Richard Maslen has travelled across the globe to report on developments in the aviation sector as airlines and airports have continued to evolve and adapt to changing market conditions. Initially managing the weekly newsletter for respected aviation insurance loss adjuster Airclaims Limited, he later joined aviation media company Key Publishing where he spent almost nine years interviewing many of the industry’s senior players producing content for renowned titles such as Airliner World and Airports of the World. In 2011, he joined air service development specialist Routes (latterly part of UBM) where he developed a complete digital editorial content strategy for the business and has become well respected by the aviation community for his knowledge and insight. In April 2017, he left to establish his own business, Maslen Aviation Consultancy, providing storytelling content production, delivery and promotion support as well as consultancy services on aviation topics. He has already started working independently for a number of clients providing online content, event coverage, conference speaking, media appearances, advice on marketing and live event experience as well as project management on an exciting new content platform.
The Edmonton – Abbotsford route, which has been served continuously since April 2006, is currently served by two daily Boeing 737s, but the new third daily rotation from June 2015 will be flown by WestJet Encore with a smaller Bombardier Dash 8-Q400 turboprop.
The network expansion supports the airline’s strategy to enhance aircraft utilisation during the quieter winter season. In recent years destinations in the Indian Ocean have seen market growth for Austrian passengers and the carrier’s existing flights to the Maldives have been extremely popular, showing the high potential in the Austrian long-haul tourism segment.
The route enjoys a long history with flights first being introduced between the two cities by Aeroput in February 1928 and latterly by JAT Airways from April 1947. However, the former Yugoslavian flag carrier closed the route in August 1991 as the first of the ethinic conflicts that lead to the breakup of the country began.
