Aberdeen to host Routes Europe 2015 (from Route News)
Aberdeen in Scotland will provide the backdrop for Routes Europe on April 12-14, 2015, when the route development forum holds its first regional event in the UK.
Aberdeen International Airport (ABZ) led a successful bid involving key stakeholders in the region, making it only the second time Routes has taken place in the UK, after Edinburgh held the World Routes event in 2003.
Scotland’s Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said hosting Routes Europe would help Scotland attract more air routes.
"The Scottish Government is working to secure more direct international flights from Scotland and hosting events such Routes Europe supports this ambition," she said.
"This event is a great opportunity to showcase the continuing strength of the economy of the North-East and the dynamic nature of Aberdeen International Airport as one of the fastest growing airports in the UK."
Routes Europe will also showcase Scotland’s appeal to airline operators as "an ambitious, forward-looking country keen to do business with our international neighbours", she added.
Steve Harris, chief executive of VisitAberdeen, described Aberdeen as "one of the very few cities in Europe showing sustained year-on-year growth".
"To have 1000 of the European aviation industry’s most senior decision makers coming here, to see not only our vibrant economy but our historic city and fabulous countryside, is a wonderful opportunity," he said.
Aberdeen Council leader Barney Crockett described Aberdeen as "the beating heart of Europe's oil and gas economy" and said it is taking a big step forward onto the travel and tourism industry stage by attracting Routes Europe.
Aberdeen International Airport operates over 80 daily scheduled routes and recently extended its runway for new international and national flights.
More than 60% of its passenger traffic is business traffic, mainly driven by the energy industry. The airport also has one of the biggest commercial helicopter operations in the world, carrying over 500,000 passengers per year.
Aberdeen Airport claims to provide the highest level of hub connectivity of any UK regional airport, with daily services to regional destinations such as London Heathrow, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Amsterdam Schiphol, Copenhagen and Frankfurt.
Last edited by Richard Taylor; 17th Apr 2013 at 20:16.