Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) has signed on as the presidential sponsor for the Aerospace Supply Chain  Summit 2016 to be hosted by Dubai South (formerly known as Dubai World Central).

The 145-sq-km hub is home to AI Maktoum International Airport, which will become the world’s largest airport upon completion. DAE will host the second annual summit on May 25 and 26 at the Dubai South headquarters auditorium.

The event, organised by Arabian Reach, will be attended by industry leaders and top-level executives in the aerospace industry from across the globe. It will focus on various opportunities and challenges across the rapidly expanding aerospace supply chain in the regional civil aviation sector.

The summit is being held to support and reinforce Dubai South as a one-stop centre for all aviation-related activities, predominantly the supply chain, aerospace manufacturing and associated industries, FBOs, MROs, aviation support services, design and consultancy, research and development, training, component and spares, light manufacturing units and high-technology industries.

Khalifa AIDaboos, DAE’s managing director, said: “DAE has been at the forefront of reinforcing Dubai’s vision to be a global aerospace hub and our participation supports Dubai South’s vision to establish a dedicated aviation district and create a viable aviation industry cluster in Dubai.

“Dubai South is an ambitious, multi-phased development that builds on Dubai’s geographic location, leading position as a logistics and trade hub, and the region’s booming aviation sector.”

“We are proud to associate with the second annual edition, since we firmly believe that this event is one of the ideal business platforms for the global aerospace companies to take part in the progress of the Middle East’s rapidly growing aerospace industry.”

Tahnoon Saif, vice president of Dubai South’s Aviation District and host of the summit, said: “Ensuring an effective overall supply chain is critical in making sure that the aerospace industry stays afloat in this challenging business climate.

“The summit will serve as an ideal platform for delegates to build and maintain successful partnerships, so they can overcome the challenges and risks associated with entering new markets from a supplier’s perspective.”

“In view of the sound success of the first edition of the Aerospace Supply Chain Summit, we expect over 200 delegates representing the global aerospace supply chain sector from various countries in Dubai to take part,” Saif added.

The summit will be attended by all those companies who collaborate, innovate and complete the aerospace supply chain including aircraft manufactures, component and spares manufacturers, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), suppliers, airline executives and industry experts who will discuss future perspectives and suggest action plans for the aerospace industry.