OREANDA-NEWS. Abu Dhabi Airports, along with Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau, and Etihad Airways will host 1000 delegates from over 200 airlines and airports at this year's 134th IATA Slots Conference taking place from the 10th - 12th June at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

The IATA Slots Conference - a voluntary assembly of IATA and non-IATA airlines - is one of the largest gatherings in the International Airport Transport Association's (IATA) calendar. The goal of the conference is for airlines and airports to secure the slots that will give them the best possible schedule to offer their customers.

As one of IATA's largest events, representatives of over 60 schedules-facilitated or fully coordinated airports convene at this semi-annual meeting to secure their slots for the following year. As Abu Dhabi prepares to welcome the delegates, the hosts have estimated the conference will deliver a direct economic impact of AED 4.8 million (USD 1.3 million) to the emirate.

H.E. Ali Majed Al Mansoori, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Airports, said:
"Abu Dhabi Airports is honored to co-host this conference which brings together major regional and international aviation industry players. It is a wonderful opportunity for us to showcase the investment in and progress towards Abu Dhabi's aviation infrastructure. In fact, guests at our conference will fly over the centerpiece of Abu Dhabi Airports' multibillion-dollar investment program - the Midfield Terminal Building (MTB) - which will open in July 2017 providing a full terminal building, passenger and cargo facilities, and world class duty-free shops and restaurants. The terminal will have capacity to handle 30 million passengers per year, and up to 8,500 passengers per hour."

H.E. added: "Abu Dhabi is a natural location for large-scale events such as this. A true destination of distinction, the emirate is developing at a significant rate providing a stable, safe environment with a unique mix of local heritage and international influences. In Addition, with Abu Dhabi International Airport registering double digit growth in passenger numbers year-on-year, there is a clear need for a world-class aviation hub here in the capital to meet this demand."

Abu Dhabi Airports hosts tonight a glittering gala dinner during the conference, with a variety of locally-grown entertainment on offer to delight guests, giving them a unique Emirati experience. A three day Airport Slots & Scheduling Training Course was offered prior to the start of the conference.