Tenth Annual Event To Be Held In Scotland, Marking Its First Time In The U.K.

As a successful Routes Europe event came to a close in Marseille, which saw a record number of delegates arrive in the city to discuss the future of Europe's air traffic, making this year's event the largest regional route development event ever.

The event was officially handed over to Aberdeen City and Shire, the host of the 2015 event, during a networking lunch which saw Lord Provost of Aberdeen George Adam, Aberdeenshire Provost Jill Webster and Aberdeen International Airport managing director Carol Benzie accept the event which will take place at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre (AECC) from 12-14 April 2015.

"There is a palpable excitement building about Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire hosting Routes Europe next year. Aberdeen International Airport is growing at a fantastic rate, with two new air services taking off in the last week alone," the Lord Provost said. "Aberdeen is playing in a league of much bigger cities than previously, competing with the likes of Marseille and Berlin. When we won the bid to host Routes Europe 2015, we said it was a huge vote of confidence in the economy of Aberdeen and its future. The support and excitement the news has attracted within the city region, Scotland and the UK is a clear demonstration of that confidence.

"Routes Europe provides a fantastic opportunity to market Aberdeen to every airline and airport in Europe, and hosting the event will undoubtedly bring great benefits to the city and wider region. Team Scotland and the local collective working in Marseille this week will learn a great deal about how Routes Europe is run and the work which goes into it, which will help to ensure that the Aberdeen event is a huge success."

"This important event provides a platform for industry leaders to discuss market opportunities and consider Scotland as a key destination for flights from around the world," said Aberdeenshire Provost Jill Webster. "I'm delighted it's coming to Aberdeen next year on its first outing to the UK and this is an excellent opportunity to showcase the North-east of Scotland to the rest of the world.

"By hosting Routes Europe we can raise the profile of Aberdeen International Airport amongst airlines and support ongoing route development efforts. This is a chance to promote our area to people at the heart of decision making on aviation matters, and they will be given a taste of Scotland in Aberdeenshire. I will be delighted to welcome delegates to a gala night I'm hosting at Castle Fraser, and they will also be offered a chance to sample the world-class golfing we have on our doorstep."

An ambitious $25 million redevelopment is already underway at Aberdeen International Airport (AIA), designed to transform the customer experience. The project comes on the heels of a 24% increase in passenger numbers since 2011, the addition of a number of new routes including Corfu and Riga, and saw the airport enjoy its busiest ever year last year.  Passenger numbers are forecast to grow further in the coming decade

"The arrival of the event in the North-east of Scotland next year will mean a lot for the airport and the wider region that we serve," said Aberdeen International Airport MD Carol Benzie. "We hope that by bringing the aviation industry to our doorstep they will see the benefits of doing business with us, and we look forward to giving them a good Scottish welcome."

FMI: www.routesonline.com