Each week ahead of World Routes 2017 we will be profiling a different member of the Routes team. First up is our head of aviation sales Phil McLoughlin.

Q: What do you do at Routes?

I look after the global sales team responsible for bringing the airports, destinations and suppliers to our events.

Q: What’s the best part of your job?

I’ve only been with the business for a year – my background is in media sales - and what really struck me is the incredible difference routes events can make in the industry.

Our events bring together airports and destinations with the airlines they’ve been hoping to meet, so when I see thousands of productive meetings taking place, it’s amazing to see all of our work come together.

The best part of the job is hearing the difference that you’ve made. If an airport manages to secure a number of new routes at one of our events, the impact that can have on the economic prosperity of the region is incredible.

When my team can play a role in helping these relationships to flourish, and our clients get fantastic value from an event, that’s the best part of the job.

Q: What are you most looking forward to at World Routes 2017?

World Routes is absolutely the highlight of our events programme. It’s the biggest event we do, and it’s when we see airlines, airports and destinations from across the globe come together and do business.

This will be our biggest World Routes ever, and we could be looking at a new record number of meetings with lots of our airlines bringing large delegations. I’m confident that we’ll see a lot of new routes created, along with current Routes discussed and new potentials routes explored or progressed.

The World Routes Marketing Awards are always a highlight for me. Because the airlines vote for the winners, it really matters to the airports and destinations who collect the prize each time. When we speak to our clients who have won or been shortlisted, they’re absolutely delighted with the recognition. It’s just something else we can give back to the aviation community who support our events.

This year’s awards at the Palau Sant Jordi should be really special.

Q: What is your dream holiday?

I think I went on my dream trip just a few weeks ago – scuba diving with sharks off the coast of South Africa.

It was an incredible experience. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t scared before I went into the water, but once I was actually in with the sharks it was incredibly peaceful. I’d recommend it to anyone!

I’ve always loved scuba diving. I learned a long time ago, and when I was younger I’d spend a lot of time diving in the UK.

World Routes 2017

World Routes provides an unrivalled platform for route development professionals to discuss, develop and plan route strategy.

A dynamic programme of face-to-face meetings, industry renowned social events and engaging live content, will provide delegates with maximum networking and negotiating opportunities, to further develop their route networks and debate the hottest topics affecting the market place.

Find out more