Dubai: Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Civil Aviation Authority, affirmed that the UAE had established a leading position as a global hub for aviation, tourism and travel, thanks to the initiatives it launches and the legislations it adopts which will enhance the flow of investments in the field of aviation and the development of airports and infrastructure.
He added during the World Aviation Conference 2022, organized by KPMG Lower Gulf in Dubai, that the aviation sector is one of the most important sectors that contribute to pushing the business forward across many sectors.
He said that our rational government is committed to ensuring sustainable, inclusive and long-term growth in the aviation sector. The development agenda launched by the UAE in the aviation sector contributes to the promotion and advancement of this vital sector. Which in turn leads to the improvement of economic performance and development rates in the country, not to mention the creation of thousands of jobs.
The conference attracted a group of senior leaders and key decision-makers in the field of aviation and officials of Etihad Airways, dnata and flydubai. The conference centred on “Linking Visions to the Future of Air Travel”. KPMG organizes the conference annually.
Nader Haffar, Chairman of KPMG Middle East and South Asia and Chairman and CEO of KPMG Lower Gulf, said:
“The airlines in the UAE and the world-class airports in Dubai and Abu Dhabi have proven their superiority at the global level.
The aviation sector is one of the most vital sectors contributing to pushing the country’s economic indicators forward, and the sector is witnessing remarkable development and growth.
With travel restrictions reduced, studies indicate that passenger numbers are expected to reach 83% before the “Covid 19” pandemic this year.
According to forecasts from the International Air Transport Association, cargo volumes are expected to reach a record 68.4 million tons in 2022.
Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO of flydubai, said: “The organization of the World Aviation Conference in Dubai reflects its global position as a leading centre for hosting major events and events, as the emirate is a prominent destination that embodies resilience and helps accelerate aviation’s recovery from the impact of the “Covid 19” pandemic.
He added: “Although we are witnessing unprecedented challenges in the history of aviation, flydubai is moving at a steady pace as it continues to create free flows of trade and tourism. Since 2021, we have received 22 new aircraft, started expanding our operations in more than 45 destinations and increased our workforce by 25%. We are now well positioned to continue our growth trajectory over the next few years, backed by an additional 150 new aircraft scheduled for delivery by 2029.”