As day one of World Routes, the 18th World Route Development Forum, draws to a close, key leaders from the global transport industry have been discussing some of the most pressing topics which are affecting aviation.

The event, which takes place over four days, has attracted 2,800 senior professionals who represent over 300 airlines and 750 airports as well as numerous governments, destinations and tour operators.

Leading airlines in attendance include Lufthansa, British Airways, Air France/KLM, Etihad, Emirates, United Airlines, LATAM, COPA, South African, Air China, China Eastern Airlines and Qantas.

Tourism leaders will debate and discuss the future of aviation

40 airline CEOs and 250 airport chief executives and board members as well as 16 tourism ministers registered are also in attendance.

Today delegates attended the World Route Development Strategy Summit with a keynote speech by ADAC chief executive, James Bennett.

Key topics highlighted during the summit included: taxation; rising oil prices; aeropolitics; environmental factors; sustainable route development; economic development; and, general regional perspectives on aviation and its potential for growth.

Transport companies are showcasing their latest developments and route network growth

Along with the summit opening, Routes held a joint press conference with Abu Dhabi Airports Company to announce the launch of the event.

In addition, the first day of the forum started with meetings held between airlines and airports to seek and plan for new routes.

David Stroud, executive vice president, Routes commented: “This year’s World Routes might well be the largest commercial aviation event ever held, and it is more than appropriate that it takes place in the Middle East, the fastest growing aviation market in the world.

“The event demonstrates in an impressive way how dynamic the global aviation sector is, despite the challenging economic and regulatory environment.”

Dozens of companies are exhibiting at World Routes 2012

Over the next few days delegates will be holding tightly-scheduled face to face discussions to discuss and agree on new air services.

In total, around 16,000 meetings are expected to take place in Abu Dhabi.

Meetings are taking place at the Networking Village

H.E. Ali Majed Al Mansoori, Chairman of ADAC, said: “The Middle East region has registered a 17.3% growth in passenger traffic in the first eight months of 2012, as per the traffic report released by IATA, becoming the fastest growing region in the world.

“ADAC is extremely proud to host key aviation leaders from around the globe here in the heart of this dynamic region.

Lively entertainment sets the stage at World Routes 2012