AIME 2026: Pre-Ship Aircraft Interiors Compliance Playbook

Preparing aircraft cabin mock-ups for AIME 2026 requires focused attention to Aircraft interiors exhibition compliance Dubai rules well before crates reach DWTC. We cover the regulatory overlaps, the common failure modes that create costly holds and surcharges, and a practical factory-first checklist to make your cabin demo show-ready.

Why AIME 2026 is different — aircraft interiors exhibition compliance Dubai (Event snapshot & stakes)

AIME & MRO Middle East runs at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) on 4–5 February 2026, within an aircraft‑interiors/MRO cluster expected to host roughly 300+ exhibitors and about 8,000–9,500 trade visitors. The show profile is heavy on live demos and buyer schedules, so any on‑site delay quickly becomes a commercial failure.

Aircraft parts and consumer‑facing stands create a regulatory overlap uncommon at typical trade shows. You must juggle:

• Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) and equipment serial‑number controls when demo hardware or true aircraft parts are present.
• Dubai Civil Defence (DCD) fire‑rating rules applying to booth finishes and mock‑ups — DWTC requires English fire‑test certificates.
• Customs and temporary import rules (ATA Carnet) to avoid import duty and VAT for demonstrator assets.

Top 5 exhibitor failure modes at AIME

1. Missing DCD fire certificates for mock‑up materials

Missing or non‑English fire‑test certificates are a primary cause of denied access to the show floor. DWTC enforces DCD fire‑rating standards for all booth finishes — supply English certificates matching the exact materials used.

2. Oversized/heavy component logistics

Large cabin mock‑ups and fuselage sections often exceed freight‑door limits or require special marshalling slots. Market practice shows a ~+50% handling surcharge for items >2,000 kg or dimensions >2 m. Freight‑door clearances and marshal windows must be dimension‑checked early.

3. Customs & ATA Carnet pitfalls

Discrepancies between serial numbers on equipment, invoices and the ATA Carnet or packing list lead to holds and seizure. Re‑export evidence must be prepared; mismatched lists are the fastest route to demo cancellation.

4. Rigging and suspended loads

DWTC uses venue‑only primary rigging. Node limits commonly range 250–300 kg per point. Anything heavier requires engineered spreaders, official rigging sign‑offs and documented structural assessments.

5. Power & inrush failures for demo equipment

Complex demo systems with high inrush currents trip breakers. Without factory sequencing tests and 24‑hour power orders, exhibitors face repeated trips, lost demo time and reputational damage.

Practical pre‑show steps to avoid holds and surcharges — aircraft interiors exhibition compliance Dubai factory-first checklist

We recommend a factory‑first approach: resolve technical, compliance and fit problems before shipment.

• DCD‑acceptable fire certificates and a Material Passport for large mock‑ups — ensure certificates are in English and reference exact finish codes.
• Use an ATA Carnet with a serial‑matched packing list; submit Customs documentation 21–30 days before shipping.
• Pre‑book heavy‑lift/crane and marshalling slots; dimension‑check freight doors and order spreader plates for suspended loads.
• Order 24‑hour power from DWTC early; perform factory bench tests for inrush sequencing and three‑phase load behaviour.
• Submit RAMS/engineered shop drawings to DWTC 30–45 days pre‑show.

How Burdak solves the AIME problems — in‑house fabrication & mock‑up guarantee (technical proof)

We mitigate the top failure modes with an integrated, factory‑first delivery model:

• In‑house CNC joinery & full factory assembly: We deliver DWTC‑ready mock‑ups with pre‑treated finishes and English DCD certificates matched to material passports.
• Factory electrical bench testing: Inrush sequencing, three‑phase load trials and fully labelled distribution boards reduce breaker trips and eliminate late power debugging on site.
• Pre‑assembly to reduce on‑site labour: Full‑scale pre‑assembly and staged, labelled crates cut on‑site build time by ~40–60%, lowering exposure to marshalling delays and labour premiums.
• Customs‑ready evidence pack: Serial‑matched packing lists, RAMS, engineered drawings and ATA‑Carnet support packaged for DWTC and UAE Customs inspections.

Outcome metrics from recent projects show fewer late surcharges, lower heavy‑lift premiums and guaranteed VIP/demo readiness on opening day. Our mock‑up guarantee means components leave our factory with the documentation and tests DWTC requires.

8‑week timeline & exhibitor checklist for AIME (exact deadlines & owner actions)

1. T‑8 weeks: Confirm scope and BOM; determine temporary (Carnet) vs permanent status; book Burdak mock‑up slot and freight windows.
2. T‑6 weeks: Produce DCD fire certificates in English; submit RAMS and structural drawings to DWTC and obtain preliminary approvals.
3. T‑4 weeks: Finalize ATA Carnet and Customs pack; book marshalling/heavy‑lift windows with freight forwarder; complete factory inrush tests and label distribution.
4. T‑2 weeks: Full‑scale mock‑up review and client sign‑off at Burdak; pack and label crates by install sequence; create serial‑matched packing lists.
5. Show week: Staged arrival aligned to marshalling time‑slot; Burdak on‑site install & verification; post‑show staged re‑export handling and Carnet closure.

FAQ

Q: When do I need to submit RAMS and engineered drawings to DWTC?

A: Submit 30–45 days before build. Complex cabins and raised structures typically require the full 45‑day window for DCD and venue sign‑off.

Q: What fire certificates does DWTC accept?

A: DWTC enforces DCD fire‑rating rules. Provide recognised fire‑test certificates in English that match your material codes and finishes precisely.

Q: How do I avoid customs holds on demo equipment?

A: Use an ATA Carnet, ensure serial numbers on equipment, invoices and packing lists match, and submit Customs documents at least 21–30 days prior to shipping.

Q: What are the DWTC rigging limits I should plan for?

A: Venue primary rigging is enforced by DWTC with node limits commonly 250–300 kg/point. Anything heavier requires engineered spreaders and official rigging engineers.

Q: How does Burdak reduce on‑site risk?

A: We offer in‑house fabrication, factory pre‑assembly, DCD‑ready finishes, electrical bench testing and a customs evidence pack to ensure your mock‑up arrives with approvals and runs on day‑one.

For a pre‑show consultation and to book Burdak’s mock‑up slot for AIME 2026, contact our project team to confirm timelines, deliverables and a tailored compliance plan.