The return of Routes Africa in 2018 will herald the start of a long-term commitment to the continent’s route development community, Routes brand director Steven Small has said.

Following the confirmation that Routes will operate its 12^th African air service development conference this year, Small claimed that “this is exactly the right time to re-ignite Routes Africa”.

The location for the 2018 event is set to be revealed within the next few weeks, while previous hosts include Zimbabwe, Uganda and Swaziland. Global forum World Routes also took place in Durban in 2015; the only time a worldwide route development event has been held in Africa.

“The news of the single African Air Transport market creating open skies across the continent could be a real game changer,” said Small. “This is the start of a brand new commitment to Africa. We have plans for 2018 but this is just the start of a long-term commitment from Routes to serve that very important market.”

Africa is home to over 16 percent of the global population, yet its share of global passenger traffic is less than 4 percent. By uniting the region’s leading airlines, airports and tourism bodies, Routes Africa provides an effective platform for key decision makers to update their industry knowledge, discuss potential and existing air services, and network with industry influencers.

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