The 30th Routes World, held at AsiaWorld-Expo on Friday, buzzed with activity as representatives from airports and airlines across 115 countries showcased their offerings and forged new partnerships.
The event, a cornerstone for global aviation networking, highlighted Hong Kong’s role as a gateway to new markets, with delegates from Italy, Thailand, Malaysia, and Australia sharing ambitious plans to expand routes and attract tourists through cultural promotions.
Federico Scriboni from Leonardo da Vinci International Airport expressed enthusiasm for rekindling connections with the Chinese market, viewing Hong Kong as a vital entry point.
Having held over 20 meetings in recent days, he said they aim to restore previously discontinued direct flights to cities like Guangzhou and Xiamen, with aspirations to position Rome as a leading global airport by tapping into Asia’s growth.
Thailand’s airport representative, Ariyamongkol, overseeing six airports, focused on expanding routes to North America and South Asia, engaging in productive discussions to launch new connections.
Their booth featured Thai culinary staples like mango sticky rice to showcase the country’s culture and entice more visitors.
Similarly, Malaysia’s airport team, represented by Megat Ardian, having conducted over 20 meetings, sought to establish direct flights to Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and India, and noted that passenger numbers are nearing pre-pandemic levels.
Their booth displayed local snacks served on flights to promote Malaysian culture.
Trent Banfield from Tourism Australia highlighted Hong Kong’s role as a global hub, with Sydney’s upcoming new airport set to open next year, creating fresh opportunities for aviation growth.
Over three days, they held 20 meetings to boost passenger traffic to Australia, celebrating the conference’s success despite challenges posed by a recent super typhoon.
