Europe’s largest route development forum to be held in Prague

This weekend (May 17-19), Routes will hold the region’s biggest networking event for the air transport industry at the Hilton in Prague, Czech Republic. The 4th Routes Europe will bring together key decision makers involved in route development, from airlines and airports, to tourism authorities and industry suppliers. Hosted by Prague Airport, this unique platform allows the discussion and planning of route development and – more important in these uncertain economic times – of route recovery. Contacts made at Routes Europe will help delegates to prepare for World Routes in Beijing, September 13-15, 2009.

Amongst some 70 airlines, Ryanair, easyJet, Germanwings, and Wizz Air will be attending, as will Tirana International Airport (Albania), Avignon Airport (France), Sarajevo Airport (Bosnia and Herzegovina), and Blackpool International Airport (UK), along with more than 200 other airports.

“Routes Europe is Europe’s largest forum on air transport development, and this is the first time ever that such an event is held in the Czech Republic,” said senior executive director of aviation business, operation, and properties management Jiri Pos and added, “Thus we have a unique opportunity to present the equipment, infrastructure, and background of Prague International Airport, as well as Prague as an attractive destination to those who directly decide on launching new air routes.”

With a mixture of pre-scheduled, one-to-one meetings and informal networking opportunities, the 4th Routes Europe is expecting the highest turnout ever experienced at any of Routes’ regional events. Event leader Natasha Peck asserts that, “This suggests that industry professionals are acknowledging that in these difficult economic times, it is more important than ever to join with each other in furthering what is a common goal: to develop new and maintain existing air services.” Peck noted that the patterns of attendance are further evidence to what has long been a theory within the industry – that it is through regular meetings between airlines, airports, and tourism authorities that real progress can be made.

Routes Europe is only part of the annual agenda for the route development industry; it is the penultimate of Routes’ regional events, with only Routes Africa remaining, before the industry heads to Beijing, where the 2009 program culminates at the 15th World Routes.

For further information on all Routes events or to book your place at World Routes, please visit www.routesonline.com.