easyJet founder Stelios to address Aviation and Tourism Investor Summit in Mumbai

Stelios Haji-Ioannou, Founder and Chairman of easyJet and the easyGroup, will deliver a keynote address on investing in affordable travel at CAPA’s 2nd Annual India and Middle East Aviation and Tourism Investor Summit on 27-28 April 2006 in Mumbai.

Kapil Kaul, the Centre’s CEO Indian Subcontinent & Middle East, said, “the easyGroup has established a worldwide reputation for developing a portfolio of businesses that offer great value to their customers. We are thrilled Stelios has agreed to join our high calibre list of speakers at the Investor Summit and share some views for the Indian and Middle East markets”.

Many of the easyGroup’s ventures have been in the travel industry, most notably the development of the LCC, easyJet. But it is now also expanding into areas such as cruises, hotels and car hire.

“In light of the rapid growth of the emerging middle class in India and the Middle East and their increasing aspirations to travel, I am looking forward to hearing Stelios’ insights into the huge potential in this region for investing in ventures aimed at this target market – and details of the Group's plans for the region”, said Mr Kaul.

Other confirmed speakers at the Summit include:

Tony Fernandes, AirAsia, CEO;
Jim Parker, Managing Director - Equity Research, Raymond James;
James Wilson, CEO, Nakheel;
Shri Praful Patel, Hon Minister of Civil Aviation, India (inv)
Smt Ambika Soni, Honourable Minister of Tourism, India (inv)
Peter Harbison, Executive Chairman, Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation;
Andrew Miller, CEO, Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation;
Wolfgang Prock-Schauer, CEO, Jet Airways;
Ajay Singh, Director, SpiceJet;
George Bellew, CEO, Oman Airports Authority;
Captain Gopinath, Managing Director, Air Deccan;
Christopher Crum, CEO, Royal Jet;
Manav Singh, Managing Director, Club One Air;
Isabelle Kayaloff, Director, IJK & Associates.

According to Mr Kaul, the Indian domestic market will grow to 45 million passengers by 2010, generating 10 million indirect new jobs over the next decade. India's airlines are set to add 450 to 500 new aircraft by 2010 and 2,000 additional pilots will be required, and 8,000 other direct skilled jobs, including flight dispatchers, maintenance engineers and others.

“But there is reason for concern. A looming skills shortage could limit the growth potential of the sector. Creative solutions are required – establishing a few training institutes or poaching staff from overseas will not suffice. And infrastructure – for aviation and for tourism – will require massive investments in the next few years. The Government and investment community must work in partnership to ensure a holistic solution is found to this issue. We are confident the Investor Summit will provide a valuable contribution to this process”, concluded Mr Kaul.

With Finance, Aviation and Tourism Ministers in attendance from across the region, as well as CEO-level presenters of the region’s airlines and airports, this event will provide a roadmap for investors seeking to manoeuvre through the complexities of the industry and be rewarded with potential opportunities.

The Summit will also feature an extensive supplier exhibition and enhanced sponsor offering.

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