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The forthcoming World Routes forum received an important endorsement last week with the official launch hosted by Capital Airports Holding Company attracting 40 representatives from China’s key media. Also present at the event were Mr. Xia Zhan Yi, Deputy Mayor of Beijing; Mr. Zhang Zhi Zhong, President and CEO, Capital Airport Group, Beijing, China and Mr. Dong Zhi Yi, President and CEO, Beijing Capital International Airport. Further guests included Mr. Wang Chang Shun, Vice Minister of the Civil Aviation Authority of China (CAAC) and Mr. Li Jiang Min, Director General, International Affairs Department of CAAC. The organization will be advising airlines and airports at Routes on how they can access the Chinese market. Its reservation of a chalet at the forum in September is a ringing endorsement of its importance.
The 15th edition of the event opens in Beijing on 13 September and more than ever in these difficult economic times will provide airlines with an ideal platform to network with the world’s airports to plan new air services and protect existing routes. “China’s airlines will be making full use of their ‘home turf’ advantage at this year’s World Routes,” commented David Stroud, COO of RDG, the organizer of Routes. “Over 50 network planners from Chinese carriers and representatives from 40 Chinese airports will be exploring opportunities and shaping the future of aviation in the growing Asia-Pacific region.”
“With viable air services acknowledged as key to economic development it is fitting that this year’s event is being held in China, which continues to have one of the world’s most dynamic and expanding economies. Airline registrations for World Routes 2009 are 25% up on this time last year – indicating that there will be a record airline attendance this year in Beijing,” Stroud continued.
Chinese airlines participating include Air China, China Southern, China Eastern, Cathay Pacific, Air China Cargo, Shenzhen Airlines, Deer Air, Hong Kong Airlines and Hainan Airlines.
The eyes of the world are still firmly on China after the 2008 Olympics, with the sixtieth anniversary of the foundation of the People’s Republic of China being celebrated this year and the 2010 World Expo just around the corner. The decision by Beijing Capital International Airport to host World Routes and the additional boost given by CAAC’s attendance, will guarantee the forum an especially high profile.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
