Forging the next era of aviation Global experts gather in Hong Kong

The 30th Routes World, hosted by Hong Kong International Airport, which concluded at AsiaWorld-Expo last week, buzzed with activity as representa-tives from airports and airlines across more than 110 countries showcased their offerings and forged new partnerships.

The event, a cornerstone for global aviation net-working, highlighted Hong Kong’s role as a gateway to new markets, with delegates from Italy, Thailand, Malaysia, and Australia sharing ambitious plans dur-ing the two-day event to expand routes and attract tourists through cultural promotions.

A representative from Rome Airport in Italy articulated how Hong Kong serves as a strategic entry point for accessing the Chinese market and expressed hopes for the agreement to reopen certain routes to and from China during the course of the convention.

Federico Scriboni, aviation business development director of Aeroporti di Roma, expressed enthusiasm for rekindling connections with the Chinese market. Having held over 20 meetings during the event, he said they aim to restore previously discontinued direct flights to cities such as Guangzhou and Xiamen, with aspira-tions to position Rome as a leading global air-port by tapping into Asia’s growth.

Thailand’s airport repre-sentative, Ariyamongkol, whose company oversees 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 Airports chief aviation and strategy officer Megat Ardian has also 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’s Aviation Development 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, he held 20 meetings to boost passenger traffic to Australia, celebrating the confer-ence’s success despite challenges posed by a recent super typhoon.

Firat Ocak, aviation develop-ment director of iGA Istanbul Airport, expressed his hope at the conference to develop new routes and increase the density of existing routes.

He noted that Istanbul Airport will add nine new routes this year, and the main goal of the conference was to increase the airport’s passenger traffic.

Participating in over 40 meetings, he also met with numerous industry players and described the results as very positive.

Kapei Sebesho, the representative for the airport in South Africa, said Cape Town is about to build a second airport, providing more options for travelers.

He attended Routes World to explore new part-nerships, increase flights to South Africa, and boost tourism in his country.

He also noted that South Africa has limited direct flights to Asia, and hopes to leverage this opportunity to expand flights to China.

The closing reception for the 30th annual Routes World was held last Friday at the West Kowloon Cultural District’s M+ museum, allowing guests from around the world to experience Hong Kong’s exceptional blend of Eastern and Western cultures.

Airport Authority Hong Kong chief executive officer Vivian Cheung Kar-fay said the event was a unique experience for everyone, as it also show-cased Hong Kong International Airport’s experi-ence in crisis management, managing the situation with ease even during a strong typhoon without the airport closing.

AAHK also presented attendees with two pairs of socks featuring Hong Kong landmarks, hoping they would have a lasting impression of Hong Kong.

Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mabel Chan noted that despite the event being temporarily impact-ed by Super Typhoon Ragasa, it was successfully held and attracted 2,500 delegates from over 115 countries, fully demonstrating Hong Kong’s efficiency and resil-ience in weathering severe weather as an international aviation hub.