Bisignani: MENA is the only growing region in airline industry

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is currently the only region which is experiencing growth in the airline industry this year, according to recent remarks by the head of the International Air Transport Authority (IATA).

According to the Director General and CEO of IATA, Giovanni Bisignani, the MENA region experienced a growth of eight percent in passenger demand during the first eight months of 2009.

In a speech at the annual general meeting of Arab Air Carriers Organisation in Jeddah, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Mr Bisignani added that the demand was outstripped by a capacity increase of 13 percent.

Given the positive signs in the MENA region’s airline industry, companies are increasingly looking to profit from the opportunities generated through market growth. Travel catering companies are set to descend on ITCA Dubai, the travel catering and in-flight service exhibition for the Middle East, Africa and Indian Subcontinent, to help build business networks in the region.

The ITCA Dubai Exhibition takes place at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from 16 – 18 November 2009. The show also includes the prestigious ITCA Dubai Conference. “The Middle East and North Africa has been one of the top performing markets in a difficult year for the airline industry,” said Mark Napier, Exhibitions Director, Dubai World Trade Centre, organiser of the ITCA Dubai Exhibition. “While the industry continues to grow, the focus at ITCA Dubai will remain on exceptional service delivery while offering the industry the most cost effective solution providers.”

“There is a lot of buzz around this year’s show as companies look to source new business opportunities which will help improve the quality of catering services and passenger comfort on offer,” he added.

Now in its fourth year, ITCA Dubai has rapidly expanded in recent years to bring together the entire travel catering market, representing Airline, Cruise, Ferry and Railway hospitality industries from across the Middle East, Africa, and Indian Subcontinent.

The ITCA Dubai Exhibition is for Trade and Business Professionals only. The show is proudly supported by Emirates Airlines as official sponsor, and presented in conjunction with the prestigious ITCA Dubai Conference taking place from 16 – 18 November 2009.