ROUTES EUROPE: Routes Europe 2011 Opens in Pool Setting

This year’s Routes Europe event was formally declared open by Nigel Mayes, Vice President & Commercial, UBM Aviation Routes Limited and Vincenzo Mareddu, Chairman, Cagliari Airport, last night in the perfect setting…alongside the pool at the Forte Village resort, host of this year’s event.

Speaking at the formal ceremony, Nigel Mayes highlighted the vital role that route development plays in developing economies in cities and regions, but even more so for islands like Sardinia. “Air services are key to support its economy, bringing trade, inward investment and tourists into the region, he said. “As the aviation industry continues to face a challenging year with volatile fuel prices and a slow economic recovery, there is no better time for airports, airlines and tourism authorities to talk route development. Your conversations will impact the economic development of so many regions across Europe.”

Vincenzo Mareddu highlighted the key role that the regional government has played in the airport’s development. “Our traffic has not been badly impacted by the economic problems across Europe and this has been thanks to the support we have received from the regional government, and we hope to continue this relationship moving forward,” he said.