Live blog: Routes Asia 2018
Follow our live blog for updates throughout Routes Asia 2018, the only route development event dedicated to the Asia Pacific region, taking place in Brisbane.
- Routes Asia handed over to the Philippine Department of Tourism and Mactan Cebu International Airport
- All the winners and finalists from the Routes Asia 2018 Marketing Awards
- Routes Podcast Jetstar's Gareth Evans
Tuesday 20 March 2018
17.30 - Hooroo Brisbane, kamusta Cebu
Over the last three days, Brisbane Airport Corporation, Brisbane Marketing, Tourism Australia and Tourism and Events Queensland have been hosting Routes Asia 2018. The event in the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre has attracted 950 delegates, including 96 airlines, 146 airports and 23 destinations.
Next year, Routes Asia will head to Cebu in the Philippines. This will be the second time that Philippine Department of Tourism brings the event to the Philippines after successfully hosting the 2016 event in Manila. Hosting will strengthen Cebu’s connectivity and positioning as a gateway to the rest of the Philippines as well as a major transfer hub to other countries.
https://twitter.com/routesonline/status/975985267780730882
Steven Small, brand director of Routes said “We are very much looking forward to returning to the Philippines in 2019 and working with the dynamic team at the Philippine Department of Tourism.
“Routes Asia 2016 resulted in a remarkable increase in international passenger bi-directional traffic from major tourist source markets to the Philippines, with new routes opened in Manila, Cebu, and Davao both by foreign and local carriers. Hosting the 2019 event will fuel further international market growth.”
16.15 - Hear from Brisbane Airport's Andrew Brodie
https://soundcloud.com/pop-up-radio-australia/routes-asia-2018-intervie…
16.00 - Incheon hopes to expand long-haul network
As part of its involvement in Routes Asia 2018, Routesonline spoke to Seoul Incheon International Airport to hear its route development plans.
What are the major opportunities facing the region?
"The number of travelers in Asia Pacific region is rapidly growing. The main reason is because their income has increased, while low-cost carriers have emerged in Asia Pacific region and the airfares have dropped, making them more accessible to traveling abroad. Moreover, since travelers in the region tend to spend much when they travel, it makes the Asian region more attractive destination to airlines. Specifically, the outbound travelers in Korea have increased dramatically for the past few years, and more than half of the Korean population flew abroad for the last year only."
15.30 - Routes Podcast: Jetstar's Gareth Evans
Have you downloaded the latest Routes Podcast yet? It features Gareth Evans, the chief executive of low-cost carrier Jetstar, who discusses the airline's future network priorities and why China is such an important market. The podcast can be downloaded on iTunes or from this page.
15.00 - Images from the Handover Ceremony
A selection of images as Routes Asia was handed over from Brisbane to Cebu!
14.00 - Hosting the 2019 event in Cebu "will be a great opportunity"
Erwin Balane, head of route development, Philippine Department of Tourism, says: “We are delighted that once again that Routes has chosen the Philippines, particularly Cebu, as the next host of the biggest aviation event in the region, Routes Asia. Hosting this event in 2016 brought an unparalleled opportunity for the Philippines to promote our international gateways not only to airline executives, but to the entire aviation community in Asia.
“Hosting the 2019 event in Cebu will be a great opportunity for us to not only showcase the amazing and beautiful tourist destinations of the island but also the new terminal of Mactan Cebu International Airport, dubbed as the only “resort airport in Asia”, where air passengers can experience the island resort environment while entering and exiting the terminal."
Read more about our 2019 Host.
13.45 - Hear from Sheila Thomas, Philippine Airlines
https://soundcloud.com/pop-up-radio-australia/routes-asia-2018-intervie…
13.00 - Routes Asia handed over to the Philippine Department of Tourism and Mactan Cebu International Airport!
https://twitter.com/routesonline/status/975930737407836160
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12.45 - Europe a long-term plan for Thai AirAsia X
Entering the European market is a long-term plan for long-haul low-cost carrier Thai AirAsia X, the long-haul low-cost carrier’s chief executive has confirmed.
Speaking to delegates, Nadda Buranasiri said that in the next five years he hopes the airline will have destinations in Europe on its route map.
However, he stressed that the carrier would not rush into markets it didn’t understand to ensure all growth remains profitable.
“We haven’t been able to grow for the past two years because of Thailand’s red flag. So this is going to be the year that we start expanding, but in a profitable way,” he said.
“We’ll add three new aircraft this year - taking us from six to nine - and we’re going to put those aircraft into existing strong markets to increase frequencies. We will also open new routes where we fully understand the market.”
12.35 - Lunch hosted by Routes Asia 2019 Host and Handover Ceremony
Join us for lunch hosted by Routes Asia 2019 Host and the Handover Ceremony.
11.45 - Thai AirAsia X
https://twitter.com/RoutesEditor/status/975911016977522688
https://twitter.com/routesonline/status/975911984766971905
11.30 - Newcastle Airport's international ambitions
As part of its involvement in Routes Asia 2018, Routesonline spoke to Newcastle Airport in New South Wales to hear its route development plans.
What are your next targets for route development?
"Newcastle Airport is international ready and serves Australia’s largest regional economy. Our catchment never ceases to remind us how important direct international services are to them. Strong route development opportunities include direct services to Fiji and New Zealand, which both support high demand for onward connectivity to the US.
"Direct routes to South East Asia are also a high priority, with Bali and Singapore on our radar. Our region demonstrated international appeal with a 26 percent increase in overnight visitation to the region in 2017, and as the state’s second international-capable airport, NTL presents attractive opportunities to capitalise on the expected growth of Chinese visitation to Australia and New South Wales."
11.25 - CEO Keynote Interview
Nadda Buranasiri, chief executive of Thai AirAsia X, is explaining how he moved from the music industry to the aviation sector. "When you're in the music business you might have to promote a new album by US one month and Andrea Bocelli the next. You have to communicate to various target groups. With airlines it can be the same. Every destination has a different psychology of the target it serves."
10.30 - Record meeting fulfilment rate!
https://twitter.com/routesonline/status/975891306424647680
10.00 - Hear from Qantas' Lyle Brownscombe
https://soundcloud.com/pop-up-radio-australia/routes-asia-2018-intervie…
09.30 - A321neos to free up Jetstar's 787s for new services
The forthcoming delivery of 18 Airbus A321neo LRs to the Jetstar Group should free up the airline's Boeing 787s for new and existing leisure flights.
Speaking to delegates, CEO Gareth Evans said the aircraft would be able to operate on the Australia East Coast-Bali routes which are currently out of reach of the group's fleet of A320s.
He added this would create new opportunities for the fleet of 787s, once the Airbus aircraft are delivered between 2020 and 2022.
Evans said: "They're going to be fantastic aircraft for us. We can use them both domestically in Australia and internationally.
"During the day we can use them (the A321neos) domestically then they can head to Bali overnight and will free up the 787 on new markets or existing markets.
"We're taking a low capital aircraft and liberating a high capital aircraft and that's the business case we're looking for."
08.00 - Registration, Diary Advice and Networking Area Open
After an amazing second day in Brisbane, we're back for the third and final day of Routes Asia 2018!
Monday 19 March 2018
21.00 - Routes Asia 2018 marketing Awards - the winners!
Kuala Lumpur International Airport has been crowned the overall winner of the Routes Asia 2018 Marketing Awards.
The annual Routes Asia Marketing Awards are highly regarded in the aviation industry because they are voted for by airlines. They recognise the outstanding marketing services that have supported the launch of new air routes or the development of existing services.
Despite a challenging economic landscape, Kuala Lumpur International Airport achieved impressive results in 2017 - securing nine new passenger airlines and launching 25 new routes. Overall passenger traffic grew by more than 11.2 percent to 58.5 million, with the hub also recording an additional 30,535 commercial aircraft movements.
In 2017, the airport’s parent company, Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad, collaborated with Tourism Malaysia to create a ‘Joint International Tourism Development Programme.’ This initiative will see the airport and tourism body match the investments made by their airline, trade and business partners, in marketing campaigns that drive inbound tourism into the region.
The full list of highly commended and winning organisations:
Overall Winner: Kuala Lumpur International Airport
Over 20 million passengers
Winner: Kuala Lumpur International Airport
Highly commended: Singapore Changi Airport
4 – 20 million passengers
Winner: Adelaide Airport
Highly commended: Auckland Airport
Under 4 million passengers
Winner: Vladivostok International Airport
Highly commended: Townsville Airport
Destination
Winner: Cook Islands Tourism Corporation
Highly commended: Japan National Tourism Organization
20.00 - Networking Evening
The Networking Evening, hosted by Brisbane Airport Corporation, Brisbane Marketing, Tourism Australia and Tourism Events Queensland, and Routes Asia 2018 Marketing Awards is in full swing at Brisbane's spectaculat City Hall!
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17.00 - Governments must change regulations to allow technology use
Governments in Asia may have to change regulations if they are to feel the full benefits of airport technology.
Speaking in a panel debate on how Asia Pacific can guarantee sustainable growth at Routes Asia 2018 in Brisbane, Mohamed Sallauddin, general manager, airline marketing, Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad said technology like mobile phone check ins was increasingly speeding up passenger movement at airports and so giving a better experience.
However, he added until certain governments in the region get rid of antiquated rules like insisting a boarding pass is stamped, they will not be able to feel the benefits.
"Governments need to change regulations to allow technology to be used," Sallauddin said.
The failure to adapt the latest technology was just one of the problems threatening trouble-free aviation growth in the region.
16.45 - Hear from Vietjet's vice president Nguyen Thi Thuy Binh
https://soundcloud.com/pop-up-radio-australia/routes-asia-2018-intervie…
16.30 - From Twitter
https://twitter.com/routesonline/status/975616665076428800
https://twitter.com/RoutesEditor/status/975621449858695168
https://twitter.com/routesonline/status/975622818170728453
16.05 - Creating demand and demanding supply - how destinations and airlines can work better together
How can tourism authorities, airlines and airports work together to make a destination more attractive at the same time they develop a more sustainable tourism?
Tourism decentralisation creates more efficient tourism that will lead to a sustainable growth. Learn what the trends in partnerships are and how to make it work to get a more sustainable tourism across the region.
Our panel debate now will hear from:
- Moderator: Trevor Lee, managing director, TravConsult
- Andrew Brodie, general manager aviation & retail management, Brisbane Airport
- Geoff Hogg, managing director of Queensland, The Star Entertainment Group (the Queen’s Wharf project)
- Leanne Coddington, chief executive, Tourism & Events Queensland
- Phillipa Harrison, executive general manager international, Tourism Australia
- Rob Nelson, chief operating officer, Brisbane Marketing
15.35 - Networking Break
15.10 - Hear from American Airlines' Henning Greiser
https://soundcloud.com/pop-up-radio-australia/routes-asia-2018-intervie…
15.00 - Legacy carriers 'best placed' to benefit from aviation innovation
Full service airlines are more likely to benefit from aircraft innovation than their low-cost competitors, delegates at Routes Asia 2018 have heard. Speaking in a session studying how dynamic business models are reshaping the market, Jetstar Group head of network and schedule Edward Sanders said he believed legacy carriers are best place to benefit.
He added this was because the airlines were using their experience and data to drill down and truly understand how they could benefit from new aircraft more than their no-frills rivals.
Sanders said: "It is going to be the full service carriers (who benefit the most). The low cost carrier model is and has been very fortunate to benefit from the technology traditionally.
"What Qantas will do with its 787-9s will be a game changer. Qantas is working out route by route and market by market how do you figure out what exact (cabin) configurations to have."
14.50 - Fast Track
Fast Track is starting now in the Airlines Meeting Hall.
14.30 - Rob Sharp on Virgin Australia's international strategy
Virgin Australia’s group executive Rob Sharp has discussed the carrier’s future international focus, its move from a low-cost to a full service model and its growing relationship with HNA Group.
In a wide ranging interview conducted by ASM’s Nigel Mayes, the former chief executive of Virgin Australia’s low-cost arm Tigerair said the airline’s domestic network will remain stable over the coming years, but it is looking to expand its international focus using its fleet of wide-bodied Airbus A330 aircraft.
"In July last year we started the Hong Kong service - as well as Melbourne-Los Angeles - and those routes are typical of where we’re heading. North America and Greater China are two key segments and we’re focusing on those two markets,” he said.
14.00 - How can Asia guarantee sustainable growth?
https://twitter.com/routesonline/status/975583799202398209
https://twitter.com/routesonline/status/975590778851311616
13.30 - Who has been shortlisted in the Routes Asia Marketing Awards?
12.35 - Networking Lunch
The Networking Lunch is taking place now until 14.00. At 14.50 we will be Fast Track - find out more about Fast Track and why all delegates should get involved.
Our senior scheduling and registration manager Simon Baxendale says: "Fast Track provides delegates with the opportunity to make quick, five-minute introductions to key decision-makers from all attending airlines. It gives airports, tourism authorities and other aviation stakeholders more opportunities to meet with airlines - and the response so far has been brilliant.
"Airlines are sat at their designated tables in the Airline Meeting Hall and, using the airline seating plan, delegates are able to find their key targets. We don’t need delegates to register for this either - they can just turn up and start networking! When the five-minute period is up, the meeting clock will sound."
12.15 - Masterclass: How to win new businesses
Nigel Mayes from ASM is explaining how to incentivise new business, structure fees and charges and create attractive incentive programmes. One topic up for discussion is aero incentives. He says that there are numerous ways that airports can offer discounts, including:
- Waiver of fees
- Ground station costs
- Fuel into plane costs
- Staff training
- Crew lodging
"Anything you can do for an airline to reduce the bottom line will be of interest," Mayes says.
https://twitter.com/routesonline/status/975557401297350656
12.00 - Hear more from Rob Sharp
Rob Sharp, group executive at Virgin Australia, speaks to Routes Asia 2018 Radio about the launch of the Brisbane-Alice Springs route and the carrier's latest investments.
https://soundcloud.com/pop-up-radio-australia/routes-asia-2018-intervie…
11.45 - From Twitter
https://twitter.com/routesonline/status/975544730791460864
https://twitter.com/routesonline/status/975545619283558401
11.25 - Panel Debate – Dynamic Business Models: Reshaping the Market
Taking place in the Keynote Arena now is a debate on how new business models and airline strategies are starting to reshape the aviation industry in Asia.
Can low-cost carriers continue their phenomenal growth? What is the future of competition for both FSCs and LCCs in the long-haul low-cost market? Will business travellers and corporates find LCCs more attractive in future? What innovations are further changing the market?
11.05 - Cargo Symposium
Don't forget the Cargo Symposium is taking place in Room M1 today. At 11.15 we look at high volume, small orders. Hear from the likes of Raj de Souza from Export Accelerator and Jeffrey Flood from Summer Land Camels.
11.00 - Malaysia Airports eyes further China growth
As part of its involvement in Routes Asia 2018, Routesonline spoke to Malaysia Airports to hear its route development plans.
What have been your most notable route successes?
- Significant growth registered in connectivity with China
- Connectivity from secondary and tertiary points
- Charter operations
10.45 - Virgin Australia to launch Brisbane-Alice Springs
Virgin Australia is to fly direct from Brisbane Airport to Alice Springs Airport, the carrier’s group executive Rob Sharp has told delegates at Routes Asia 2018.
The airline currently flies from Darwin and Adelaide to Alice Springs, but will launch a direct service from Brisbane later this year.
“We have quite a lot of connections into Alice Springs, but Brisbane was the missing link,” he said.
10.30 - Images from day one
A selection of images from the first day on Routes Asia are now available to view on Facebook.
10.10 - Airlines Live
https://twitter.com/routesonline/status/975526471967031296
09.45 - Hear from Brisbane Airport's Julieanne Alroe
https://soundcloud.com/pop-up-radio-australia/routes-asia-2018-intervie…
09.30 - From Twitter
https://twitter.com/AusAviation/status/975518430731186177
https://twitter.com/routesonline/status/975515808141946880
https://twitter.com/AusAviation/status/975514247047233536
https://twitter.com/RoutesEditor/status/975514323341606912
https://twitter.com/routesonline/status/975514722941288448
09.20 - Fireside Chat
Rob Sharp, group executive of Virgin Australia, is outlining his vision for the airline to ASM's Nigel Mayes.
09.15 - Airlineroute
Latest Asia Pacific news from Airlineroute:
China Southern adds plans Laho
Jeju Air increases Seoul – Da Nang flights
ANA outlines Air Japan Boein
Ruili Airlines revises Jinghong International launch
08.55 - Keynote Address
Hon Mark Coulton MP is the assistant minister for trade, tourism and investment in Australia's federal coalition government.
"Routes Asia will help to strengthen Australia's position on a world stage," he says. "Tourism is a vital component of Australia's economic wellbeing."
He adds that China is poised to overtake New Zealand as Australia's biggest tourism market.
https://twitter.com/RoutesEditor/status/975508984688926720
08.45 - Hear from IATA's Conrad Clifford
Conrad Clifford from IATA gives his thoughts on the Asia Pacific market.
https://soundcloud.com/pop-up-radio-australia/interview-with-conrad-cli…
08.30 - Face-to-Face Meetings
Face-to-Face Meetings are now underway in the Airline Meeting Hall.
08.15 - Sunshine Coast infrastructure projects to drive demand
As part of its involvement in Routes Asia 2018, Routesonline spoke to Sunshine Coast Airport to hear its route development plans.
What is your main message at Routes Asia?
Sunshine Coast Airport is embarking on a transformative capital programme, with a brand new runway and major terminal expansion that will see us emerge as a significant international tourism destination.
Plus... Sunshine Coast Airport has recorded its highest ever passenger numbers with over 310,000 passengers flying in and out of the airport in the three months ended February 2018, a 15 percent increase on the previous year.
Chief executive Peter Pallot said: "We have now experienced 33 months of consecutive month on month, year on year passenger growth, which is an incredible achievement.
"All of our carriers have been investing in the Sunshine Coast and our strong load factors over the last twelve months are evidence of the ongoing passenger demand for services direct to our destination. The summer's performance was particularly strong.
"In the month of December we achieved more than 100,000 passengers, and in January we set an all-time passenger record of 120,075, a 16 percent increase on the previous year."
08.00 - Listen to the Routes Asia Radio!
Click here for the live Routes Asia Radio stream - listen to exclusive interviews and news from Brisbane.
07.30 - Registration, Diary Advice and Networking Area are now open!
Sunday 18 March 2018
19.30 - Images from the Welcome Reception
19.00 - Innovation 'has to be at the heart of an airline's strategy'
What does the future hold for the aviation industry given the pace of technological advances? That was a theme of the ‘Aviation: The next generation’ panel session, which heard from an expert line-up of speakers.
Featuring on the panel was Gareth Evans, chief executive, Jetstar Group; Julieanne Alroe, chief executive and MD, Brisbane Airport; Professor Tim Ryley, professor of aviation, Griffith University; Tony Fraser, managing director, Australia Pacific Airbus Group; and William Horrocks, chief executive, Aviation Australia.
Evans discussed how important innovation is in the aviation industry but said it is vital that airlines continue to evolve and invest in talent.
“The challenge for us all is to bring in the people who are going to take the industry to the next level as the rate of change will probably increase exponentially compared to where we are today,” he said.
“I have a mobile device in my pocket that can look after all of my travel needs. How airlines and everyone in the value chain communicate with customers using such devices is going to differentiate the good airlines and bad airlines.
“How we use data to contextualise and personalise the customer experience well before booking to well after you get home from the end of your journey is going to be another differentiator. How we leverage the huge amount of data we have to provide efficiencies and put that information in the hands of our staff so they can make the right decisions will also be key.”
Click here for the full story.
18.00 - China is central to Jetstar's expansion strategy
China is at the core of the Jetstar Group's future route development strategy, its CEO has admitted. Speaking at Routes Asia 2018, Gareth Evans said China's growth over the next ten years would be "phenomenal".
"There's a huge opportunity there (in China). The amount of growth we've experienced is massive and the amount we're going to experience in the next ten years is phenomenal.
"We've just got to be really strategic about how we do it as you can lose a lot of money if you're wrong as it is so competitive."
Evans said the airline currently operates more than 100 flights a week to 20 destinations in China.
He added Jetstar has been helped by the fact that is owned by the Qantas group which allows it to benefit from relationships it has with other carriers and specifically in this case, China Eastern Airlines.
17.30 - Welcome Reception
The Welcome Reception is currently taking place until 19.30 next to the Brisbane sign and against the spectacular backdrop of the city's skyline. Speaking to delegates, Tourism Australia's managing director John O'Sullivan said: "Brisbane has a great story to tell. There's a brand new runway coming into the airport, a fantastic development happening across the river, fantastic food and wine, and an amazing gateway to Queensland."
16.30 - Stakeholders "must work together to develop markets" - AirAsia X’s agenda
Tourism markets can only be developed when all stakeholders work collaboratively, Venggatarao Niadu, head of network and regulatory at AirAsia X, has told Routes Asia 2018.
Speaking at the Panel Debate – State of the Industry in Asia Pacific, Niadu outlined what is required for successful route development.
Niadu also told delegates that the carrier plans to focus more on connecting second and third tier cities in the future.
16.05 - Panel Debate – Aviation: The next generation
Our next panel debate will hear from:
- Gareth Evans, chief executive, Jetstar Group
- Julieanne Alroe, chief executive and MD, Brisbane Airport
- Professor Tim Ryley, professor of aviation, Griffith University
- Tony Fraser, managing director, Australia Pacific Airbus Group
- William Horrocks, chief executive, Aviation Australia
- Moderator: Catherine Ball, co-founder and chief engagement officer, SheFlies
https://twitter.com/routesonline/status/975253434055016448
16.00 - Governments ‘must not see Asia Pacific’s rapid growth as a cash cow’
The growth outlook for the aviation industry in the region is tremendous, but governments must ensure they promote and enable airlines rather than taxing them. That's what delegates were told during the State of the Industry panel debate.
Conrad Clifford from said the expansion of the Asia Pacific market presents obvious challenges as well as opportunities: “The growth is tremendous and will mean the region becomes the world’s biggest aviation market in the near future.
“One of the major opportunities is that we’re seeing a lot more city pairs becoming connected than ever before. Many airports that haven’t previously had international connections are now getting international flights coming into them.
“That is happening across the entire region and it is being driven by the growth in the market, but also by the lack of infrastructure within the existing stable of airports.
“We looked at 100 airports around the word with 20 million or more passengers and about 94 percent don’t have enough capacity for the next ten years. There’s a tremendous challenge for the industry to increase airport capacity.”
On the regulation side, Clifford stressed that ensuring stability is crucial. He said IATA has seen lots of governments trying to add taxes in the tourism and aviation industries. “We have to lobby hard against it,” he added.
15.45 - Over on our hosts' stand...
(Yes, it's a wombat!)
15.35 - Refreshment Break
The Refreshment Break is now taking place in the Networking Area.
15.10 - From Twitter
https://twitter.com/ROBNELSON_111/status/975236987958435840
https://twitter.com/routesonline/status/975235359897354241
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14.50 - Gareth Evans from Jetstar
Head to the Keynote Arena now for our CEO Keynote Interview.
14.30 - Long-haul development
Conrad Clifford from IATA says the new Qantas route from Perth to London highlights how advances in aircraft technology are changing the market. "It means the whole long-haul story has a new chapter ahead of it," he says. He adds that new fuel efficient aircraft will open up a host of new city pairs, connecting long-haul second tier cities to other second tier cities. Venggatarao Niadu from AirAsia X agrees and says the carrier expects to open new long-haul routes out of Asia in 2019.
https://twitter.com/routesonline/status/975228883573252096
https://twitter.com/AusAviation/status/975229701303123968
14.05 - Panel Debate – State of the Industry in Asia Pacific
The panel features from Caroline Wilkie, chief executive of Australian Airports Association; Conrad Clifford, regional vice president for Asia Pacific at IATA; and Venggatarao Niadu, head of network and regulatory at AirAsia X.
https://twitter.com/routesonline/status/975223926925111298
https://twitter.com/popupradioAU/status/975224233482534913
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14.00 - Opening Remarks
Steven Small, brand director at Routes, welcomes delegates to Routes Asia 2018 in Brisbane and the Conference Programme. He explains the potential for Australia's aviation market, as well as the wider Asia Pacific region.
"More than 23 million passengers passed through Brisbane Airport last year, with plans in place to reach more than 50 million by 2034. International travel has boomed, with particularly strong growth from China, Japan and Korea," he says.
"Brisbane’s new runway opens in 2020 and will give the airport similar capacity to Hong Kong and Singapore airports, opening up exciting opportunities like never before.
"It’s a hugely exciting time here in Australia, so it’s only right that Routes recognises the prospects for route development between Brisbane, and the country as a whole, with the fast-growing Asian markets."
13.55 - Face-to-Face Meetings
Face-to-Face Meetings start in the Airline Meeting Hall in five minutes!
13.45 - News of Air China and Air Canada deal
A joint venture between Air Canada and Air China is expected to conclude in the coming months which will allow Canada’s flag carrier to compete “more aggressively” in the Pacific market, according to its chief financial officer.
The two Star Alliance carriers already have a codeshare and lounge agreement, which will be expanded from April.
Speaking to analysts, Mike Rousseau said that a meeting was scheduled in May to “put the finishing touches” on the deal.
“We want to make sure that on both sides we get it right,” he said. “And certainly our expectation is that Air China will be a great partner for us.”
13.00 - Community spotlight - Lime Intelligence
As part of its involvement in Routes Asia 2018, Routesonline spoke to Lime Intelligence to find out more about its business intelligence tool designed specifically for airports. Read more here.
12.30 - Registration, Diary Advice and Networking Area Open!
https://twitter.com/routesonline/status/975201491714633728
11.30 - Don't miss Jetstar's CEO at 14.50
Gareth Evans, the chief executive of Jetstar, will be taking part in a CEO Keynote Interview in the Conference Arena at 14.50 today. Evans was appointed to the role in November 2017. Prior to this, he was CEO of Qantas International & Freight where he led the successful turnaround of Qantas’ international operations and the arrival of Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner’s into the carrier's fleet. See the full Conference Programme.
11.00 - Fantastic news for our hosts!
Vietjet Air is to make Brisbane its first Australian long haul destination with plans to launch direct flights from Ho Chi Minh City from 2019.
The announcement was made on the eve of Routes Asia 2018 in Brisbane and followed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC) and Madam Nguyen Thi Thuy Binh, Vietjet vice president at the Australia – ASEAN Summit.
BAC secured the services with Queensland Government support under the Attracting Aviation Investment Fund (AAIF), along with partner Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ) and support from Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ).
Julieanne Alroe, BAC chief executive and managing director, said travel between Queensland and Vietnam has been growing at an average 8 per cent per annum over the last five years, with the new services set to further stimulate the market.
“It makes perfect sense for Vietjet Air to choose Brisbane, Queensland as it very first Australian port for direct flights given Ho Chi Minh City is one of Brisbane’s top five markets without direct services," she stressed.
10.45 - Airlineroute
Don't forget to follow Airlineroute during Routes Asia 2018 for the latest new route announements, changes in schedule, aircraft and codeshare agreements.
https://twitter.com/Airlineroute/status/975154033374633984
10.30 - A look behind the scenes...
10.00 - The day has arrived!
Asia Pacific’s aviation industry leaders are gathering in Brisbane today at the 16th annual Routes Asia to plan and negotiate new air services within the region. The event will bring together 950 delegates taking part in 2,350 meetings, with a diverse range of airline representatives from full service to regional low cost carriers travelling from all corners of the globe to take part in the event.
Carriers in attendance include Qantas, China Southern Airlines, Norwegian, Korean Air, British Airways, Air China, IndiGo, and American Airlines. Around 96 airlines, 146 airports and 23 tourism authorities are expected in total.
The 2018 event is hosted by Brisbane Airport Corporation, Brisbane Marketing, Tourism Australia and Tourism Events Queensland at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.
“This is the perfect time for Brisbane to host Routes Asia and showcase the major investments taking place at the airport and across the city,” said Steven Small, Brand Director of Routes.
Continuing, he stated: “The event will deliver significant opportunities for new business delevlopment and help the airport and city to achieve its target of doubling jobs, and passenger numbers.”
Julieanne Alroe, Brisbane Airport Corporation CEO and Managing Director, said, “It is a truly exciting time for Brisbane filled with much opportunity and we look forward to showcasing the best our city has to offer to delegates attending Routes Asia, building new partnerships, sharing valuable ideas and, last but not least, planning the future of our city, state and industry.”
Saturday 17 March 2018
17.00 - Analysis: Australia’s international market growth
https://infogram.com/australias-international-growth-1-1hnp27zg9gjy4gq
Routesonline provides a snapshot of Australia’s leading international airlines and airports, as well as the most used aircraft types on international flights. Analysis of published schedules for the past ten years shows that international air capacity from Australia rose from 16.3 million available seats in 2008 to 26.5 million in 2017. This represents growth of 62.3 percent across the period. In the last calendar year, international capacity increased by 5.8 percent after adding more than 1.5 million available seats.
Read the full analysis of Australia's international market, including international traffic trends and top international airports and airlines.
15.00 - Routes revisited: Mumbai five years on
What happens after a Routes event? Well, it's five years since Mumbai hosted Routes Asia so Routesonline caught up with Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (CSIA) to find out more about its huge growth, the opening of its second terminal building and what the future holds for air travel in the city.
New airlines and airports:
https://infogram.com/mumbai-airport-stats-3-1h0r6rxy1m1w6ek
"Given that CSIA is one of the world’s most constrained airports, it has been focused on improving efficiency. This has included adding check-in counters, upgrading X-ray machines and exploring the use of e-immigration counters.
"It is also working with the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority to improve connectivity to both terminals, while a consultancy has been appointed to help increase runway capacity.
"However, Mumbai will run out of capacity due to land constraints in the coming years. Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is therefore under construction and will be Mumbai’s second airport once it starts commercial operation by 2020. NMIA is initially expected to handle ten million passengers per year, rising to 60 million by 2030."
Read more about the growth of CSIA.
12.00 - Registration is now open!
Collect your badge from the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre from 12.00 - 15.00 today.
https://twitter.com/routesonline/status/974799458301915136
10.00 - Brisbane's international focus
Andrew Brodie, the general manager aviation and retail for Brisbane Airport Corporation, which is hosting the event with Tourism Australia, Tourism and Events Queensland and Brisbane Marketing, says aviation growth between Brisbane and the broader Asia Pacific region reflected the growth of the city itself as an international destination and a gateway to Australia.
“It is quite interesting,” he says. “We are getting strong growth out of our traditional markets like Europe and America but we are getting significant growth out of north and south-east Asia.
“A lot of our growth is coming from markets like China that are only eight hours’ flight north of us and we can really capitalise on the growing numbers of tourists travelling from them. It is a great opportunity to tap into those markets and showcase the very best of where we live.
“We live in a competitive environment and we are competing with airports across the Pacific. Hosting Routes Asia is about driving growth.”
Read the full interview and find out more about Brisbane's focus.
Friday 16 March 2018
17.00 - Find out more about Brisbane...
When delegates visit Brisbane they discover a vibrant and accessible city with a high quality of life, great opportunities and the friendliness of a smaller community.
14.00 - From Twitter
Don't forget to share your journey to Brisbane on Twitter using the #RoutesAsia hashtag and via the app.
https://twitter.com/BrisbaneAirport/status/974435256219701248
https://twitter.com/routesonline/status/974209411580416000
https://twitter.com/Adelaide_WR2019/status/974480094667333632
13.00 - Bring your sunnies
It's a lovely day here in Brisbane and the weather is expected to remain warm and sunny over the coming days!
12.00 - A look at how the build is progressing...
The Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre is the official venue for Routes Asia 2018. Here's how it looks with two days to go...
https://www.instagram.com/p/BgXOOXuF5VF/
11.00 - Six tips for using the Routes Asia app
Have you downloaded the Routes Asia app yet? If not, why not?! The Routes app contains the latest event information allowing you to find out who is attending, promote your key messages, request additional meetings, and know transfer times.
Here are our top tips for getting the most out of the app.
They include: Plan your time effectively - Did you know that it’s possible to create your own agenda in the app? Delegates created over 1,000 bookmarks during Routes Asia 2017. Use the event programme to select the conference programme sessions, face-to-face meetings and networking events that are of interest to you and create your own personalised itinerary.
09.00 - Did you know?
Complete with 92 metre high clock tower, Brisbane City Hall is one of Queensland's most significant heritage and cultural icons. The Routes Asia Networking Evening will take place in this spectacular venue
Thursday 15 March 2018
21.00 - What is Fast Track?
Our senior scheduling and registration manager Simon Baxendale explains what Fast Track is and how delegates can benefit.
"Fast Track provides delegates with the opportunity to make quick, five-minute introductions to key decision-makers from all attending airlines," he says. "It gives airports, tourism authorities and other aviation stakeholders more opportunities to meet with airlines - and the response so far has been brilliant.
"Airlines are sat at their designated tables in the Airline Meeting Hall and, using the airline seating plan, delegates are able to find their key targets. We don’t need delegates to register for this either - they can just turn up and start networking! When the five-minute period is up, the meeting clock will sound."
The first-ever Fast Track at Routes Asia will take place in the Airline Meeting Hall on Monday 19 March from 14.50 until 15.35. It’s open to all delegates - and all airlines will be there - so I’d encourage everyone to attend! You can find more details on the app.
Read more about what Fast Track is and how you can benefit.
20.00 - The key stats shaping our host city
Brisbane Airport (BNE) capacity will double when a new second runway opens in 2020 at a cost of AUS$1.35bn, and the international terminal will be redeveloped to the tune of AUS$45m.
Ahead of Brisbane playing host to Routes Asia 2018, here are the some of the facts and figures on the city's aviation market.
18.00 - Anticipation builds for Routes Asia 2018!
There are less than four days until Routes Asia 2018 gets underway in Brisbane, Australia! The event's delegates will take part in more than 2,000 face-to-face meetings to discuss new and existing air services. Are you among the attendees? Share your journey to Brisbane on Twitter using the #RoutesAsia hashtag and on the Routes app.
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