Welcome introduction from Routes. Hear what you can expect over the course of the event.
Routes Asia 2026
Xi'an, China
• 14 – 16 April 2026
Conference Programme
The Routes Asia conference programme will bring together senior leaders from the air service development and aviation industries.
Comprising keynote interviews, panel discussions, airline briefings and best practice workshops, the Routes Asia 2026 conference programme will provide you with exclusive insight into the key air service development issues driving change within the industry, exploring the future of air service development in the region.
Tuesday, 14 April 2026
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Opening Remarks
Hear more about why Routes Asia 2026 is taking place in Xi'an, China
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Networking Break
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State of the Airport Industry
Stefano Baronci, Director General, Airports Council International (ACI) Asia-Pacific & Middle East
Passenger traffic across Asia-Pacific is forecast to grow 4.8% annually between 2025 and 2028, driven by resilient economies, renewed international demand, and record levels of airport investment.
India and Vietnam are leading the region’s momentum, with Southern Asia already surpassing pre-pandemic passenger volumes, while Eastern Asia’s recovery is accelerating on the back of China’s outbound rebound. Despite ongoing aircraft delivery delays and geopolitical uncertainties, most markets are expected to exceed pre-COVID levels by 2026.
This session will highlight key trends, including infrastructure investment, sustainability efforts, and evolving passenger expectations, positioning the region as a global aviation leader.
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CEO Keynote Interview
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Networking Lunch
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Keynote Address: Boeing Commercial Airplanes, The Boeing Company
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Emerging Markets in Asia-Pacific: Opportunities for Airports and Airlines
Asia-Pacific’s next wave of aviation growth is increasingly coming from emerging and secondary markets, reshaping network strategies and investment priorities for both airports and airlines. Rapid economic expansion, rising middle-class populations, and improved air connectivity in South and South-East Asia are driving strong demand for both domestic and international travel, often outpacing growth in more mature markets.
This session will explore where the most compelling opportunities are emerging—from fast-growing provincial cities to underpenetrated cross-border routes—and what it takes to unlock their full potential. Industry leaders will discuss the role of infrastructure development, fleet and network planning, policy reform, and partnerships in building sustainable connectivity, while balancing affordability, capacity, and operational resilience.
Join this panel to gain practical insights into how airports and airlines can capitalise on Asia-Pacific’s emerging markets, manage risk, and position themselves for long-term growth in the region’s most dynamic economies.
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Shaping the Future of Route Development in Asia-Pacific
Matthew Choi, General Manager, Corporate Planning, HK Express
As the aviation industry continues to recover and adapt, airlines in the Asia-Pacific region face unique opportunities and challenges in shaping the future of route development. This panel discussion will bring together key decision-makers from leading carriers in the region to explore the trends, technologies, and strategies driving route expansion across Asia-Pacific.
The session will examine the evolving dynamics of passenger demand in one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets, the impact of sustainability goals and regulations on network planning, and the role of new aircraft technology in unlocking previously unviable routes. Panellists will also discuss the challenges of connecting secondary and underserved markets, adapting to geopolitical shifts, and fostering partnerships with airports, governments, and tourism boards to drive mutual growth.
Join us for an engaging conversation as industry leaders share their route development strategies, predictions for the future, and how they plan to thrive in this dynamic and competitive market.
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Networking Break
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Aviation & Tourism Integration: Best Practices on collaboration
Wednesday, 15 April 2026
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Aviation Hub Layout & Development
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Networking Break
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Bridging New Horizons: Aircraft Innovation and Route Development in Asia-Pacific
As the Asia-Pacific aviation sector advances, new aircraft technologies are reshaping airline networks across the region, opening new connections between secondary cities and operating sectors previously the domain of widebody aircraft. With a growing focus on the future of existing fleets and the majority of new deliveries being narrowbody aircraft, airlines are facing critical decisions regarding supply chain issues, timelines, and the opportunities presented by extended range capabilities.
This panel will explore the transformative impact of aircraft innovation on route development, focusing on the progress of ultra-long-haul initiatives and advancements in long-range aircraft. Key topics will include the economic benefits of expanded connectivity for smaller markets, the challenges of adapting to diverse regional landscapes, and how narrowbody aircraft are reshaping the future of long-haul travel.
Join industry leaders as they discuss the future of air travel, the role of aircraft innovation, and how emerging technologies are paving the way for a more connected and efficient Asia-Pacific.
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From Incentives to Impact: Building Effective Route Partnerships
Effective partnerships between airlines, airports and tourism bodies are fundamental to successful route development. This panel brings together industry leaders to discuss how collaboration can translate into sustainable growth, not just short-term gains.
Speakers will explore current best practice, including data-led decision-making, joint marketing activity and incentive models that genuinely support long-term routes. The discussion will also look beyond the traditional airline-airport-destination relationship, considering the influence of governments, investors and other stakeholders in shaping viable route opportunities.
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Networking Lunch
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The Asia-Pacific region presents immense opportunities for new airline ventures, driven by its rapid aviation growth. This session will provide a concise guide to launching an airline in the region, covering essential steps such as navigating regulatory approvals, securing funding, identifying market opportunities, and building a sustainable business model.
Industry experts will share insights into overcoming challenges like infrastructure limitations, competition, and operational complexities. Attendees will leave with practical strategies to successfully establish and grow an airline in this dynamic and competitive market.
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Unlocking the Potential of Dual-City Airports for Route Development
Arun Bansal, Chief Executive Officer, Adani Airport Holdings
As urban centres expand and air travel demand continues to rise, dual-city airport systems are playing an increasingly vital role in managing capacity, enhancing connectivity, and driving economic growth. Cities such as Sydney, New Delhi, Mumbai, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Tokyo, Seoul, Shanghai, and Beijing are adopting dual-airport strategies to efficiently balance passenger and cargo traffic, alleviate congestion, and extend their global reach. This panel will delve into how these dual-airport systems are transforming route development strategies, fostering healthy competition, and unlocking new opportunities for airlines, airports, and travellers worldwide.
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Spotlight On China: Airlines, Airports And Policy
China is once again a central consideration in global and regional route planning. Panellists will assess how Chinese and foreign airlines are responding to geopolitics, airspace constraints, fleet availability, and uneven demand recovery, and what this means for network planning across Asia-Pacific, Europe, and beyond.
The discussion will also unpack China’s airport development strategy, including the "3+7+N" framework, which outlines the role of three major international hubs, seven regional hubs, and a variable number of smaller airports in shaping the country’s aviation network. This framework highlights the importance of major hubs like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, while also emphasising the growth of secondary cities and their increasing role in regional and domestic connectivity.
On the policy side, speakers will explore visas, transit arrangements, and inbound tourism measures, assessing whether recent liberalisation efforts are translating into meaningful traffic growth and improved access for international travellers.
Thursday, 16 April 2026
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Airport Economy & Aviation Industry
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Airline Briefing
Exclusive updates direct from key airline decision makers and network planners.
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Airline Briefing
Exclusive updates direct from key airline decision makers and network planners.
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Exhibitor Networking
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Airline Briefing
Exclusive updates direct from key airline decision makers and network planners.
* Please note like all events, the programme is subject to change.
Speakers
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Steven Small
Director Events, Routes -
Arun Bansal
Chief Executive Officer, Adani Airport Holdings -
Matthew Choi
General Manager, Corporate Planning, HK Express -
Hang Zhao
Business Development Manager and Consultant, ASM Global Route Development -
Stefano Baronci
Director General, Airports Council International (ACI) Asia-Pacific & Middle East -
Megat Ardian
CEO, AirBorneo