The Middle East’s aviation industry is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of more than 6 percent during the period 2022-27, according to data from research firm Mordor Intelligence. The news comes as the global travel and tourism community prepares to gather in Dubai for Arabian Travel Market 2022, which will take place at Dubai World Trade Centre from May 9 to 12.
Although the recovery estimated for international passenger traffic is gradual, Mordor Intelligence shows that the Middle East’s private and domestic aviation segments remained resilient during the pandemic and are continuing to display signs of growth.
Danielle Curtis, exhibition director ME — ATM, said: “The latest market analysis suggests that budget carriers such as Air Arabia Abu Dhabi and Wizz Air Abu Dhabi will drive demand for new narrow-body aircraft during the coming years.
“The Middle East’s aviation sector has also witnessed high demand for private travel during recent years, thanks to corporations and high-net-worth individuals opting for business jet and helicopter journeys during the pandemic,” she added.
“As such, the Middle East’s aviation sector will represent a major focus at ATM 2022, thanks to a dedicated session on the ATM Global Stage, plus a number of related events and forums throughout the event. We also look forward to exploring long-term opportunities related to the future of transport,” she added.
On the second day of ATM 2022, “Airlines Evolving for the Future: Hear From the Industry Leaders” will address pandemic-related challenges faced by the industry. Moderated by John Strickland, director of JLS Consulting, speakers including Tony Douglas, group chief executive of Etihad Aviation Group, and Adel Abdullah Al-Ali, board member and group chief executive of Air Arabia, will also share insights into opportunities and likely structural change within the aviation sector as its recovery continues.
Later the same day, “The Future of Transport” session, held in conjunction with the Global Travel and Tourism Resilience Council, will explore new and emerging modes of transport — such as hyperloop systems, driverless vehicles, next-generation aircraft and space travel — with the potential to revolutionize how we move from A to B. Moderated by Sarah Hedley Hymers, editorial director in the Middle East for Connecting Travel, speakers will include Kuljit Ghata-Aura, president — Middle East, Turkey and Africa at Boeing; Kata Cserep, vice president and global managing director — aviation at ICF; and Karime Makhlouf, chief commercial officer at Royal Jordanian.
“Market leaders such as Emirates, Etihad, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Qatar Airways and others also reflect a positive longer-term trajectory for the sector,” added Curtis.
