The arrival of the Uganda Airlines Airbus A330-800 at Gatwick was a “dream come true” for the country and a major aspiration ever since the carrier was launched in 2019, said General Katumba Wamala, Uganda’s Minister of Works and Transport.

"This is more than a flight, it is a bridge for business, investment, and people-to-people connections,” said Wamala at the launch event at Gatwick Airport.

The Gatwick service, which will be operated four times weekly, is the 17th route for Uganda Airlines. The airline will offer onward services to its growing African network including Abuja, Lusaka, and Harare, which were launched in the second half of 2024, said Uganda Airlines CEO Jenifer Bamuturaki.

During the launch event, she told African Aerospace that the carrier has secured government approval to negotiate orders with Airbus to acquire two A320neos and two A321neos for delivery in 2031-33. It is planned to place the order in the first quarter of its next financial year which begins in July.

At present the carrier operates two 258-seat A330-800s and four 76-seat Bombardier CRJ900s. The addition of a 150-seater aircraft to sit in between its A330s and the CRJs is an important move for Uganda Airlines to achieve a more balanced fleet in capacity terms.

In addition, Uganda Airlines is in discussions with undisclosed lessors for the dry lease of one A320neo and a A321neo for induction into its fleet in October or November, said Bamuturaki.

In the meantime, a single A320ceo on short-term lease from Danish ACMI provider DAT arrived in Uganda on 19 May. The Airbuses will provide interim leased narrowbody capacity until its new aircraft arrive.

“We are looking at the routes where we can release the [A330-800] Airbus and put the dry leased aircraft on them,” said Bamuturaki. At present it is operating its A330-800s on its Dubai, Mumbai and Lagos/Abuja services.

The carrier will increasingly devote its A330s to intercontinental services and to ensure its London route can be sustained without any operational issues.

The carrier is also talking with the Ugandan government to gain approval to add more widebodies, with the airline leaning towards the Boeing 787 over the A330 currently. There is no timeline on a deal yet, however the carrier is talking with Boeing about acquiring a pair of 787-9s, said Bamuturaki.

The arrival of Uganda Airlines at Gatwick means the airport now has nine long-haul routes to Africa plus seven short-haul ones, said Jonathan Pollard, Chief Commercial Officer at London Gatwick. “The African market has been phenomenally successful for us,” he noted.

“This year, we will have over 555% more capacity operating from the UK to Africa than we had pre Covid,” said Pollard. This points to the improving economic prosperity of the continent with much more growth to come, he added.

Air Europa, which operates reciprocal flights between the two countries using its Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet, has become the fourth airline to start services at Istanbul Airport in 2025. 

iGA Istanbul Airport CEO Selahattin Bilgen, said:  “We’re very pleased that Air Europa has started flights to iGA Istanbul Airport. This new connection between Madrid and Istanbul is a significant step toward strengthening tourism, trade, and cultural ties between the two countries. Istanbul is not only a powerful player in international tourism; with its unique connectivity potential between Asia, Africa, and Europe, it also offers vast opportunities for the business world. We believe that Air Europa, as one of Spain’s leading carriers, will add significant value to Istanbul.”

This follows a significant agreement with its UK counterpart, NATS, in collaboration with technology providers Leidos and Indra.

Intelligent Approach is the world’s only time-based separation arrivals management tool. Developed jointly by NATS and Leidos, it uses dynamically calculated time-based spacing to increase runway capacity, reduce delays and minimise carbon emissions.

Saudi Arabia is making major investments in its aviation infrastructure to help drive the Kingdom’s growth ambitions as part of its Vision 2030 strategy, with the intention to triple annual passenger traffic to 330 million, develop two global long-haul connecting hub airports and increase air cargo volume to 4.5 million tonnes. Intelligent Approach, as a way of maximising runway efficiency and reducing controller workload will be instrumental in delivering against those ambitions. 

Abdulaziz Al-Zaid, CEO of SANS, emphasised that this step marks a major milestone in advancing the Kingdom’s aviation sector. He stated: “The implementation of the Intelligent Approach system across Saudi airports will directly increase capacity and elevate operational efficiency, while also playing a vital role in reducing carbon emissions and promoting environmental sustainability. Through this agreement, we at SANS are proud to be the first in the Middle East to adopt this cutting- edge system, maximising runway utilisation and strengthening our ability to achieve the goals of the national aviation strategy.”

Martin Rolfe, NATS chief executive officer, said: “Intelligent Approach is the world’s leading operational time based separation tool and is delivering significant benefits in every operation where it’s being used, improving resilience, boosting on time performance and minimising emissions, while reducing controller workload. This milestone deployment is the first of its kind in the Middle East, and we’re looking forward to working together with SANS to ensure the project delivers similar benefits for them and for the airlines and passengers using Riyadh, Jeddah and Madinah airports.”

Developed with airlines, airports, and industry partners, the roadmap sets a clear path to improve both operational efficiency and traveller satisfaction.

“Baggage is important for travellers. When they check a bag, they expect it to arrive on time. And if it doesn’t, they want to know where it is. That is confirmed by recent IATA polling showing 81% of travellers want better tracking, 74% expect real-time updates on their mobile phones and 67% are willing to switch to electronic bag tags. The Global Baggage Roadmap will move us closer to the automated digital baggage services that travellers want,” said Monika Mejstrikova, IATA’s Director of Ground Operations.

The Roadmap is built around three pillars:

Baggage Information Exchange and Data Standardisation to align how baggage information is shared among airlines, airports, and partners. For passengers, replacing legacy systems like teletype with modern messaging standards will mean faster baggage reconciliation, fewer delays due to data errors, and more reliable service recovery when issues arise. Driving transformation towards this new API-driven baggage messaging standards will significantly reduce the airline industry's annual spending of USD 1 billion on teletype messaging.

Baggage Tracking and Automation to provide visibility throughout the journey. This includes the use of electronic baggage tags, GPS tracking, and robotics that will enable passengers to track their bags in real time and experience smoother transfers and arrivals.

Streamlining the baggage claim process, combating fraud, and enhancing the customer experience so airlines can resolve passenger’s claims faster and have better protections from baggage-related fraud.

“This Roadmap will consolidate the progress of previous initiatives to modernise baggage processes and take a holistic view of where we need to be in 10 years. With the buy-in of all stakeholders we are better placed than ever to improve traveler satisfaction by delivering the digital, automated, and customer-focused service that they get in many other sectors,” said Mejstrikova.

The Global Baggage Roadmap aligns with IATA’s broader efforts to modernise ground operations, enhance safety, and improve the passenger experience. IATA will work closely with stakeholders to develop implementation guidance, provide training, and monitor progress.

These figures mark a 3.7% increase in total bags on last year. Despite its complex operation, Emirates has maintained a 99.9% baggage handling success rate from its Dubai hub.

Emirates’ excellent statistical record for baggage handling places it as the top performing airline worldwide. 99.9% of all baggage coming from Dubai or transferring through reaches its owner on time, at the correct destination. Emirates rate of ‘baggage mishandling’ which can be defined as ‘delayed, lost or misplaced baggage,’ is minimal at 1.4 in a 1000 at the Dubai hub - almost 30 times lower than some other providers.

On a global level, when Emirates customers bags are unavoidably delayed - 91% are reunited with their owners within 72 hours. Internationally, this rate is notable because Emirates mainly manages international baggage and international transfer baggage, so the luggage goes on long and complex journeys that require a significantly higher level of attention than domestic travel. 

Lost and Found is another area where Emirates excels, with 94% of valuable items proactively recovered and returned to customers in Dubai within 60 minutes.

The Show attracted more than 6,000 attendees, indicating overwhelming participation by all stakeholders in the industry in the wake of overall positive sentiment of growth in the aviation industry.

More than 140 exhibitors from 22 countries participated in the exhibition with the presence of over 150 buyers from over 70 organisations from 30 countries. The trade gathering hosted more than 3,500 meetings under its popular Business Connect Programme.

May Ismail, Event Manager, Airport Show, said:  “I express my deep appreciation to all our strategic partners for the great success achieved by the exhibition in its current session, and we have begun preparing from now to make the next session an exceptional one in every sense.”

The positive response from stakeholders has prompted exhibitors to participate in the next edition also.

“The Airport Show next year will be much larger with broader participation from more countries, organisations and leading players, which will translate to more business for them.  The 25th edition, expected to be more participatory and broad-based, will be held from May 12 to 14, 2026 at the Dubai World Trade Centre,” she added.

Several agreements were signed by the participating companies on joint ventures, collaborations and service expansion.

The Airport Show was the venue to announce the awarding of a contract by Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP) to Smiths Detection to deploy state-of-the-art checkpoint scanners throughout Terminals 1, 2, and 3 of Dubai International Airport.

DAEP is the agency responsible for the design, master-planning, infrastructure development and construction of Dubai's aviation sector.

The leading annual exhibition dedicated to the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region witnessed wide participation from industry leaders and international and regional experts, in conjunction with optimistic expectations for the growth of the global aviation industry, specifically the Middle East, as the industry is expected to achieve a new record in the number of passengers and airport expansions.

The Airport Show platform was chosen by leading operators, experts and regulators to discuss issues and challenges and suggest remedial measures so that the industry players can chart their future business strategies to fully grab the growth opportunities.

The co-located events, Global Airport Leaders’ Forum (GALF) and Women in Aviation Middle East Conference, attracted more than 70 aviation leaders and expert speakers in 30 sessions.

This year’s Airport Show is opened in the wake of the Middle East and neighbouring regions experiencing a significant surge in airport expansion projects, driven by a robust recovery in global aviation and optimistic projections for passenger growth.

With expectations to handle approximately 1.1 billion passengers annually by 2040 — up from 405 million in 2019 — the Middle East is investing heavily in infrastructure to meet this demand.

The 12th Global Airport Leader’s Forum (GALF) was designed to take forward the aviation knowledge-enhancement agenda with keynote speeches from Lt. Gen. Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General, General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), HE Ahmad Ali Belqaizi, Executive Director, Aviation Safety and Environment Sector, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) Mr Abdulla Al Shamsi, Director of Engineering, Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP) and.

This year’s new attractions include the GSE Zone, Airport Tech Pavilion, and Airport Design Hub.

The Airport Show is designed to serve the US$1 trillion airport development market in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region.

The Show hosted a series of high-level strategic sessions featuring top decision-makers and regional and international aviation experts. The discussions focused on bold, forward-looking solutions to address increasingly congested skies, rapid expansion, and the integration of cutting-edge technologies, smart air traffic management, the evolving role of next-generation airports as integrated logistics hubs, and the challenges of incorporating air taxis and autonomous aircraft into existing aviation ecosystems.

Participating in a presentation at GALF, Talal Al Hammadi, Vice President of Air Traffic Development at Dubai Air Navigation Services (dans), shared Dubai’s vision for adopting artificial intelligence and unified traffic systems for both manned and unmanned aviation, and highlighted the ambitious expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport as a real-world testbed for future aviation innovations.

As in the past, this year’s event enjoyed strong backing of key aviation authorities and organisations, supported by the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Dubai Airports, Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects, Emirates Airline and Group, dans and dnata.

Airport Show 2025 in Dubai witnessed an unprecedented African presence, with official delegations, airlines, and airport operators from more than 10 African

nations presenting ambitious visions and large-scale infrastructure projects in the aviation sector, extending through 2030.

Leading industry players have come on board as event partners and sponsors. Amadeus leads as the event’s Strategic Partner, with Schneider Electric joining as Technology Partner. Gold Sponsor WAISL has joined sponsors Dubai Air Navigation Services (dans), Smiths Detection and ADB SAFEGATE.

The ATC Forum benefits from the support of both Dubai Air Navigation Services (dans) and Global Air Navigation Services (GANS), while the Airport Security Forum is backed by Dubai Police and the National Guard.

Additionally, Airport Show 2025 is collaborating with several leading associations, including the Women in Aviation Middle East Chapter, the Contractors Association, the Supply Chain and Logistics Group (SCLG), and the Dubai Airline Operators Committee (DAOC).

Several leading companies showcased their products and processes

Ismaiel Asaad, Divisional Manager, Trading, Al-Futtaim Engineering, said the company showcased TOTO’s advanced sanitary solutions, eco-friendly sanitaryware technologies such as touchless faucets, high-efficiency toilets and advanced hygiene systems that align with modern airport demands for hygiene, comfort and sustainability.”

TOTO participated in the Airport Show in collaboration with Al-Futtaim Contracting, its authorized distributor for UAE and KSA.

Hiroyuki Higashimoto, Division Head, TOTO Middle East Branch, said: “Participating in the Airport Show provides a strategic platform for TOTO to reinforce our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and global partnerships within the aviation infrastructure sector.”

Andrew Paganelli, Director, Access Covers Australia, said: “We are excited to showcase our innovative airport infrastructure product solutions at the Airport Show. As a leading ISO-accredited global manufacturer, we are dedicated to delivering advanced, sustainable access covers, grates, and multipart solutions that enhance safety and efficiency in airport operations.”

Mohammad AlSharabi, CEO of KAMS Global, said:  “Our participation underscores our commitment to delivering scalable, culturally attuned solutions that bridge global standards with regional needs ensuring relevance across MEASA’s diverse markets.”

Haldun Aksoy, Chairman of the Board of Timsan said:  “The Airport Show is a significant opportunity to showcase our proven expertise in ground support equipment, expand its footprint in the MEASA region and develop relationships with key industry players. By offering innovative and durable GSE solutions, Timsan is reinforcing its leadership in the industry and positioning itself for continued growth in a rapidly evolving market,”

Elisabetta Bragagni, CEO of Tratos, said: “We produce cables for a moving world and its dynamism distinguishes the company. Tratos cables move shipments, activate connectivity, transmit energy, allow transporting passengers and goods by rail and keep motorways flowing. Our aim is to show this sensible and intelligent innovation to keep the world moving, safely and efficiently in airport and in all connected services.”

Sage Parts displayed its product sheets showcasing its Rmptech product range, proven To Last Longer and Perform Better for GSE.

Iftekhar Ahmed, General Manager Sales( UAE+GCC), Eternity Technologies, said: “We have showcased our Quasar Motive Power Range, manufactured in the UAE, which incorporates CNT (Carbon Nanotube) Technology for enhanced performance.”

Jean Pierre Nathan, International Business Development Manager at FAST Global Solutions, said: “With our growing position in the Middle East market, our visibility at this event is critical—not just for reinforcing relationships with existing accounts, but also for developing new ones. This region is experiencing significant growth in the aviation industry, and it’s vital that our customers see us actively engaged.”

M-ECS showcased its zero-emission, high-powered tractors and presented it electric GSE lineup — the TT22e, TT30e, and TT40e tractors — delivering unparalleled performance with groundbreaking battery life, remote monitoring, and real- time diagnostic capabilities.”

“We aim at supporting our customers to run greener, more efficient ground operations through innovation, automation and enhanced data analyses,” said a spokesperson of M-ECS.

Moh’d Moh’d, CEO, AEDLER Logistik Solutions, said: “We are here to deepen our partnerships, showcase our engineering capabilities, and explore new collaborations that drive smarter solutions, more sustainable airport operations. This directly aligns with our long-term vision to lead the evolution of integrated air cargo, material handling and storage automation within the aviation industry, supporting airports in optimising throughput, efficiency, and mainly handling experience. Our focus is on intelligent design, innovation-driven solutions, and sustainable growth in a rapidly changing global landscape.”

In a statement, His Excellency added: "Since the official endorsement of the Al Maktoum International Airport (AMIA) master plan by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in April 2024, and in full alignment with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, we have been moving decisively to deliver this strategic national project on schedule.

“I am pleased to confirm that the development of AMIA is progressing well. Led by Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP), the entity entrusted with the design and execution of this transformative airport program, contracts have already been awarded for the site enabling works and the construction of the second runway. Several major packages required for the first phase of the project — including the Automated People Mover (APM) and the Baggage Handling System (BHS) — are currently in the tendering stage, with contracts expected to be awarded later this year. Additionally, the terminal substructure, early 132kV substations, and district cooling plants are the next packages to be tendered this year, laying the foundation for the subsequent phases of delivery.

“This ambitious project is a cornerstone of the Dubai Economic Agenda 2033, driving long-term economic growth, fostering innovation, and reinforcing Dubai’s global competitiveness in aviation and beyond. As we heard this morning, Emirates Airlines has announced record-breaking revenue for 2024, underscoring the continued success and growth of Dubai’s aviation sector. This achievement highlights the strategic importance of AMIA, which will serve as a key enabler of progress for Dubai’s aviation sector and the wider economy, positioning the emirate to remain at the forefront of global aviation for years to come.

“This annual Airport Show event serves as a vital platform for engaging with forward-thinking contractors, suppliers, and partners who are committed to keeping pace with Dubai’s ambitious vision for innovation and excellence. This event plays a pivotal role in fostering collaboration, driving knowledge exchange, and discussing the future of aviation infrastructure, ultimately contributing to Dubai's leadership in global aviation.”

His Excellency concluded by saying: “In close partnership with the aviation community, and under the technical leadership of DAEP, we remain fully committed to delivering Al Maktoum International Airport on time — as a future-ready, world-class gateway that reflects Dubai’s leadership in aviation."

Participating companies showcased innovative products and processes.

Smiths Detection showcased its advanced checkpoint screening technologies, Hi-Scan 6040 CTiX Model-S computed tomography scanners that enhances security, operational efficiency and passenger flow.

DroneShield, a world-leader in AI-driven counter-drone and electronic warfare technologies, showcased its latest advancements in AI-powered SensorFusion AI, RF detection and electronic warfare capabilities, including handheld and fixed-site systems tailored to airport environments where operational continuity and public safety are a priority.

Tim Butcher, Sales Director – DroneShield, said: “DroneShield is committed to protecting airports from the growing threat posed by unauthorised and hostile drones. The proliferation of drones poses a unique and growing safety and security threat to the global aviation ecosystems, airlines, commerce and passengers.”

During its participation, IDEMIA showcased an advanced model of seamless security and user experience through its multi-modal biometric identity technologies, featuring instant facial and iris recognition and AI-powered baggage handling systems.

Gaurav Gupta, SVP, Global Head of Sales, Travel & Transport at IDEMIA Public Security, said: “We aim to help airports evolve into smarter, smoother environments. Our technologies shorten processing times, reduce congestion, and ensure safe and efficient journeys without compromising security. We view digital identity not just as a verification tool, but as a core pillar of future-ready airports.”

Barco presented its integrated control room solutions at Airport Show 2025, combining the CTRL unified management platform with its advanced TruePix visual display technology, tailored for high-sensitivity operational environments such as airports.

André Herbst, Sales Manager at Barco, explained: “Our centralised control architecture empowers airport operations teams with holistic situational awareness and intelligent tools for real-time decision-making. These capabilities boost airport readiness and agility in a landscape that demands peak efficiency and reliability.”

Forbo Movement Systems showcased two key innovations that support more sustainable airport operations: Amp Miser: the market’s most energy-efficient conveyor belt, proven to reduce energy consumption by up to 50% thanks to its low-friction design. Ideal for baggage handling systems, it lowers operating costs and CO₂ emissions; and EcoFiber: a conveyor belt made from recycled PET (rPET), combining high performance with reduced environmental impact.

Amana Aviation Fueling also participated at the show as it seeks to align strategically with other local and international clients like Dubai Airports (DBX and DWC), Abu Dhabi Airports, Sharjah, nationally and globally.

Nabil Helou,  Director, Amana said:  "It’s an honour to join aviation leaders at the Airport Show to showcase AMANA Aviation Fuelling’s expertise in building world-class fuel farms and aviation infrastructure. This marks a key milestone in our journey as industry leader, and reaffirms our commitment to advancing safe, sustainable, and future-ready fuelling solutions for airports and private aviation hubs across the region."

Western Bainoona Group (WBG) showcased a large-scale 3D architectural model, representing its infrastructure and road development projects from Ras Al Khaimah to Ras Ghumais. The model includes realistic terrain with stonework, landscaping, a dedicated cycle lane, lighting elements, vehicles, roundabouts, and key infrastructure such as the Dubai Museum of the Future and Abu Dhabi Airport Interchange Road.

Martin McGinty, Chief Executive Officer, Western Bainoona Group, said: Our participation in the Airport Show is driven by our strategic objective to reinforce WBG’s presence in the aviation infrastructure sector and highlight our contributions to the region’s rapid development.”

Delta Dassault presented two of its most advanced and field-proven systems: the POLARIS Portable Lighting System and the VISTA Advanced Airfield Lighting System.  POLARIS is engineered for tactical and emergency aviation operations, offering wireless control, ICAO-compliant visibility, and rugged field deployment capabilities—making it ideal for temporary or remote-site heliports and airstrips.

The long- term partnership between RAM and the New Terminal One aligns with the carrier’s ambitious strategy to strengthen transatlantic ties between Africa and the Americas, while elevating the passenger experience at one of the airline’s most important international gateways.

The New Terminal One is a key component of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s $19 billion transformation of JFK Airport into a world-class gateway, which will include two new terminals, the modernisation and expansion of two existing terminals, a new ground transportation centre, and an entirely new, simplified roadway network.

“We are thrilled to welcome Royal Air Maroc to the New Terminal One. This milestone marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the airline in New York City. Anchored by a shared commitment to delivering an exceptional guest experience, we look forward to a strong and lasting partnership that supports the airline’s growth ambitions across the United States,” said Jennifer Aument, CEO, The New Terminal One at JFK.

“This partnership with The New Terminal One marks a major milestone for Royal Air Maroc and strengthens our strategic presence in New York, a key gateway for our transatlantic operations. We are proud to join this innovative terminal, which will offer our passengers an exceptional travel experience, aligned with our standards of excellence. This project fully supports our development plan, which aims to position Royal Air Maroc as a global player in air transport,” said Hamid Addou, chairman and chief executive officer of Royal Air Maroc.