Dubai, Feb. 7 -- Senior officials of GCC airports have reviewed the challenges of safety on the airfields and the adoption of newer technologies to make the fast-growing airports in the region smooth, safe and cost-effective.

The tremendous growth in flights at the airports and introduction of new types of aircrafts in the region is posing biggest challenges for the decision-makers in terms of operations and maintenance of the ever-expanding facilities as the region increasingly become the gateway between the East and West. Recently, a MALMS User Group meeting was held at Al Bustan Rotana Hotel in Dubai. This was the first ever MALMS User Group workshop in the region and it was organized jointly by Dubai Airports and the UK-based Tailor Made Systems Limited (TMS) and their UAE representative, Bayanat Airports Engineering and Supplies. It has been a pleasure to work with TMS and Dubai Airports to make this workshop happen. As a TMS representative we are proud to be part of arranging the first MALMS user group workshop in the region together with TMS and Dubai Airports, said Mr Kim Silander, Director Transport Systems and Services, Bayanat Airports. The workshop enabled the user community to learn how Dubai Airport operates and maintains their Airfield Ground Lighting (AGL). Mr. Saud Al Humoudi, Head of Airfield Infrastructure at Dubai Airports, highlighted the importance of adopting latest technology by Dubai Airports in view of increasing air traffic movements and passengers and freight. He said Dubai Airports believes in adopting smart technology through partnerships with top industry providers to enhance performance. Our long lasting relationship with Tailor Made Systems Ltd is an example of our commitment to airfield safety. The workshop brought together approximately 40 participants consisting of MALMS user community members, AGL manufacturers, Airports and regulators from the Gulf region as well as neighbouring regions with representatives from Delhi Airport, India. From the regulatory side participants from GCAA attended the workshop and Ms Paula Laws, Senior Aerodrome Inspector at GCAA presented their view on AGL maintenance. Paula was impressed by the initiative to hold the first MALMS User Group workshop in the GCC region. The GCAA support the gathering of specialists from across the UAE and the Gulf Region. The workshop provided the opportunity to share developments in mobile photometric units with industry and aerodrome operators. This first event in the UAE also gave specialists the opportunity to discuss regulations, maintenance systems and the chance to observe demonstrations hosted by Dubai Airports, said Ms Paula Law during the workshop. As co-host Dubai Airports gave the participants a rare chance to see a demonstration of how they operate within the Airside domain of the airport. By facilitating the MALMS User Group demo day on the 18th of January the community was given a rare opportunity to see the existing MALMS equipment used by Dubai Airports in addition to the latest equipment from TMS, i.e. their MALMS Transverse System, AGL Cleaner and Torque System. MALMS products and services have been developed using the experience of measuring and monitoring airfield lighting since 1991. Since this time Dubai Airport has grown to be a Global Aviation Hub with one of the world's finest airfield lighting maintenance departments. Dubai and many other airports in the region have been quick to adopt MALMS photometric test equipment to maintain their lights in compliance with airport regulations per GCAA CAR Part IX and ICAO Annex 14. TMS are extremely proud to co-host this event and present our latest products. It was a great opportunity to show how MALMS can help improve safety and efficiency in the airfield lighting industry and solicit feedback and ideas to feed our policy of continual development, says TMS Chief Executive Officer Robert Shapton. The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) reported the Middle East region saw the biggest rise in international passenger growth in 2011 recording 11.9% year-on-year rise. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) projections rated the UAE as the seventh of the Top 10 markets in 2014 for international passengers, with 82.3 million passengers projected to use the airports in the second biggest Arab economy. The Middle East is expected to have the fastest growth rate at 9.4% until the year 2014. The UAE, Kuwait and Jordan will be among the top 10 fastest growing countries, with the UAE projected to rank 7th for handling over 82.3 million international passenger within the next two year. The Middle East region is all set to see billions of dollars in investments in airports expansion by 2020. The capacity of the UAE airports will be increased to handle 250 million passengers by 2020. With innovative solutions from TMS the airports can ensure their assets remain safe whilst reducing maintenance costs.