After 14 years, the Routes Asia event will be held in Thailand. Airports of Thailand Plc (AOT) will host Routes Asia 2020 in the cultural city of Chiang Mai.

The announcement came following a meeting between Supak Phuangvarapun, vice president of business development and marketing at AOT, and Steven Small, brand director of Routes.

Thailand’s plan for the future of its aviation industry is based around a master plan, which incorporates the streamlining of air transport strategies with enhancing the effectiveness of capacity expansion at airports as well as air traffic. The ultimate intention is for Thailand to become an aviation hub for all of South East Asia.

This is not the first time that AOT will host the said event. It previously hosted Routes Asia 2006 in Pattaya.

“Air transport is one of the most powerful means of regional economic developments.”

Supak Phuangvarapun, said: “We believe that hosting this event will have a great impact not only for AOT but on Thailand’s economy overall. Air transport is one of the most powerful means of regional economic developments, and Routes events are where the world’s network planners meet to discuss future air services.

“Hosting this event also gives us the chance to show delegates one of Thailand’s most frequented destinations, where the natural beauty and our good economy combine to make Chiang Mai and important destination and international hub.”

Steven Small added: “We are excited to be supporting AOT with their goal of growing Chiang Mai as an international hub and we are delighted to be taking this event back to Thailand. AOT did a fantastic job when they hosted in Pattaya previously and I’m sure this event will be every bit as enjoyable and successful as the last one.”

The event will be held in spring 2020 without a specified date yet.