OREANDA-NEWS. October 06, 2014. As the world's most prestigious business-to-business civil aviation conference - hosted by the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) and Choose Chicago - came to a close, conference organizers announced that Chicago welcomed a record-breaking number of registered delegates in the forum's 20-year history.
 
More than 3,000 airline, airport and tourism decision makers converged on the city to participate in the 20th World Route Development Forum, where airlines and airports come together to negotiate new air service and decide where to fly in the future. More than 80 percent of delegates traveled from countries overseas.

"World Routes Chicago was a tremendous success," said Rosemarie S. Andolino, Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Aviation. "We welcomed a record number of registered delegates; we showcased our beautiful city to aviation and tourism decisions makers worldwide; and we continued to develop relationships with leaders in the industry to grow air service and tourism in Chicago to support Mayor Rahm Emanuel's vision to host 55 million visitors each year by 2020."
 
The CDA began attending Routes conferences in 2010 to attract new air service to O'Hare and Midway International Airports. New routes result in increased tourism, greater economic impact for the region, more choices for the customer and ultimately lower fares. Businesses worldwide depend on connectivity and new routes with emerging markets. According to the U.S. Travel Association, one international visitor spends an average of USD4,000 per trip to the Unites States and a full international plane with hundreds of overseas visitors can create up to 10 American obs.

CDA officials have calculated that a nonstop, daily widebody service to a major international destination can bring USD 200 million in annual economic activity to the Chicago region. Since 2009, the CDA has added over 40 international and domestic routes, which have brought in more than USD 2.8 billion in economic impact. In August, Chicago O'Hare welcomed award-winning carrier Emirates with nonstop service to Dubai. Chicago O'Hare is now serviced by the three largest carriers in the Middle East - Qatar, Etihad and Emirates.
 
All top 10 global carriers and 40 of the 50 top airlines attended the Forum.

"World Routes was a unique opportunity for Chicago to present itself to the world's top aviation and tourism decision-makers," Commissioner Andolino said. "Delegates experienced our world-class city, cultural attractions, museums, restaurants, gorgeous skyline, lakefront and so much more."
 
Andolino also said that Routes attendees experienced the passenger amenities and concessions that make our airports "best in class," including luxury retail, award-winning dining and Automated Passport Control, which significantly reduced customs wait times at both airports.
 
"Our airports are the traveler's first and last impression of Chicago," Andolino said. "Making that good impression will lead to increased visitation and more business opportunities for the city."

This is only the second time in World Routes history that the Forum was held in the United States. Chicago was chosen as the World Routes 2014 host city for its distinguished leadership in the aviation industry and excellent location with global and domestic flight accessibility. The World Routes delegates heard from executives with United Airlines, American Airlines, Emirates, Etihad Airways and more, who delivered remarks and participated in panel discussions covering all issues related to commercial airline route development. Featured speakers included Sir Tim Clark, President & CEO of Emirates; Scott Kirby, President of American Airlines; Rosemarie S. Andolino, Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Aviation; Augustin de Romanet, Chairman & CEO, Aeroports de Paris; and Susan Kurland, U.S. Assistant Secretary for Aviation and International Affairs.