CHICAGO -- World Routes 2014, the 20th World Route Development Forum, will take place in Chicago from September 20-23. It will be the largest civil aviation event to date, attracting more than 3,000 high-profile delegates from more than 100 countries worldwide. Co-hosted by the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) and Choose Chicago, 2014 will see World Routes return to the U.S. for the second year in a row after the immense success of World Routes Las Vegas 2013.

Chicago is one of the most iconic travel destinations in the world with more than 46 million annual visitors and is constantly ranked among the top 10 most economically powerful metropolitan areas in the world. The city is also a global transportation hub with two major airports, O'Hare and Midway International, which serve more than 85 million passengers per year. O'Hare is one of the nation's only “true” dual hub airports, hosting American Airlines and United Airlines. O'Hare is the second busiest airport in the world in terms of aircraft movement and the fifth busiest in terms of passenger traffic, while Chicago Midway Airport is Southwest Airlines' busiest hub.

“Media attending World Routes Chicago will also learn about CDA's many exciting projects, including our sustainability initiatives, our investments in cargo and the O'Hare Modernization Program – the nation's largest airport construction project,” said CDA Commissioner Rosemarie S. Andolino.

As a registered media delegate, you will have the opportunity to meet and interview the world's top aviation and tourism decision-makers; be the first to hear about new route announcements and the latest insider news; and experience a behind-the-scenes tour of O'Hare International Airport. We expect 300 airlines, 800 airports and 200 tourism authorities as well as more than 100 CEOs and government officials to attend the event, many of whom will be available to talk to the media.

You will also have access to the event conference program, which includes the World Routes Strategy Summit, held in partnership with ICAO and The World Bank, the World Tourism Summit and Invest and Manage. During these events you will hear from industry thought leaders on a range of high-profile issues affecting the aviation and tourism industries today. 

2014 is also the 70th anniversary of the signing of the Convention on International Civil Aviation, also known as the Chicago Convention, which took place on December 7, 1944. So it is fitting that the 20th anniversary of World Routes takes place in this city with a rich aviation history.

Attendance for media delegates with editorial responsibility is free of charge. To register, please email Victoria Jones, PR Executive for Routes, providing your name, company / publication name, job title and email address. Please note that unfortunately the Routes organization is unable to cover your travel and accommodation costs for this event. However, discounted rates are available at many of the preferred hotels.  Please visit Routesonline for more information on World Routes and event hotels.

We very much hope that you will be able to join us at this unrivalled event.