Routes, the World Route Development Forum and the leading airline/airport gathering, will feature a much higher profile from the airframers when it opens its door in Dubai during 17-19 September.

Airbus and Embraer have confirmed their attendance, with more players pledging to sign up, following Routes' visit to Farnborough International Air Show last week. Route analysts and senior executives from the manufacturers will be on hand to offer guidance on route analysis to their airline customers from around the world as they explore potential new routes with airports.

The decision of the aerospace suppliers to increase their profile at this year's event demonstrates the increasing strategic importance the aviation industry places on the annual Routes events. Dubai will be the12th annual gathering and it is set to surpass 2,000 delegates for the first time.

The 2006 event in the UAE will be further enhanced by a host of new attendees, including Brazilian Airport Group Infraero, which looks after 60 airports; Transatlantic all-business operator Eos and San AntonioAirport of the USA. They will be joined by strong contingents from Africa, Asia and the Middle East, plus an increasing number of Regional delegates from Europe.

The Routes networking model ensures that airlines and airports meet through pre-arranged meetings. A team of 50 supporting Routes staff will be on-site to arrange additional meetings.

"The airline /airport interface is driving developments throughout national and regional economics and the increasing value of attending Routes is evidenced by the improved profiles our clients have year on year," says Routes CEO Mike Howarth.

Members of the media are invited to attend Routes. See www.routesonline.com for more details and registration form. The full media programme will be confirmed shortly.