More than 3,000 aviation industry experts will meet in Chicago, US to discuss the future of the world’s air service industry at a top commercial aviation event.

The 20th World Route Development Forum will take place from September 20 to 23 and will be co-hosted by the City of Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) and Choose Chicago, the city’s tourism organisation.

The experts will represent around 300 airlines, 800 airports and 200 tourism authorities, said a statement.

The World Routes Strategy Summit will take place alongside the event on September 21 and 22, brining together 60 chief executive officers (CEOs) and senior leaders from leading airlines and airports, besides senior government officials.

The conference will include the World Routes Tourism Summit, where more than 80 speakers from 31 countries will take part.

Katie Bland, director - Routes at UBM Live, said: “It is fantastic for World Routes to be back in the US after the immense success of Las Vegas 2013, before we bring the event to South Africa and China in the coming years. Chicago is one of the great cities of the world and one of the most important global aviation hubs.

“Over the next few days, the future of air services across the globe will be shaped in more than 10,000 face-to-face meetings and two high-profile conferences. Since air services are the lifelines of the modern economy, the decisions taken at World Routes have a significant impact on the economic development of cities, regions and increasingly even countries.”

Rosemarie S. Andolino, commissioner, CDA, said: “Our global community benefits from the connections we make with leaders in the aviation industry at this unique, international event. Together, we will continue to shape the future of the aviation industry. We hope that during your stay, you will experience the best that this country has to offer right here in Chicago, the most American of American cities. We are certain that your visit will exceed your expectations.” 


Don Welsh, president and CEO of Choose Chicago, said: “Chicago is honoured to be the host city for World Routes 2014, and we’re confident that Chicago is the ideal backdrop for this type of forum. Beyond our efforts to elevate Chicago as a global destination and attract 55 million visitors to the city by 2020, we are especially committed to the development and future of global travel.

“The discussions and decisions that will take place over the course of World Routes are important to our goal of making Chicago an increasingly accessible destination for the millions of domestic and international travellers. We’re proud to be part of that conversation.” - TradeArabia News Service