Welcome introduction from Routes. Hear what you can expect over the course of the event
Conference Programme
Bringing together high-profile speakers and senior leaders from the route development and aviation industries.
The Routes Asia 2024 conference programme is sponsored by Boeing
Platinum sponsor
Comprising keynote interviews, panel discussions, airline briefings and best practice workshops, the Routes Asia 2024 conference programme will provide you with exclusive insight. It’s time to look ahead at what the future holds for Asia's air services. Airline CEOs and aviation heavyweights will look at the issues that will forever change the industry landscape.
View the full event programme to find out what else is happening at the event.
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Tuesday, 27 February 2024
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Opening Remarks
Hear more about why Routes Asia 2024 is taking place in Langkawi.
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CEO Keynote Interview Malaysia Airlines
Datuk Captain Izham bin Ismail, Group Managing Director, Malaysia Aviation Group
Moderated by David Casey, Editor-in-Chief, Routes.
Having successfully rebounded financially and operationally from the challenges posed by the COVID-19 crisis, Malaysia Airlines is now directing its attention toward customer and fleet investments, as well as further network expansion. The carrier received the first of its leased Boeing 737 MAX aircraft in November 2023 and expects to issue a formal request for proposals for a narrowbody order in the first quarter of 2024. New aircraft are also coming into the widebody fleet, with its first Airbus A330neo due to be delivered in September 2024. Hear from Malaysia Aviation Group Managing Director Datuk Capt Izham Ismail about the airline’s recovery and growth strategy.
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State of the Airline Industry
Subhas Menon, Director General, Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA)
Despite increasing headwinds, marked by sharply higher fuel cost and supply chain bottlenecks, airlines in the Asia-Pacific are buoyed by the strong recovery of air travel in the region. There continues to be a solid expansion in international passenger markets, led by a steady rebound in tourist arrivals. Hear from AAPA’s Director General Subhas Menon on the outlook for the region’s travel markets during 2024.
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State of the Airport Industry
Stefano Baronci, Director General, Airports Council International (ACI) Asia-Pacific and Middle East
Total air connectivity in Asia-Pacific recorded a drop of 38% in 2022 compared with 2019 levels, but the preliminary rankings for 2023 suggest a positive outlook for the region. These include significant improvements in seat capacity to China from 100 selected airports, rebounding by a remarkable 937% in August 2023 compared to August 2022, but still with a large margin to grow in 2024. Hear from ACI Asia-Pacific and Middle East Director General Stefano Baronci on the outlook for the year ahead, including the impact of rising air fares and the need for further liberalization.
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Case Study
The unique characteristics and opportunities of the Southeast Asia aviation market
Malcom An, Senior Managing Director, Boeing Global Strategic Initiatives, The Boeing Company
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Panel Discussion: Restoration of Connectivity and Air Travel Growth in the Asia-Pacific Region
Moderated by Paul Burton, Managing Director, Asia-Pacific, Aviation Week Network.
Leaders from across the Asia-Pacific and Middle East aviation industry will share perspectives on the hurdles faced by airlines and airports in restoring full connectivity, advancing traffic and financial recovery, exploring opportunities for future development, examining trends toward sustainability, and more.
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Panel Discussion: Disruption - How the Asia-Pacific Market is Responding
Moderated by Edmond Rose, Consulting Director, ASM Global Route Development.
The pandemic years are behind us, and borders are open as normal. However, significant challenges remain. Inflation continues, cost pressure is acute, and in some areas, labor is in short supply. Airlines also continue to face unprecedented supply chain issues related to aircraft parts, resulting in a lack of aircraft capacity and uncertainty in airline schedules for the upcoming year and beyond. These challenges are being exacerbated by geopolitical instability in eastern Europe and the Middle East. In response to this state of disruption, a panel of high-powered executives will discuss their plans to address these challenges, aiming to enhance connectivity and ensure stability in the sector.
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Panel Discussion: Charting the Paths of Asia-Pacific Startups
Moderated by Chen Chuanren, Southeast Asia and China Editor, Aviation Week Network.
The fates of several startup airlines that initiated operations in the Asia-Pacific region following the pandemic have diverged significantly. Some have successfully established a presence in domestic and international markets, experiencing rapid fleet expansion, while others are adopting a more prudent strategy towards growth or facing financial challenges. At least one startup airline has also ceased operations. This session will hear from some of the startup carriers aiming to succeed in a market where many others have tried and failed.
Wednesday, 28 February 2024
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Moderated by David Casey, Editor-in-Chief, Routes
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State of the Travel Industry in Asia Pacific
Peter Semone, Chairman, Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA)
The overall growth in international visitor arrivals within the Asia-Pacific is primarily fueled by Asia, serving as both a source and destination region, with mainland China playing a dominant role in visitor flows. Hear from PATA Chairman Peter Semone explain more about the resurgence of the international travel and tourism sector and how the region must prepare itself to ensure a stronger and more resilient industry.
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Panel Discussion: Navigating A Sustainable Future
Moderated by Chikage Miyoshi, Reader in Environment Systems for Aerospace, Cranfield University Hiroshima University.
As the resurgence of travel demand in the Asia-Pacific continues, this discussion will center on advancing the environmental sustainability of the region's aviation industry without compromising its global competitiveness.
How are airlines and airports managing the transition to Net Zero? How can the aviation sector work together to accelerate efforts? Are governments policies providing enough support and incentives towards the production capacity of Sustainable Aviation Fuels?
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Return of China’s International Market
Moderated by Hang Zhao, Consultant, ASM Global Route Development.
China served as the primary contributor of tourists for numerous Asia-Pacific countries before the pandemic and played a pivotal role in the international networks of various airlines. However, while the country’s borders have now reopened to international travel, the rebound of traffic has been slower than many expected. This panel session will explore the outlook for mainland China’s international market and whether the demands and expectations of Chinese travellers have changed.
- When will China’s international market return to 2019 levels?
- What geopolitical influences are holding back a full recovery of traffic?
- What are the priorities of the Chinese outbound travel market in the post-pandemic period?
- Have airlines refocused their priorities given the slower return? Which Asia-Pacific markets are benefitting as a result?
Thursday, 29 February 2024
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Route Development
The BIG 5 MEGA Trends to look out for
Tony Griffin, Senior Vice President Consulting, ASM Global Route Development
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All you need to know about...
The Philippines
Warner M. Andrada, Assistant Secretary, Philippine Department of Tourism
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All you need to know about...
Perth
Stephanie Juszkiewicz, Senior VP Aviation Business Development, Perth Airport
* Please note like all events, the programme is subject to change.
Speakers
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Datuk Captain Izham bin Ismail
Group Managing Director, Malaysia Aviation Group -
Jay L Lingeswara
Vice President (Commercial), Vietjet Air -
Peter Bellew
Chief Operating Officer, Riyadh Air -
Subhas Menon
Director General, Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) -
Peter Semone
Chairman, Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) -
Malcom An
Senior Managing Director, Boeing Global Strategic Initiatives, The Boeing Company