European LCC Jet2.com held over 80 pre-scheduled meetings with airports at Routes Europe this week. Janice Mather, its general manager for airports and tourism organisations explained how the Routes events play a key part in driving the airline's route development.
Over 3,000 route development meetings took place at Routes Europe in Toulouse this week, as well as informal conversations with airports at what has become one of the busiest events in the network planning calendar.
Jet2.com sets out specific criteria to airports ahead of one-to-one meetings at the Routes events. Speaking at Routes Europe, Janice Mather, the airline's general manager, airports and tourism organisations said: "Before Routes starts we encourage airports to send through their presentations/key points, either direct to us or through Route Exchange on Routesonline. We ask airports to keep it brief and concise, focusing on what's changed since we last met and an update on their commercial aspects, fees and charges, ground handling, incentives, and marketing support.
Jet2.com brings in a large team to both Routes Europe and World Routes. In Toulouse this year, Mather, who is responsible for airports & tourism organisations, was joined by David Neill, general manager for planning & industry affairs. Managing director Ian Doubtfire also attended to participate in key strategic meetings. "Having full diaries meant that we could hold over 80 scheduled meetings, and even opened up another table due to demand" explained Mather. "As well as speaking with existing clients, we like to see all airports that want to talk to us. You never know what might come out of a meeting."
Follow-ups are also key, she says, and the airline asks airports to send their presentations through by e-mail after the event. "Once we get back into the office we have a half-day 'wash up' session.
Looking ahead, World Routes, to be held in Vancouver will be again useful for Jet2.com, as Mather explains: "We will be attending the event this year as a team to consider any new opportunities."
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