Routes Africa, which returned to the aviation event calendar last year with a successful event in Ghana, will take place this year in Mombasa in Kenya as part of a long-term commitment by Routes to help develop new routes to, from and within the continent.
To be held from 8-10 December 2019 at the PrideInn Paradise, Shanzu Beach in Mombasa, Kenya, the event will be the 13th Routes Africa. As the region’s most long-standing aviation forum, the event has been bringing airlines, airports and tourism authorities together to discuss air services to, from and within Africa for more than a decade.
2019’s edition of Routes Africa will see 250 delegates come together to experience the Routes African conference programme and take part in around 600 face-to-face meetings over the course of two business days.
The Routes Africa conference programme brings together airline CEOs and C-suite speakers who will take to the stage to discuss the future of aviation within Africa and the most pressing issues facing the industry, while ASM Global, the world’s first provider of route development courses, will deliver its Route Development Accreditation course. This course, developed exclusively for Routes Africa, will provide attendees with tools and techniques to help them attract new routes and increase existing services, and all delegates attending will benefit from a certification of attendance.
Routes Africa 2019 will be hosted by Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), a State Corporation that is charged with the responsibility of providing and managing a coordinated system of airports in Kenya. Established in 1991 through an Act of Parliament, KAA facilitates infrastructure for aviation services between Kenya and the outside world, currently running five international airports, five domestic airports and nine airstrips.
The event will be supported by other Kenyan organisations, including the Kenya Tourism Board, the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority and Kenya Wildlife Services.
Jonny Andersen, managing director/CEO of KAA, said: “Kenya is a regional aviation powerhouse in the region. Our geographical location gives us an advantage in connections to most international hub cities in the world.
“Kenya’s centralised proximity to Europe, Asia, Middle East, Americas and the rest of Africa makes this a profitable aviation route. Our status as a trade and tourist regional hub also makes Kenya an attractive destination.
“Routes conferences provide an excellent platform for the aviation industry to meet and make business decisions, will allow us to showcase Kenya’s available facilities and attractions. We are proud to host Routes Africa and look forward to welcoming delegates to magical Kenya.”
Known for its landscapes, wildlife and cultures, Kenya attracts visitors from all over the world to experience its sweepings savannahs, tropical reefs, dense forests and snow-capped mountains, while the fertile lands export coffee, cotton, cashew nuts, and more to all around the globe.
Mombasa, Kenya’s oldest and second-largest city, is found on the coast of the Indian Ocean and benefits from acres of protected land and sea, with white sand beaches and a tropical climate. Visitors to the region can take an early morning game drive and spot rare wildlife in the Shimba Hills National Reserve while breath-taking underwater views await snorkelers, divers or glass-bottom boat passengers in the Mombasa Marine National Park.
As a developing nation, Kenya has experienced many challenges to overcome, but with its abundant natural resources, and a diverse but cohesive population, Kenya’s vision for the future is to emerge as a leader among African nations.
Steven Small, brand director for Routes, said: “We’re so excited to be returning to Africa in this beautiful city. We are sure that hosting Routes Africa 2019 will help the Kenya Airports Authority in achieving their goals, and we have no doubt that our delegates will enjoy this unique location and have a memorable time in Mombasa.”
