DUBAI'S GROUND-BREAKING AFSI EVENT TO AID AVIATION FIRE & SECURITY LEARNING, SAYS SHEIKH AHMED

21 July 2002

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed al Maktoum, President, Department of Civil Aviation, Government of Dubai and Chairman of the Emirates Group has urged the international aviation industry to support the launch of the Aviation, Fire & Security International (AFSI) event being planned for Dubai next April.

HH Sheikh Ahmed said the AFSI exhibition and conference will be a valuable global learning, meeting and networking opportunity as the international aviation industry heads to a return to its pre-September 11th growth pattern.

In a letter to potential AFSI exhibitors and delegates, HH Sheikh Ahmed said: "Though impacted by tragic events last year, the industry is set to see further remarkable development in faster, safer more economic long haul air travel, which will very shortly see a return to the 10% plus per annum growth in passenger numbers of earlier last year." 

HH added that the Government of Dubai and Emirates airline are fully behind the AFSI concept.

"We are committed to ensuring the development of best practice, none more so than in the fields of fire and security, both of which must constantly keep pace with emerging technology, to enhance passenger comfort and safety," he said.

AFSI, which is being organised by Fairs and Exhibitions (F&E), the name behind the Dubai air show, will be held at the Airport Expo Dubai from April 27-29, 2003. It is aimed at addressing the fire and security challenges facing the global aviation industry.

"The AFSI conference will focus individually on fire and security issues with delegates being given hands-on demonstrations of the latest international methods and technology," said Clive Richardson, CEO, F&E's aerospace division.

"The needs of the international aerospace sector differ enormously from other industries and now, more than ever, deserve an international event of their own. AFSI will meet that need."