The 11th Routes Asia opened yesterday to an engaging and provocative debate on some of the key topics impacting the aviation business across Asia, the Pacific region and Australasia. To a packed audience of delegates at the Renaissance Mumbai Convention Centre Hotel, in Mumbai, discussions highlighted the challenges to developing international hubs in both India and wider Asian markets and the lessons that can be learnt from across the globe. The debate also questioned who would be the winners in capturing the expanding market for international travel from China and India, where thriving economies and increasing disposable incomes mean major growth in outbound travel, and what the future holds for low-cost carriers in the region.
The Strategy Forum followed a formal Inauguration Ceremony where delegates were able to hear the views of senior aviation officials, including Sanjay Reddy, Managing Director of the event host, Mumbai International Airport Pvt Ltd, who highlighted to the importance of route development to support the significant infrastructure investment that is being made at Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai. “I’ve always believed that there are two faces to a successful airport: network and frequencies, and the right infrastructure,” he explained. “Apart from infrastructure, frequencies and networks are also instrumental to the success of an international airport, and this is where the 11th Routes Asia will play a very significant role.”
Today will mark the second day of the event and the start of the formal one-to-one meetings and it is worth remembering once again the important role that air services play particularly in such a diverse region supporting both business and leisure demand.
