INCHEON, SOUTH KOREA – The 9th Routes Asia event, held this weekend in Incheon, South Korea, was opened earlier today by Mr Chae-Wook Lee, President and CEO, Incheon International Airport Corporation, welcoming over 400 aviation professionals from across the Asia Pacific region and globally.

150 Airports are joining with over 70 Airlines for two days of meetings to discuss the development of air services to and from the region. Coinciding with the 10th Anniversary of Incheon International Airport, Routes Asia will offer delegates the opportunity to experience this multi-award winning facility as well as to learn more about the growing development of Incheon Metropolitan City.

Mr Chae-Wook Lee, President & CEO, Incheon International Airport Corporation, said, “Routes Asia 2011 is very meaningful as it is held in celebration of Incheon Airport’s 10th anniversary. With a successful hosting of this event, we will enhance our status as the best hub airport of Northeast Asia and provide delegates with a different kind of experience enriched with art and culture.”

This year’s event commenced with the Routes Asia Strategy Forum, including a keynote presentation from Azran Osman-Rani, CEO, Air Asia X, followed by a Welcome Reception at the Songdo Convensia. In addition to one-to-one meetings between airports and airlines, the event will feature a presentation from ICAO, introducing their Trainair Plus programme, tours of Incheon and Seoul and a spectacular Gala Evening incorporating Korean traditional and modern entertainment.

David Stroud, Executive Vice President, Airports, UBM Aviation, said “We are delighted that so many delegates from all over the world have been able to join us here at Routes Asia. We are witnesses, here in Incheon, to the powerful economic effect the development of a world-leading international hub can have, supported by a thriving aerotropolis that has grown within the Incheon Metropolitan City. This city creation, and the manner in which it is served by Incheon International Airport, is an example for the rest of the world to follow.”

Routes Asia in Incheon is the 3rd in the 2011 series of regional Routes events following Routes Americas and Routes Tourism Mediterranean in February. The Incheon forum allows airports and airlines to focus on the Asia Pacific market ahead of global discussion at World Routes, taking place from 2-4 October 2011 in Berlin, Germany.