Business Bureau, Gulf Today

The second edition of the Global Investment in Aviation Summit (GIAS 2020), which is due to take place on January 27-29 at Madinat Jumeirah, will see the participation of high-profile delegations and 10 ministers representing international civil aviation authorities from more than 50 countries across the world.

The list of countries includes Belgium, Italy, Ireland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Cameroon, China, Kazakhstan, Maldives, Mexico, Poland, Portugal, South Africa, Armenia, Austria, Jordan, Kuwait and Algeria, among many other countries.

Organised by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) under the theme “Enabling global aviation growth through fundraising and key partnerships”, the 2020 edition will feature an array of insightful panel discussions highlighting the industry’s potential and future opportunities as well as challenges that lie ahead.

The sessions will bring together a stellar galaxy of top industry speakers, experts and business leaders, to share their expertise and experiences as well as to make the best use of this global platform to examine the current economic situation and opportunities available in the aviation and air transport sector.

The list of official speakers comprises a number of high-profile officials and economic figures, notably Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri, UAE Minister of Economy and Chairman of General Civil Aviation Authority, Dr. Obaid Saif Hamad Al Zaabi, CEO of the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA), and Captain Yahya Al Bloushi, General Manager of Fujairah Aviation Academy.

Speakers also include Adel Mardini, CEO of GETEX; Alex Leigh, Airport Investment Specialist at International Finance Corporation at World Bank;

Rajesh Arora, CEO of GMR Airports; Ramesh Cidambi, Chief Operating Officer at Dubai Duty Free; Sonja Strand, Vice President of Honeywell; and Fundi Sithebe, Chief Executive Officer of Airports Company South Africa.

Day one of GIAS 2020 will see two ministerial sessions titled “World Leaders: Vision and Strategies for Growth, Sustainability and Better Aviation”. The three-day summit will also include an array of panel discussions, including a session titled “Success Factors for Airport Investments”, and another one titled “Leading the Investment in Aviation, Where are the next challenges?”, and a session titled “Woman Entrepreneurship in Aviation: Global Leaders and their Visions”, among others.

With its unique qualities characterizing its seven emirates, the UAE is an ideal place to showcase the most prominent investment opportunities offered by the aviation and air transport industry. The UAE is one of the leading players in the aviation industry, which apparently evidenced by the overwhelming presence of the international aviation community in the summit.

GIAS 2020 is an inspiring global platform that highlights the UAE’s internationally- recognized standing and economic position as well as a main venue for major economic events. It also introduces investors to business opportunities offered by the sector that meet their growing aspirations for their business growth and expansion.

Meanwhile, Etihad Airways in partnership with the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, ADNOC, is celebrating Chinese New Year with a special flight from Abu Dhabi to Shanghai operated by the airline’s unique ‘Choose China’ themed aircraft livery. The ‘Choose China’ livery appears on one of the airline’s Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners and is part of a series of destination themed liveries the airline is boasting in partnership with ADNOC.

Etihad guests travelling on EY862 on 24th January will also be treated to a Chinese themed menu designed by the airline’s in-house culinary team, which will also be available on selected flights over the Chinese New Year festive period.

Guests in the airline’s premium cabins will be served Chinese crackers, assorted dim sum, longevity noodles, cold Nian Gao and warm steamed sponge cake, finished off with a mandarin fruit platter.

The Economy cabin menu also features a selection of traditional Chinese favourites, including longevity noodles and a mandarin themed dessert, while guests visiting Etihad’s premium lounges at Abu Dhabi International Airport will also be treated to a festive selection.

In celebration of the new year, the Chinese themed menu will also be available on selected flights from Abu Dhabi to Bangkok, Beijing, Chengdu, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Manila, Seoul, Shanghai and Singapore from 25th to 31st January. Note to editors Global Investment in Aviation Summit was launched in 2018 to establish a socioeconomic sustainable civil aviation system. Organised by Strategic Conferences and Exhibitions, GIAS has seen a participation of more than 850 international delegates and 120 investors from 60 countries, including Saudi Arabia, US, UK, India, Germany, France.