The 17th World Route Development Forum opened its doors yesterday, expecting a record number of visitors. This year’s event, hosted by Berlin Brandenburg Airport, will turn the German capital city into the centre of the aviation world over the coming couple of days as delegates from more airlines and airports than any previous event, confirm World Routes as the largest commercial aviation event in the world.
A total of 2,700 delegates are expected at this year’s event representing more than 300 airlines and 800 airports from all over the world as well as tour operators, destinations and tourist boards who are gathering together in Berlin to directly shape the world’s air services.
Speaking at the opening press conference in Berlin yesterday evening, David Stroud, Executive Vice President Airports, at Routes organiser UBM Aviation said: “I am delighted to see so many senior attendees from airlines, airports and tourism authorities this year. The 15,000 meetings which will take place over the coming three days will help shape our industry for the coming years. The creation of the World Route Development Strategy Summit has given them a true platform from which to influence and comment on key issues for the industry.”
Visitors to the event will be given the opportunity to view the future of aviation in Berlin, as host Berlin Brandenburg Airport outlines its business development strategy for the capital’s new gateway, which is due to open in June 2012. Berlin is now served by 80 airlines flying to 161 destinations in 52 countries, including 13 long-haul connections, but at two different airports.
Prof Dr Rainer Schwarz, CEO Berlin Brandenburg Airport, said: “We are delighted to host the first ever World Routes event Germany. The future Berlin Brandenburg Airport which will open next June offers fantastic opportunities for growth for airlines from around the world. Being at the heart of the world’s aviation community gives us an excellent opportunity to highlight Berlin’s advantages. Next year we will open Europe’s most modern airport, which marks the next chapter in the history of air travel in Berlin: A single, modern airport for a unified, modern city.”
Burkhard Kieker, Chief Executive Officer, visitBerlin was also present at the opening press conference. “We are delighted that the world’s aviation community has come together in Berlin, Europe’s third most popular tourist destination. As this high-level event shows, Berlin is becoming an ever more popular city for congresses and conventions. In this segment, we now rank fourth in the world,” he said.
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