a carbon-neutral future by 2050.
The summit highlighted innovative technologies and disruptions in aviation, the potential of advanced air mobility for tourism, and the influential role of Middle Eastern carriers in global travel trends. H.E. Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, noted Ras Al Khaimah’s success in tourism and its investments in air connectivity and sustainable infrastructure, positioning the emirate as a rapidly growing destination in the region.
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.
Abdul Wahab Teffaha, Secretary General of the Arab Air Carriers Organization, highlighted that despite progress, the aviation industry’s recovery from the pandemic is hampered by short-sighted policies of some countries during the health crisis. He cited ongoing supply chain issues, inflation, and global economic challenges as barriers to growth, emphasizing the need for clean energy incentives and digital transformation in travel to bridge 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.
Discussions on the summit’s final day underscored the significance of aircraft leasing for the industry’s financial stability and growth, amidst robust orders and persistent supply constraints. Steve Rimmer, CEO of Altavair, and Tariq Al Ghaziri, Deputy CEO of AviLease, explored the sector’s expansion prospects and strategic initiatives aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. Their focus included regional and international market expansion and achieving investment-grade ratings.
AAS 2024, in collaboration with the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, received support from global industry stakeholders such as Airbus, CFM, Collins Aerospace, Turkish Teknik, and T3 Aviation Academy, demonstrating a united effort to advance the future of the aviation sector.
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