World Travel Market will feature an aviation debate from top airline bosses about the future of flying.
Chaired by WTM aviation consultant John Strickland, the panel session will feature Peter Bellew, Director of Training & Recruitment at Ryanair; Chris Browne, Chief Operating Officer at TUI Aviation; and Paul Simmons, Chief Commercial Officer of Flybe.
Strickland said: “This is a very exciting and enticing line-up. It is an interesting time for aviation, with rapid change and big challenges ahead.
“It’s a rare chance for people in the industry to see these top executives face-to-face and have an opportunity to ask them about strategy and leadership.”
All three airlines have played a key role in the evolution of today’s aviation market and delegates will hear first-hand how these executives are facing the future.
“It will be fascinating to hear how TUI is operating in different markets across Europe, and facing competition from budget airlines and the likes of Thomas Cook, Jet2 and easyJet,” said Strickland.
Paul Simmons will talk about how Flybe faced enormous financial challenges in recent years and, under a new management team, is radically changing its business model.
World Travel Market, Senior Director, Simon Press said: “WTM saw a record number of delegates attend the events programme last year, and with top-notch speakers lined up this year, we expect to break that record again.
“The aviation panel is one of the strongest ever at WTM and delegates will be able to hear directly from those at the top about how giants of the industry are adapting to change.
The Airline Business: Changes At The Top: New Leaders, New Strategies, New Directions takes place on Tuesday 4 November on the WTM Global Stage (AS850), from 2.15-3.30pm.
CEO one to one with Jozsef Varadi, CEO of Wizzair, takes place on Tuesday 4 November in the Platinum Suite, from 11am-noon.
Keynote Interview with Craig Kreeger, CEO Virgin Atlantic, takes place on Wednesday 5 November in the Platinum Suite 3&4, from 11:30am-12:30pm.
