The largest networking event for the region’s air transport industry, Routes Europe, has opened its doors to airlines, airports and tourism authorities. In its fifth year, the event is firmly established in the route development calendar as the place where representatives from Europe’s route development arena network and do business. This year, the event is hosted by Toulouse-Blagnac Airport and brings together more than 700 delegates from across the region. It is Routes Europe’s biggest turnout yet – indicating the strength of the event and the attractiveness of Toulouse as a destination to the aviation industry.

Jean-Michel Vernhes, Chairman of the Executive Board at Toulouse-Blagnac Airport, on hosting the event: “For Toulouse-Blagnac Airport, Routes Europe’s presence is a major event, especially as this is the year of the opening of the new terminal, Hall D, dedicated to European and international traffic. Routes Europe offers us the opportunity to stimulate the opening of new routes, which can be accommodated by the new capacity. Hosting Routes Europe also allows us to shine light on the dynamics of a city, a region and an airport, united by one and the same ambition: to assert their assets beyond the French borders.”

Amongst some 80 airlines, Air France, Alitalia, bmi Regional, British Airways, easyJet and Jet2.com are attending, as are Rzeszow Airport, Shannon Airport, Stockholm Arlanda Airport and Zurich Airport, along with more than 300 other airports.

This year’s event has also attracted several first-timers, such as Dniprovia, Europe Airpost, Lufthansa Italia, Spanair and Gulf Air as well as Satu Mare Airport, Alentejo Airport – ANA and Bastia Airport.

Mark Gray, Event Director, comments: “We are delighted to hold our fifth Routes Europe in Toulouse, the aeronautical capital of Europe. With its interesting history, culture and its beautiful landscapes, Toulouse is certainly a fantastic destination, which I am sure our delegates will enjoy. The airport’s passion and commitment will ensure that our delegates experience a truly memorable event.”

At the heart of Routes Europe are the established one-to-one meetings, but there are also several networking innovations this year. For example, the event sees the arrival of its first ‘Route Exchange - Airline Requirement Briefings’; Ryanair, Lufthansa Italia and Spanair are holding briefings to selected airports on what they expect to see in an airport bid.