by Krystal Paco

Guam - From Piti to Tiyan, Guam International Airport executive manager Chuck Ada says currently he and key staff are participating in two days of workshops with trainers from the United Kingdom. Ada says the aviation experts specialize in route development for airlines and stakeholders. He says the trainers were actually here in 2009.

Since their last visit, however GIAA has welcomed three new airlines and have seen tremendous growth with the overwhelming numbers from the Russian market. "The challenge is understanding the market and how the airlines are adapting to the market as well. The price of fuel, oil going up. There's adjustments made with regards to low budget carrier aircrafts as opposed to full service carrier aircrafts and some of the hybrids that are in between," he said.

Aside from GIAA, attending the workshops are stakeholders like the Guam Visitors Bureau. Ada says the meetings are helping provide a better understanding of how to come up with strategies in formulating long term strategies for route development and attracting new airlines to Guam.