The inaugural AviaDev Europe will take place in Valencia from December 3rd-5th at the Palacio de Congresos de Valencia.

The event will bring together over 150 regional European aviation leaders to discuss route development within the regional markets.

Jon Howell, managing director, AviaDev, said: “The European regional aviation market is growing.

“With over 300 European regional airports, there are huge advantages offered by smaller airports compared to their busy hub counterparts and we will focus on how to maximise this opportunity. 

“This event will provide a platform for European counterparts to benchmark their services and have serious discussions with the decision makers on extending their routes and markets.”

The event starts with an educational programme consisting of an overview from Olivier Jager, ForwardKeys – data company based in Valencia, who will discuss the current state of the regionals and what the implications are for regional European aviation over the upcoming months and years. 

This presentation is then supported by further panel discussions on:

• What the ingredients are for a successful regional airline operation
• How new technologies, advanced use of data and truly disrupting ideas make regional aviation easier, more productive and most importantly, more profitable
• Why airports should work closely with their stakeholders
• The evolution of regional European airports and what the future holds

The above discussions are led by industry experts from various airports, airlines and aviation suppliers across the European continent, including FlyBMI, Air Nostrum, Wizz Air, Lufthansa, Trieste Airport, Belfast City Airport, Aarhus Airport, AerFin, Embraer, Kiwi.com and others.

After the morning educational programme, the remaining one and a half days is dedicated to facilitating meetings between the airlines and airports. 

Each attendee receives a bespoke meeting diary with meetings planned onsite.

With more than 500 expected one-to-one meetings and thousands of other unofficial discussions, the event promises to unite the industry and provide a forum for serious boost to the regional route development scene in Europe.

Miguel Angel Perez Alba, brand manager at Turismo Valencia, commented: “As hosts of AviaDev Europe we are delighted to welcome our fellow regional European aviation leaders to Valencia. 

“We anticipate many serious development discussions will take place during the event and we look forward to extending our Valencian hospitality for these important conversations.”