Route Development Manager Kasper draws on more than 20 years of aviation experience to create compelling business cases for airlines across Europe, the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent.

Tell us about your role

I work as a route development manager in a team of 10 people, doing our utmost to grow the traffic here at Copenhagen Airport. We make business cases for airlines based on a wealth of data and knowledge. For example, we collaborate with local tourist authorities, or if it’s a business destination, we will look at what Danish Companies have business there to get a picture of the potential if there was a direct route. Airlines are the experts on their home markets but might not necessarily know ours. So, we make sure to provide them with a lot of information about the potential from Copenhagen.

What is your background?

I’ve been in the aviation industry for more than 20 years, working with SAS and a small regional carrier before joining CPH. Being in the industry for so many years, I know how things work, from the types of aircraft to the trends. For example, if an airline doesn’t have the aircraft to make the route possible, I know that there’s no point chasing them. 

What were your key takeaways from World Routes?

Boeing MAX was the hot topic. Airlines have had to cancel some routes or reduce frequencies. Or a lot of airlines have ordered this type but can’t use them. Meanwhile, Airbus is struggling to follow up on the A350 orders, and there’s a bottleneck there right now.

How do you see the industry developing?

There’s been a lot of growth in the last ten years, including CPH, and everyone wants that to continue. Especially in our part of the world, ‘fly shame’ and environmental issues are high on the agenda, but I think the industry will adapt, and I don’t think it will keep people from travelling in the long term. Both Boeing and Airbus are focusing on making greener planes, while narrow-body aircraft are looking increasingly popular for shorter long-haul flights. Through all this, I think the industry will keep growing.

What unserved route opportunities would you like to fill?

I’m chasing Mumbai, India! Today we have a direct flight to Delhi, but there’s still so much demand for this new route, where there are huge opportunities for both leisure and business. Looking at short-haul, we have all the main airports in Europe covered, but there are still some very interesting smaller destinations. For example, London City would be very good for business, while Belfast is a popular holiday destination.