Enhancing your Airport Route Development: Strategies and Best Practices
Gain practical insights into airline route planning and learn how to build compelling business cases, design incentive programs, and strengthen airline partnerships.
@ Aeroclass
Course description
Airlines are constantly courted by airports to attract new routes, the heart and blood of any airport. Therefore, airports must generate solid business cases extremely fast, showing how new routes will create additional business from the catchment area and through transit passengers. This training helps airport personnel understand how airlines plan their networks and how to present compelling business cases that resonate with airline decision-makers.
"Why should I fly to your airport?" is a question often raised in airline discussions. Comparing your airport with competitors and preparing solid arguments is essential to stand out. Throughout the sessions, participants will gain a full understanding of what effective air service development entails - from building strong business cases and working with communities on incentive programs to recognizing the full value a new route brings to all stakeholders.
Establishing new routes requires close cooperation between airlines and airports. Beginning this process with open dialogue builds trust and lays the foundation for successful long-term partnerships. This training provides airport personnel with the insight into how airlines think and plan their schedules, enabling more strategic and productive collaboration.
Participants will get access to the Building Successful Routes: How Airlines, Airports and Tourism Boards Work Together video course 14 days before the training begins, and it is highly recommended they complete it before Day 1.
Learning outcomes
At the end of this class, participants will be equipped to:
- Understand how airlines plan and evaluate new routes
- Build and present data-driven, competitive business cases
- Assess market potential and competitor positioning
- Develop and manage incentive programs to support route success
- Collaborate effectively with airlines and stakeholders to sustain new services
Who should attend
- Airport route development and network planning managers
- Airport marketing and commercial development teams
- Business development and strategy professionals
- Civil aviation and regional development authorities
- Tourism board representatives involved in route support programs
Meet your instructor
Gavin Eccles
Gavin Eccles has over 30 years’ experience in marketing and strategic management, and in his consultancy and advisory positions, Gavin is responsible for ensuring the success of marketing, communication, and business planning strategies for a range of international organizations, where his client work has taken him across the globe in the design and delivery of client assignments. Gavin has extensive experience in developing business strategies and works alongside Senior Management to shape their corporate approach. This work has been conducted in international clients as diverse as American Airlines, British Airways, Marks and Spencer, Shell, BBC, Guinness, Marriott Hotels, and, most recently been developing airport strategies across Europe, the Caribbean, and the Middle East.
Why you should attend?
Route development is a critical driver of airport growth, connectivity, and competitiveness. This course equips you with the tools and understanding needed to align your airport’s strategy with airline decision-making.
You will learn how to evaluate market potential, build strong business cases, create effective incentive programs, and present data-driven arguments that capture airline interest. By mastering these skills, you’ll be better prepared to establish sustainable routes, foster strategic partnerships, and enhance your airport’s network performance.
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