dnata - Experts & Thought Leaders

The 8th edition of Inter Airport Southeast Asia (IASEA) was held in Singapore from 25-27 March 2025. Spanning across 6,259 sqm of exhibition space, the airport exhibition and conference brought together 3,621 industry trade professionals from 53 countries and regions, and featured 134 exhibiting companies, including pavilions representing Germany, Italy, Japan, and Singapore. The event saw a 43% increase in exhibitor size and a 15.6% rise in attendee numbers, underscoring the rising significance of IASEA as a platform for productive discussions. The event's achievement is also attributed to the increasing demands of operators and the rapid development and expansion of airports in Asia. Latest innovations and solutions for airports IASEA serves as the dedicated event for airports, airlines, aviation authorities, ground handlers IASEA serves as the dedicated event for airports, airlines, aviation authorities, ground handlers and related business executives in Asia to learn about and experience the latest products, services and technologies, for the future development of Asia’s airports. One of the highlights of this year’s edition was the presence of a delegation of pioneers from major international airports in Vietnam, including Long Thanh International Airport—one of the world's most expensive greenfield airport projects—Noi Bai Airport, Danang Airport, Cat Bi Airport, Phu Quoc Airport, and Cam Ranh International Terminal. Latest advancements in aviation technology One of Airports Corporation of Vietnam’s (ACV) primary objectives in the coming years is the successful completion and operation of Long Thanh International Airport. Under the direction of the Prime Minister of Vietnam, the presence of ACV’s delegation at IASEA 2025 was to seek high-quality solutions and potential partners for this airport. Mr. Nguyen Cao Cuong, Deputy General Director, Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV), shared during his opening remarks, “Vietnam, as one of the fastest-growing aviation markets in the world, is actively developing key airport infrastructure projects to meet the increasing demand for air transport. This event is not only an opportunity to explore the latest advancements in aviation technology but also serves as a platform for collaboration and exchange, fostering stronger partnerships to enhance airport infrastructure across Southeast Asia." Thales’ expertise in airport operations and security Thales participated to expand business chances with regional aviation players and introduce keys First-time exhibitor Thales participated to expand business opportunities with regional aviation players and introduce solutions such as its latest Fly-to-Gate biometrics solution that enables a touchless, fast, and easy passenger journey from check-in to boarding.  Thales commented, “Air traffic has fully recovered since the pandemic years. The increase of major projects and the prioritization of data (data management, data sharing, data security) from airport decision-makers have grown vastly within the industry. At Thales, we recognize that data will improve efficiency in airport operations – namely terminal operations, aircraft turnaround, passenger flow – beyond what hardware can achieve." "However, these advancements also come with challenges, including cybersecurity and leveraging data while keeping airport operations human-centric. Our participation at the conference and exhibition of IASEA 2025 allowed us to connect and engage in discussions with several airport and aviation representatives. We were also able to share Thales’ expertise in airport operations and security, cybersecurity resilience, and biometric solutions, all for a seamless passenger experience.” Integration of AI and security systems in the aviation industry Smiths Detection, a pioneer in threat detection and security screening technologies, introduced the SDX 10060 XDi to the Asia market – a pioneering-edge X-ray scanner that offers highly accurate material discrimination and substance identification based on an object’s molecular structure. “We are glad to be back at IASEA, a key platform for us to showcase our latest solutions and connect with both customers and prospects because the show attracts aviation pioneers from across the region,” said Desmond Lian, Senior Solutions Consultant, Smiths Detection (Asia Pacific) Pte. Ltd. “It was especially meaningful to reconnect with major airports such as Narita International Airport Corporation, as we discuss each other’s long-term plans and areas of collaboration. Such conversations make me hopeful for stronger integration of AI and security systems across the air and land side of the aviation industry. I hope to see the development of an architecture platform where different industry players can share and communicate data, and tackle cybersecurity issues as an ecosystem.” Mallaghan's sustainability goals Mallaghan, one of the fastest-growing airport GSE manufacturers, returned to IASEA 2025 Additionally, Mallaghan, one of the fastest-growing airport Ground Support Equipment (GSE) manufacturers (headquartered in Ireland and with a worldwide presence), returned to the 8th edition of IASEA 2025. Niall Mallaghan, Director at Mallaghan, shared, “IASEA has always been one of our go-to exhibitions for the Asia Pacific region because of the opportunities to meet pioneering suppliers and our customers such as dnata and SATS. While the industry traditionally relied on diesel-powered GSE, Mallaghan, together other industry pioneers, have recognized the impact of electrifying ground handling equipment as an effective route towards greener aviation. At Mallaghan, we strive to enable airports to reach their sustainability goals by working closely with the ground handlers.” Conversations that focused on resilient, data-driven airports In line with this year’s theme, “Airport Operations for Tomorrow”, the conference and exhibition floor saw timely conversations on the use of technology – more specifically, data and Artificial Intelligence (AI) – to drive resilient airports of tomorrow.  “With the ever-increasing complexities of running an airport, the chances of something going awry also rise significantly.  Thus, keeping airport operations resilient is paramount,” said David Jea, GM, Safety, Security & Business Continuity, Airport Authority Hong Kong. “As a conference speaker of this year’s IASEA, I’m thankful for the opportunity to engage with peers on aviation security, and the exposure to the full range of innovations for airport operations, with my greatest harvest being the appreciation of technology for optimized operations. The airports of tomorrow necessitate industry players to use AI and other technologies effectively, ensuring the solutions adopted are advanced and secure, workers are trained with more proficient skill sets, and the industry continues to attract professionals.” Data analytics in airport operations Asia Pacific holds over 40% of the global aircraft orders, signifying a strong focus on fleet investment As of 2024, Asia Pacific holds over 40% of the global aircraft orders, signifying a strong focus on fleet investment and renewal for the region. Ensuring airports keep up with this projected regional growth, the panel titled ‘Using Data Analytics to Optimize Airport Operations’ dived into the challenges and opportunities of harnessing data analytics to drive innovation and ensure sustainable growth in airport operations. Industry pioneers acknowledged that airports typically generate a wealth of live data that can help to enhance the passenger experience. However, a core challenge is in utilizing this data – the industry is looking to integrate all data on a single system for real-time processing, while ensuring security measures are in place in the face of cyber threats.  How ground handling teams can build robust operations Separately, on the ground handling side, the conference panel ‘Boosting Operational Resilience: Preparing for the Unexpected’ gave a comprehensive overview of how ground handling teams can build robust operations that withstand unforeseen challenges of equipment failures, staffing shortages, and extreme weather. Panellists emphasized the role of ground handlers in adapting to unique equipment and processes deployed across individual airports. Disruptions can come in many forms. Hence, it is imperative for the ground handlers to work closely with the airports (with diverse teams across different airports) to analyze big data, address the disruption, and re-instil confidence in passengers.

Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) are working their ways to ensure smooth aircraft movements as several of them face what the EUROCONTROL calls ‘structural capacity shortfalls, and less airspace availability for re-routings.’ Globally, aircraft movements is expected to reach 178.1 million by 2042, up from 106.7 million in 2024. In 2042, international passenger traffic will reach the 8.7 billion mark and domestic traffic to 10.6 billion passengers, as per ACI World. Discussing ATC modernisation Several ANSPs will be showcasing from May 6 to 8 at the 24th edition of Airport Show, the MENASA’s largest airport industry B2B platform, at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). The Airport Show will have on display Communications, Navigation and Surveillance (CNS) systems needed to keep the skies safe, secure and efficient, and for delivering consistently high levels of service to airports and airlines. Several ANSPs will be showcasing from May 6 to 8 at the 24th edition of Airport Show The 8th edition of ATC Forum, a co-located conference supported by dans among others, will see experts and specialists discussing ATC modernisation and innovation in the Middle East whose aviation market is expected to reach US$33.7 billion by 2029, with US$151 billion in airport investments and US$2.4 billion in aircraft investments. Managing aviation growth Ibrahim Al Ahli, Acting CEO of Dubai Air Navigation Services (dans), the ANSP for four airports in the UAE including DXB, remarked: “The focus of leading ANSPs is to develop, support and achieve optimum usage of their airspace by adopting new systems and technologies.” “This is being ensured through new air traffic management capabilities. Our relentless pursuit is for excellence since the 1980s and we continue our work to keep up high the status of the global aviation hub that boasts a thriving aviation ecosystem with unparalleled connectivity. The ANSP has been enhancing its ability to cooperatively manage aviation growth until 2030.” Thriving aviation ecosystem There were 3,500+ meetings under its hugely popular Business Connect Program The Airport Show participation of over 160 exhibitors from over 20 countries, four of whom featured their dedicated pavilions and over 120 buyers from more than 35 countries, in the previous edition. There were 3,500+ meetings under its hugely popular Business Connect Program. It is being held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group.  The three-day show will have co-located conferences - the Global Airport Leaders’ Forum (GALF), Airport Security Middle East, the ATC Forum, and Women in Aviation (WIA). The platform is supported by the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Dubai Airports, Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects, Emirates Airlines, Dubai Air Navigation Services, and dnata, among others. Growth from disruptive technologies May Ismail, Event Manager at RX, a global company that organises about 400 events across 42 industry sectors in 22 countries including Airport Show, said: “Air Traffic Control (ATC), like the other civil aviation domains, has been witnessing tremendous transformation as new technologies and innovations emerge. The whole purpose is to enhance efficiency and safety of ATM and ATC. The technology-driven era is enabling the airports to become thriving hubs.” “There are challenges and opportunities of growth from disruptive technologies for the ATM. We have to explore what best in available now and what is going to come in the future. Airport Show is serving this niche phase.” Satellite-based navigation The ATC market faces challenges such as high deployment costs, system complexity, stringent regulatory requirements, and cybersecurity concerns related to flight data protection. Advancements in satellite-based navigation, NextGen ATC systems, and the integration of AI are anticipated to enhance efficiency and capacity in airspace management. The Middle East will see until 2030 around 1,058 new aircraft delivered in the region. Passenger traffic in the Middle East is projected to grow by more than nine percent by 2027.

Airport Show is all set for a smooth take-off for its 23rd edition on May 14 at the Dubai World Trade Center (DWTC) with key stakeholders utilizing the annual exhibition dedicated to the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) to explore and embrace new technologies and innovative products to handle the fast rebounding air passengers and cargo traffic. Airport passenger expectations The participants will also have their focus and attention on products and services designed to transform passenger expectations at airports, ease of flying, and enhance safety and security. The trademark annual B2B platform will bring to the Middle East’s vibrant aviation market four co-located events - Air Traffic Control Forum, Airport Security Middle East, the Global Airport Leaders Forum (GALF), and the Women in Aviation (WIA) Middle East Chapter Conference.   Three-day trade-only exhibition The exhibition will provide opportunities to explore, experience, and source several advanced airport technologies The three-day trade-only exhibition will provide opportunities to explore, experience, and source several advanced airport technologies, innovations, and solutions along with networking with business pioneers and market movers. Organized by RX, the London-based company that hosts over 400 events in 22 countries across 42 industry sectors, the much-look-forward-to business platform will see over 6,000 decision-makers and professionals making their way to the three massive exhibition halls at a time when airports across the world are packed to their capacities. International passenger traffic The ever-surging passenger movement has prompted the Airports Council International (ACI), the trade association whose members operate 1925 airports in 171 countries including the DXB, the world’s top airport for international passengers, to claim that 2024 will be “a milestone for global passenger traffic recovery as it reaches 9.4 billion passengers, surpassing the all-time high 9.2 billion passengers handled in 2019.  International passenger traffic is forecasted to grow to 4.4 billion international passengers in 2026. Aircraft movements are forecast to grow to 111.6 million by 2026. Airports worldwide will see 153.8 million aircraft movements by 2041. Business Connect Programme More than 150 exhibitors from over 20 countries will participate in the exhibition which will feature four country pavilions and over 120 buyers from more than 35 countries. The trade gathering will host 3,500-plus meetings under its popular Business Connect Programme. Attendees in participation Siemens, Honeywell, TLD, Aviramp GSE, ITW GSE, ADB Safegate, and Airport Labs are among the exhibitors Global companies like Smiths Detection, emaratech, Siemens, Honeywell, TLD, Aviramp GSE, ITW GSE, ADB Safegate, and Airport Labs are among the exhibitors. Among the key airport project pioneers participating include Air India SATS Airport Services,  Airports of Thailand, Angkasa Pura Airports of Indonesia, Armenia International Airports,  Singapore’s BOC Aviation, CAAB of Botswana, Egyptian Airports Company (EAC),  Erbil International Airport, Hong Kong International Airport, Mactan- Cebu International Airport Authority, New Delhi Airport,  Ntech Aviation of South Africa, Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority, Uganda Civil Aviation Authority, and  Yerevan Zvartnots International Airport of Armenia. In-event networking and knowledge enhancement Innovation Trail, GSE Zone, Innovation Hub, and Youth in Aviation will provide in-event networking and knowledge enhancement opportunities. The four co-located events will see 60-plus speakers speaking on diverse topics, including Sustainability at Airports, Passenger Experience, Ground Handling, Airport Security, and Air Traffic Management (ATM).  Being held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, it is being supported by the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), Dubai Airports, Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP), Emirates Airline and Group, Dubai Air Navigation Services (dans) and dnata, one of the world's largest air services providers with services across five continents. DXB expansion The show is taking off as one of the three biggest airports in the world unveiled its ambitious expansion plans.  In a fast-forward mode to handle zooming passenger numbers, the expansion of Dubai International Airport (DXB), the world’s busiest airport for international passengers for 10 consecutive years with 87 million passengers in 2023, will require US$2. 7 billion. That will make it stand out among the Middle East airports that will be handling 1.1 billion passengers by 2040. Sheikh Ahmed asserted that Dubai will undoubtedly become ‘The World’s Airport’ and the city will be an expanded global hub for an impressive number of industries including aviation, tourism, technology, and education. Dubai's airport terminal plans The US$35 billion Al Maktoum International Airport is envisaged to have a capacity for 260 million passengers In April-end, Dubai unveiled plans for the construction of the world’s largest airport terminal. The US$35 billion Al Maktoum International Airport is envisaged to have a capacity for 260 million passengers upon completion, five times the size of the current DXB. All operations at DXB will be transferred to the massive facility over the coming years. Once completed, Al Maktoum, which opened in 2010, will be the new home for Emirates Airlines with the airport boasting five parallel runways and 400 aircraft gates. Technology and innovative systems The participation in the Airport Show will provide excellent opportunities for airport security whose global market size will reach US$26 billion by 2030, according to Spherical Insights & Consulting.  The participants will be updating their knowledge about technologies that facilitate smooth passenger screening facilitation, checkpoints, and baggage surveillance. Airports have been focusing on acquiring technology and innovative systems that keep glitches and shortcomings at a distance. Their search will also be ways for handling cybercrimes and explosive devices, filling up the gaps, and improving the systems and procedures. IATA-led workshop May Ismail, Event Manager at RX, said, “Along with concentrating on the picked-up pace of passenger and cargo business, the airport industry is focused on massive expansions and phenomenal improvements to be at the cutting edge of the game in the coming decades." "Their search for everything they want stops at the Airport Show.  This year, we will have 20+ first-time exhibitors. We will be hosting for the first time an IATA-led workshop as a by-invitation event." Sustainability and Innovation It had been predicted that processes within airports will be fully autonomous by 2050 along with zero-queue terminals Organizers have appropriately chosen this edition’s theme - Sustainability and Innovation – as the industry players' focus has shifted to embracing cutting-edge technology and greener initiatives to drive growth and efficiency while grappling with the complexities of rising passenger volumes, changing governmental regulations changing assessment of potential risks.  This is much needed as global consultancy Oliver Wyman predicted more than 19 billion passengers will pass through world airports each year by 2040, and the global commercial aircraft fleet be over 36,000 aircraft seven years earlier. It had been predicted that processes within airports will be fully autonomous by 2050 along with zero-queue terminals. Several companies have expressed their views about their association with the Airport Show. Enhancing efficiency and safety Jaffar Dawood, Senior Vice President, of Airport Operations UAE, and MEA, dnata, said, “We’re pleased to showcase our offering at the Dubai Airport Show during a time of remarkable growth throughout the region." "Our advanced equipment on display demonstrates our commitment to continually investing in our operations to enhance efficiency, safety, and sustainability. We look forward to meeting with our partners and fostering connections at this prestigious industry event.”  Alternative fuel solutions B. Tarik Özeler, Export Sales Manager at BMC said, “As the sole manufacturer of Apron Buses in Turkey, we are actively enhancing our product range with various alternative fuel solutions and are in talks with pioneering ground handling service companies across Turkey, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa to expand our offerings." "To boost production and enhance the Apron Bus range, we are engaging with pioneering engineering firms in Europe and manufacturers in the Far East for joint venture collaborations.” Streamlining operations Tamer Samy, Sales Director for Middle East at ADB SAFEGATE said, “Technology and innovation have played crucial roles in transforming airports across the Middle East and South Asia into smart hubs." "These advancements have streamlined operations, enhanced passenger experiences, and improved overall efficiency."  Airside 4.0 solutions "Our company is a pioneer in driving airports towards smarter functionalities with comprehensive solutions including airfield lighting, power systems, airport, and tower software, docking automation, apron management systems, and aftermarket services." "Our Airside 4.0 solutions not only enhance operational efficiency and safety standards but also elevate the passenger experience. The Airport Show is a pivotal platform for us to showcase our latest products and connect with industry pioneers, airport operators, and stakeholders.” Flexible digital solutions  Bruce Bowman, Strategic Advisor & Project Director at Cairn Consulting, the Aviation Consultancy Partner, said, “A primary challenge for airports is the strict regulatory and infrastructural environments that often delay the adoption of new technologies, preventing them from aligning with the rapid innovations seen in domestic digital commerce." "At Cairn Consulting, we are committed to navigating these challenges, advocating for regulatory reforms while pioneering flexible digital solutions that enhance both efficiency and the consumer journey, ultimately aligning airport experiences more closely with cutting-edge consumer market trends."  AR, VR, and LLM applications "We are exploring futuristic applications of AR, VR, and Large Language Models (LLM) to enhance passenger interaction with airport services, foreseeing a future where these technologies make airport stays more enjoyable and interactive, thus redefining what airports can offer beyond the traditional." "As airports refresh, renew, or build new infrastructure, incorporating these technologies from the ground up, will be crucial to creating spaces that are truly futuristic and responsive to the next generation of traveler needs.”