2,800 delegates, 750 airports and 300 airlines gather in Abu Dhabi for the world's largest commercial aviation event

Abu Dhabi, Oct 1, 2012 (WAM) _ World Routes, the 18th World Route Development Forum was officially opened yesterday by Abu Dhabi Airports Company's (ADAC) CEO, James Bennett. The event, which takes place over four days, will attract 2,800 senior professionals who represent over 300 airlines and 750 airports as well as numerous governments, destinations and tour operators. On the first day of the event the World Route Development Strategy Summit, which takes place alongside World Routes, was launched with a keynote speech by ADAC CEO, James E. Bennett. The summit provided a platform for industry leaders to discuss key on-going topics that impact this dynamic and ever-evolving industry. Key topics highlighted during the summit included: taxation; rising oil prices; aeropolitics; environmental factors; sustainable route development; economic development; and, general regional perspectives on aviation and its potential for growth. Along with the summit opening, Routes held a joint press conference with Abu Dhabi Airports Company to announce the launch of the event and to engage with the 180 accredited journalists on Route Development strategies and trends. In addition, the first day of the forum started with meetings held between airlines and airports to seek and plan for new routes. This year's event programme has been extended to include full days on both Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th with delegates invited to "Experience Abu Dhabi", attend the World Route Development Strategy Summit and further enjoy the unique one-to-one networking, briefing, and meeting opportunities. Exclusive Route Exchange Airline Briefings by airlines such as Etihad, Air Canada, Southwest, Iberia, and Aeromexico will also allow airlines to brief airports directly on their requirements and various market opportunities. This marks the first time the event has returned to a previous host city. Back in 1996, Abu Dhabi's downtown Hilton Hotel was the setting for the first hosted World Routes event. 16 years later, delegates will be able to witness for themselves the immense changes that demonstrate how the city's future as a world class destination is taking shape. – Emirates News Agency, WAM