The 22nd World Route Development Forum, also known as "World Routes", one of the biggest annual events for the civil aviation sector, will be held in Chengdu from Sept 24 to 27.

The event is expected to draw 3,500 representatives from 350 airlines, 1,200 airports and 200 government departments and international organizations, according to Yan Yuhua, airline marketing manager of Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport Co Ltd.

Chengdu will be the second city on the Chinese mainland to hold the event following Beijing in 2009.

A total of 92 airlines, 279 airports and 15 overseas tourist administrations had registered for the event by May 19. "A total of 90 percent of the exhibition booths have been ordered, which is much higher than the average level of 30 percent in previous years," Yan said.

"The event provides a platform for Chengdu to show its achievements in recent years to airlines, airports and investors around the world, and creates an excellent opportunity for Chengdu to expand its flight network," said Jin Dazhong, deputy director of Chengdu Port and Logistics Office.

Jin said the city will hold one-on-one meetings with 36 airlines from home and abroad, pushing forward the opening of more international air routes.

He said the city is considering opening more than 20 international routes, connecting it to more cities in North America, Oceania, Africa, Europe, the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

(China Daily 05/30/2016 page22)