Dubai Airports wins two honours at Aviation Business Awards

Dubai Airports, operator of the world’s number one airport for international passengers, Dubai International, DXB, and Dubai World Central, DWC, was honoured with two awards at the 11th Aviation Business Awards on Wednesday. DXB won the Airport of the Year award while CEO Paul Griffiths was recognised as the Aviation Executive of the Year.

DXB won the Airport of the Year category based on the hub’s success with significantly enhancing airport experience by introducing the latest in technology and innovative ideas to make passengers’ journey more comfortable, while managing the phenomenal growth in traffic. Griffiths, who marks 10 years at the helm at Dubai Airports this year, has been instrumental in delivering the two key priorities: to never constrain growth and to ensure quality customer service through constant innovation. Under Griffith’s leadership, the company delivered on both priorities in 2016-2017.

Since 2016, DXB has added a few more firsts to its illustrious list of achievements, including the launch of what is now acknowledged as the world’s fastest free Wi-Fi at an airport. The superlative service, aptly named Wow-Fi, was made more exciting for passengers with the launch of streaming entertainment in collaboration with ICFlix earlier this year. DXB also enabled the use of Emirates ID at DXB’s 120 eGates, reducing the time needed for immigration to a few seconds without any preregistration or fee. A sophisticated motion sensor system that tracks queues in real time and allows staff to quickly identify bottlenecks and facilitate the deployment of resources was also launched to reduce wait times at DXB.

With the addition of facilities like the US$1.2 billion Concourse D, which opened at DXB last year, Dubai Airports has introduced a more efficient and intuitive customer experience with short walks to open gates. The setup gives travellers more freedom and time to enjoy the full complement of exciting food and beverage concepts, retail offerings and relaxation services. Unique initiatives such as #musicDXB, #artDXB and Hangout DXB delight passengers with year-round live performances by local and international musical talent, art displays, as well as fun activities and contests for early birds during seasonal travel peaks during holidays.

Organised by magazine publishers ITP Business, the Aviation Business Awards include categories covering airline, airport and cargo sectors across the region, along with supporting niches. The awards recognise and reward individuals and companies that have made a significant contribution to the development of the region’s aviation industry.