Airline Heavyweights to Bask in the WTM Limelight

The airline sector will be taking center stage at this year’s World Travel Market with two “head to head” interviews as Steve Ridgway, Chief Executive of Virgin Atlantic Airways and Mike Forster, BAA Strategy Director are interviewed on the WTM Conference Set on November 12 by air transport consultant John Strickland.

Steve Ridgway joined Virgin Atlantic in 1989 when he was appointed Managing Director of Virgin Freeway launching the UK’s first automated frequent flyer program.

Since then he has played a major role in Virgin Atlantic Airways becoming the second longest long-haul airline in the UK and the third largest European carrier over the North Atlantic. The airline’s route network has grown rapidly to include destinations in the US, Caribbean, Far East, India and Africa.

Mike Forster, BAA Strategy Director is responsible for determining how Heathrow airport’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.

On November 13, John Strickland will also be chairing an “Airlines 2008” panel discussion with several leading seasoned executives from the aviation sector.

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

“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 lineup of industry heavyweights from both leading airlines and airports,” said Fiona Jeffery, World Travel Market Chairman, commenting on the airline program.