A very warm welcome to all delegates at this year’s Routes Asia conference, in Chengdu, the second time the regional event has been held in China. A lot has changed since the 5th Routes Asia in Hainan in March 2007 and it is not just the Chinese market that has seen significant growth. This year’s event, hosted by Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport, will be the largest Routes Asia ever with more than 660 delegates, including more than 200 representing 85 different airlines, a record for any Routes regional event.
The growth highlights the important role that China is currently playing in the global aviation business. Although recent figures have shown a slowing of its economy the country remains one of the fastest growing economies of the world and with a population of 1.3 billion it accounts for almost one fifth of the world’s potential air travellers, showing why it is such a key market for domestic and international business.
“The economies of the world shape the backdrop of our industry, how air services are performing and where the world’s airlines and airports look for expansion. It is no surprise therefore that the decision to hold this year’s event in China has proven to be extremely popular,” said Dave Stroud, Executive Vice President, UBM Aviation Routes.
In 2011, China accounted for three of the top six global air carriers by new aircraft deliveries with its three major operators, Air China (based in Beijing), China Eastern Airlines (based in Shanghai) and China Southern Airlines (based in Guangzhou) receiving over 80 short- and long-haul aircraft between them.
This year’s event brings together many senior industry delegates as well as Chinese dignitaries and the attendee list shows the growing relationship between airports and tourism authorities when it comes to air service development with Ministers of Tourism from both Singapore and Sarawak expected at the event and briefings planned by representatives of Seychelles and Philippines.
“We are delighted to welcome distinguished guests from all around the world and it’s our great honour to hold the 10th Route Development Forum for Asia in Chengdu,” said Mr Li Wei, President, Sichuan Province Airport Group. “I very much appreciate the great chance provided by Routes Asia 2012 to Chengdu Airport, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province and even central and western China. With this opportunity, we can show our great market potentials and development prospects. Through this platform of communication with the world, we can build a bridge of friendly exchanges, cooperation and development between the rapidly growing Sichuan with different countries and regions around the world.”
“I sincerely wish Routes Asia 2012 to be a complete success, and wish all of you a beautiful and memorable experience in Chengdu, Sichuan,” he added.
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