Airports in Northern Ireland are hoping to land new flights as Belfast hosts the annual Routes Europe conference.
The three-day event started on Sunday, attracting around 1,200 aviation industry delegates.
The event is seen as having the potential to expand air connectivity – previous host cities report several new routes were agreed as a result of holding the event.
The organisers believe it is “a brilliant opportunity” to showcase the Northern Ireland tourism sector.
Ryanair, easyJet, Lufthansa, Air France and British Airways are among the many airlines taking part.
A record 7.8 million passengers used Northern Ireland’s airports with growth largely driven by Ryanair which started operating from Belfast International last year.
But expansion of long-haul routes has been challenging against the dominance of Dublin airport.
Northern Ireland is particularly keen to secure routes to a number of key European business hubs such as Frankfurt.
Steven Small, brand director of Routes, said: “Northern Ireland is a business and tourism destination on the rise.
“The demand for travel is increasing so there are significant route development opportunities for Europe’s airlines.”
Brian Ambrose, chief executive of George Best Belfast City airport, said: “We want to build on the region’s economic and tourism success story by strategically enhancing Belfast City airport’s UK and European route network.
“There is a real demand in the region for direct connections to key destinations across Europe and it is our aim to continue to meet that demand.
“Belfast City airport is enjoying an exciting period of development, with our forthcoming new route to Reykjavik with Icelandair opening up connections to North America.
“As co-hosts of Routes Europe 2017 we are delighted to welcome 1,200 international aviation colleagues to Belfast. We pride ourselves on the strength of support we provide to our airline partners and look forward to demonstrating the unique services we deliver for airlines to grow traffic on their routes.”
Belfast International managing director, Graham Keddie, said: “Hosting Routes Europe in Belfast cements both the city’s and Northern Ireland’s position as a great place to visit and to do business in.
“Belfast International airport welcome the opportunities that Routes Europe will give us to present our wares and the rich range of iconic attractions which the airport provides direct access to.”