Routes Leaders Forum 2008 to be held in Kuala Lumpur

Following the success of the inaugural Routes Leaders Forum 2007, the 2nd Annual Routes Leaders Forum: “Airlines and Airports Towards a Common Vision”, will take place between 12-14 October 2008 in the Convention Centre in downtown Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, alongside the 14th World Route Development Forum hosted by Malaysia Airports Holdings.

With an increased number of delegates expected in 2008, the Routes Leaders Forum attracts senior aviation experts to challenge, discuss and deliberate the central developments and issues affecting the air transport industry.

“That over 250 senior executives from across the aviation sectors attended the inaugural forum clearly demonstrates the industry’s need for a platform that brings airlines and airports together with a common vision of collaboration to address the trends and challenges affecting our industry.”

“The expert level of insight, debate and strengthening of commercial relationships that this forum achieved is a significant step forward in driving a climate for profitable and sustainable growth,” said Mike Howarth, Routes Chairman.

The inaugural Routes Leaders Forum subtitled “Airlines and Airports – Towards a Common Vision” featured panel discussions by leading executives on EU/US open skies, the dynamic growth of China and India, aviation and the environment, and the imminent move of the low-cost carriers into the long-haul sector. 

Chaired by Professor Rigas Doganis, the global gathering of aviation experts included: guest chair Marie Ehrling; Willie Walsh, Chief Executive, British Airways; Azran Osman-Rani, Chief Executive Officer AirAsia X; Tim Clark, President, Emirates Airline; Duncan Garrood, Commercial Director, BAA Ltd.; Alex Cruz, Chief Executive Officer, clickair; Dato’ Seri Bashir Ahmad Abdul Majid, Managing Director, Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad, and Justin Symonds, Global Head of Transportation & Logistics Sector Advisory, ABN AMRO and Kerrie Mather, CEO, Macquarie Airports.

It was co-located with the recently concluded 13th World Route Development Forum, the annual international event that brings together airlines, airports and suppliers to discuss and plan new air services worldwide. This year’s event, hosted by Stockholm-Arlanda Airport and the City of Stockholm, attracted over 2300 delegates from nearly 750 airports, 350 airlines, European Union Airport Coordinators, tourism authorities, and economic development agencies spanning more than 110 countries.

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