A three-day regional meeting of aviation workers under the banner of the ‘Route Development Group’ (RDG) opened Sunday at Hotel ‘Le Meridien’ in Dakar, with Senegal’s Airport Director Mbye Njie assuring delegates of a “fine occasion” while welcoming new airlines into the country. Over the past three years, the RDG – an umbrella aviation organisation – has been organising “Routes Regional Africa” event, allowing airports and airlines to interact. In his address of welcome, at a dinner event held for some 200 delegates attending the meeting, Mr. Njie stressed the importance of such interactions which, he said, could help build on the strength of the airlines’ routes. On behalf of Senegalese transportation ministry and his institution, Njie thanked the various airline companies and airports for sending their delegates to the gathering, while wishing them a joyous and memorable stay in Dakar. The ‘welcome reception’ was preceded by a visit to Goree Island and City Tour of Dakar. Meanwhile, the three-day event will also include both formal and informal meetings as well as exhibition and networking lunches, among others. Analysts said air service development is now a partnership between airlines and airports who need to share market information and ideas.
