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Airline industry leaders to go head to head at WTM

(19 October 2007)

This year's World Travel Market will feature two 'head-to-head' interviews with leading figures from the airline industry.

Virgin Atlantic chief executive Steve Ridgway and BAA strategy director Mike Forster will be interviewed on the WTM Conference Set on Monday November 12 by air transport consultant John Strickland at 1pm.

Steve Ridgway joined Virgin Atlantic in 1989 when he was appointed managing director of Virgin Freeway and launched the UK's first automated frequent flyer programme.

Mike Forster is responsible for determining how Heathrow's business should develop into the future. He has played a key role in developing the vision for Terminal 5 and will be providing key insights into the new terminal's development.

Commenting on the airline programme, World Travel Market chairwoman Fiona Jeffery said: "Over the past two years we have listened to both exhibitors and visitors who have wanted the airline sector to have a greater presence at the event. This year we are delighted to welcome such a strong line-up of industry heavyweights from both leading airlines and airports."

On Tuesday November 13, Strickland will also be chairing the 'Airlines 2008' panel discussion with seven leading executives from the sector:

Jonathon Counsell, head of British Airways, Terminal 5 project
Christine Ourmiers, general manager UK and Ireland, Air France-KLM
Paul Charles, communications director, Virgin Atlantic
Glyn Jones chief executive Luton airport
Marvin Tan, general manager UK & Ireland Singapore Airlines
Kevin Bruce, director Western Europe marketing
Boeing and Colin Stuart, vice- president marketing, Airbus

Taking in a wide range of topical issues including emerging markets, new generations of aircraft, customer loyalty, security and low-cost carriers, the hour-long discussion is bound to provide challenging debate and discussion.

by Lindsay Clark