AIME 2024 preview: Big deal in Dubai
AIME, co-located with MRO Middle East, takes place at the Dubai World Trade Centre
The industry is heading back to Dubai for the 14th edition of Aircraft Interiors Middle East (AIME). Co-located with MRO Middle East from March 5 to 6 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, the event brings the MEASA region together for two days of tech demos, thought-leadership content, interactive workshops and networking opportunities. AIME organizers tell media partner PAX Tech there is a lot to look forward to.
Timothy Hawes, Managing Director, Tarsus Group
“Our 14th edition is set to be our biggest yet and we have added an extra hall for 2024 to provide even more exhibition and networking opportunities," says Timothy Hawes, Managing Director at Informa Markets, organizer of AIME.
Hawes says organizers are preparing to welcome more than 6,000 attendees this year, with around 200 exhibitors and more than 100 airlines and lessors confirmed. Industry panels featuring 50 global industry experts are also set to enlighten attendees through a series of presentations, panel discussions and case studies.
Hawes adds, “Visitors can expect to discover world-class products and innovative technologies, as well as benefit from enhanced networking opportunities and a host of free-to-attend conferences at the Go Live! Theatre and Onboard Hub that will explore key themes of passenger experience, new cabin concepts, inflight entertainment, connectivity and sustainability.”
Exhibitor and speaker preview
MRO: Leaders Panel, Photo credit: @AIMiddleEast Twitter
AIME sets the stage for the industry to showcase products to airline buyers, with more than 6,300 attendees from 97 countries. JIATAI Aircraft Equipment Co., Schroth, ExpliSeat and Optimum Aero are among the already confirmed exhibitors and sponsors for 2024.
“Each edition we continue to evolve the offering at aim to ensure we are staying ahead of the curve and helping visitors tap into the latest industry trends," Hawes says.
This year, the event will introduce new categories of suppliers and providers, including cabin management systems, cleaning and sanitization and touchless technology. Hawes notes that post-pandemic, the expectations from airline passengers are shifting.
“These new categories align with what we are seeing across the market,” Hawes tells PAX Tech. “The COVID-19 pandemic further emphasized the importance of maintaining cleanliness in cabins, helping to foster a safe and positive experience for passengers."
According to Hawes, inflight entertainment is also seeing significant growth.
"With an increasing demand for the bring your own device (BYOD) concept, airlines are upgrading their connectivity solutions to enable passengers to access high-speed internet on their personal electronic devices or implement touchless technology to allow them to pair personal devices or headphones for added ease and comfort."
What's on the agenda in 2024
The exhibition hall opens at 10:00 a.m. on March 5, kicking off with remarks from Georgia Halliday, Conference Producer, Aviation Week Network, at 10:30 a.m.
At 11:15 a.m. in the Go Live! Theater, attendees can join in on the discussion “AIME: The Future of Cabin Design - Anticipating and Adapting to Emerging Trends.” This segment will look at redefining the next generation of aircraft interior based on shifting consumer behaviours.
At 2:05 p.m., attendees can join the “AIME: Personalization of Cabin Experiences in Middle Eastern Air Travel” session, for an exploration of how Middle Eastern airlines are revolutionizing aircraft cabin interiors. This session will be immediately followed by “AIME: Lightweight Technology for Cabins to Help Airlines Optimize Financial Performance” at 2:25 p.m. This discussion will focus on the future of cost-efficient and eco-friendly air travel.
At 3:15 p.m., conference attendees can reconvene (post-network break) for “AIME: What’s coming next in the world of cabin IFEC systems and its Commercial Potential?” This segment will delve into upcoming technological advancements and consumer trends shaping the inflight experience.
Closing remarks by Halliday on Day 1 are scheduled for 5:00 p.m.
Exhibitors networking at AIME in Dubai
Day two will start with opening remarks from Halliday at 10:30 a.m., followed my MRO sessions in the Go Live! Theater. The first AIME session is scheduled for 12:50 p.m.. “AIME: Exploring Opportunities and Challenges in Retrofitting Aircraft Interiors” and “AIME: Rethinking Upkeep, Maintenance, and ‘Repair Strategies for Airline Cabin Interiors” will take place simultaneously, followed by “AIME: Leading the Charge in Sustainable Aircraft Interiors. How Far Have Airline Cabin Interiors Come?” at 1:20 p.m.. The panel is yet to be announced, but will focus on integrating environmental responsibility into the design and operation of aircraft cabins.
The final AIME session is slated for 3:10 p.m.; “AIME: Embracing Sustainable Materials and Navigating Certification Hurdles for Eco-Friendly Cabin Interiors” is a study focused on the practical example of the aviation industry's shift towards sustainable cabin design.
The conference hall officially closes at 4:00 p.m. on March 6, wrapping out another year of AIME Dubai.
Connect with buyers and lessors
In addition to speakers and the aforementioned sessions, a key aspect of the event is the Hosted Buyers Program, which facilitates meetings between the exhibitors and decision-makers from airlines. These pre-arranged meetings take place at the exhibitor’s stand. The Airline Buyers Lounge will also be open to specific attendees, by invitation.
"The Airline Buyers Lounge is one of our successful networking features that will return this year, offering an onsite lounge for exhibitors and senior management from airlines and lessors to network throughout the two days. As an invitation-only feature, this is for representatives from airlines and lessors who have a direct influence in purchasing decisions," says Hawes.
Download the app for digital networking opportunities
The Exhibition Hall on day two of AIME 2022. Photo credit: @AIMiddleEast Twitter
AIME organizers remind attendees to download the Event App (available on Google Play store and Apple App store) for onsite attendees to increase networking opportunities.
"For this edition, exhibitors will have access to the app from February 5, while other attendees will have access from February 19. It’s a really useful tool for booking meetings, as it guarantees a place to sit.Those who are part of the Hosted Buyers Programme can also use the app to arrange meetings in the Buyers Lounge if they’d prefer to have them away from the exhibition stands," says Hawes.
The app uses machine-learning technologies to create meaningful matches between users to elevate the networking experience for all attendees. Through the app, users can increase engagement, generate leads, pre-schedule meetings and more before and during the event. In 2023, 1,984 meetings were arranged using the app.
"We were really proud to help drive this level of success for our visitors and are focused on doing the same this year," Hawes adds.
MEASA region on the rise
"As the aviation industry continues on its upward trajectory, recent announcements have solidified the MEASA region’s standing as a crucial hub for the sector and reaffirmed the commitment from industry stakeholders to drive innovation and advancement," Hawes says.
"Helping to drive growth, AIME, co-located with MRO Middle East, provides an ideal platform to showcase the latest market innovations, uncover industry-leading trends and insights, as well as facilitate commercial opportunities through a series of key features and programmes that put networking at the forefront."
As media partner, PAX Tech is covering all updates surrounding AIME, so keep watching this space. Sign up for our e-newsletter here, and follow along on Instagram and LinkedIn.
