As an action-packed World Routes 2018 ends, Qui Jiachen, chairman of Guangzhou Baiyun International airport, has handed over the event to the David Ridgeway, minister for trade, tourism and investment, government of South Australia.

Preparations are already underway in Australia to host next year’s forum down under.

This will be the first time that any Australian city has hosted the prestigious event and will bring South Australia to the attention of the world’s leading airlines.

The 25th annual World Routes Development Forum will be hosted by the South Australian Tourism Commission, Tourism Australia and Adelaide Airport at Adelaide Showground.

Steven Small, brand director at Routes, said: “Adelaide is a unique destination with a fast-growing economy and strong airport infrastructure.

“This makes it the perfect city to host the 25th annual World Routes Forum.

“With support from Team Australia, the event will almost certainly be one to remember.

“World Routes will also enable South Australia’s to achieve their goal of an AUD$8 billion tourism industry by 2020 through the growth of Adelaide’s air services.”

Adelaide is Australia’s fastest growing regional capital city airport.

Redeveloped in 2005, AUD$1 billion is currently being spent on projects to further expand its capacity.

Passenger numbers have grown steadily in the last decade to over 7.7 million and aircraft movements are expected to grow by three per cent over the next 20 years.

Countless new routes have been added to Adelaide’s international network in recent years to including services to Doha and Guangzhou.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Ridgeway said: “World Routes 2019 is a wonderful opportunity for Adelaide and South Australia to showcase our great state and wonderful city with the world.

“We thank Routes for their support and we are confident that we can deliver a world-class event in Adelaide.

“We are looking forward to it, it won’t disappoint, and we are sure that delegate will make life-long memories and form lasting relationships.”

With unprecedented networking opportunities, a unique conference programme and a great location, the international aviation community is already looking forward to next year’s event.