PATA TO HOST PACIFIC ASIA ZONE AT ROUTES

The Pacific Asia Travel Association will host the Pacific Asia airlines zone at this year’s ROUTES, the World Routes Development Forum, September 16-18, 2001 in Dublin, Ireland.

ROUTES is the largest gathering of airline network planners in one place at one time. These are decision makers who decide where and when their airlines will fly.

The seventh annual ROUTES aims to strengthen both airline and airport business development programmes and to create global network development opportunities. The event is expected to attract more than 160 airlines, including major, regional, low-cost, new entrant, cargo, charter and tour operator lines. Airports ranging from world hubs to smaller regional players will also be present.

The 2001 ROUTES will include Pacific Asia, Latin America and Cargo zones for the first time. Improved airline diaries will offer more flexible schedules to allocate extra meetings. A new meeting request facility allows delegates to update meeting requests online. The conference element has been phased out to allow delegates to get down to business straight away.

PATA member airlines may bring up to three delegates free of charge. Airlines will be allocated a meeting table, where airports will present information about their unique route and network opportunities.

Mr. Mike Berman, ROUTES Manager, Airline Relations, said: "In Europe and North America route development has always been seen as a partnership between airlines and airports. In the Asia Pacific region, as growth returns, airports are likely to assume a more pro-active position."

PATA’s Director-Membership, Ms. Leslie Detter said: "This is a perfect opportunity for PATA Member airlines to explore new market opportunities for future cooperation."

All ROUTES delegates are invited to a welcome reception, a gala dinner, lunch on both days of the event as well as a farewell party. There is also a golf tournament prior to the welcome reception.

The ROUTES Web site at https://www.routesonline.com offers online registration, meeting selection, appointment changing, exhibition, sponsorship, hotel and flight information.