Tax Free World Association, Airports Council International (Asia Pacific) and the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA) are now finalising the programme for the third Global Airport Trade Event (Gate One) which will open in

the Singapore Suntec Centre at 09.00 on Monday May 15, 2006.
In a statement TFWA said: ‘Non-aeronautical airport revenues account for over half of total airport income and maximising this revenue in a volatile economic climate places heavy demands on the airport managers. The Gate One conference puts current business models in the spotlight and offers insight to ground-breaking commercial strategies.’
TDWA adds that top executives from the world's leading airports and retail operators, including BAA, ADP, HKIA, Nuance Watson and Singapore Changi will contribute to the programme, as well as key suppliers and service providers.
The scene will be set for the conference, entitled ?Innovation in the airport and airline community?, by CAPA which has an excellent record in charting the development of airports from state entities to private businesses.
A macro-perspective on how technical innovation is driving corporate policy will be given by the University of Technology in Sydney, with case studies from other industries.
TFWA said: ‘In the microcosm of airports, planners face challenging options including multiple ownership, budget terminals, airport cities and non-aeronautical revenue generation. These themes will be developed by experts from Europe, Asia and the Pacific.
‘The radical impact on airport development of the entry of low cost carriers to the market will be studied with input from a roaring success, Tiger Airways.
‘The focus will then shift to consumer behaviour and spending profiles in the Asia-Pacific region with input from research organisations, airports, advertising agencies and retailers and particular emphasis on growth areas such as food and beverage.’
At 08.00 on Wednesday May 17 delegates will regroup to have their say in a two-hour Gate One Breakfast Workshop on ?Innovation in Airport Retail?. The session will open with presentations by airport innovators BAA and Hong Kong International Airport, plus contributions from several dynamic operators and suppliers as well as delegates.