The event is part of the celebrations of the 10th anniversary of the Star Alliance and is co-organised by the Asia News Network, an alliance of 16 leading newspapers in 14 Asian countries of which The Nation is a founding member.

The Asia Forum will be an unprecedented gathering of aviation executives. The event comes at an opportune time, with the recent opening of Thailand's newest airport - Suvarnabhumi - which is rated one of the most important air hubs in Asia.

The one-day forum is divided into three sessions and promises in-depth and stimulating discussions among experts, technologists, travel industry specialists, airport managers, environmentalists, manufacturers, analysts and business people from all over the world.

The meeting will focus on Asia as the fastest growing aviation region and discussions will touch on topics including "New Frontiers", "Aircraft of the 21st Century" and "Implications for Asia", and "Challenges for the Asian Travel and Tourism Industry".

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont will preside at the forum with other notable speakers, including Star Alliance CEO Jaan Albrecht, World Tourism Organisation secretary-general Francesco Frangialli, Amadeus president and CEO Jose Antonio Tazon, key executives from leading airports, representatives from Airbus, Boeing, GE and Rolls Royce and high-ranking personnel from governments and tourism organisations.

The Star Alliance comprises 17 carriers that fly more than 406 million passengers a year to some 855 destinations in 155 countries. This global outreach is made possible through exceptional collaboration between the Star Alliance's airline members. With good mutual understanding and excellent business rapport, the alliance has gained a reputation as the world's strongest aviation network.

Each year, the Star Alliance provides services to about 30 per cent of global air travellers, and the number is growing.

The addition of two new member-carriers, Air China and Shanghai Airlines, in December this year will emphasise the Alliance's continued growth in the aviation world, especially in investment-competitive markets such as China.

In its 10th anniversary year, the Star Alliance will also unveil its new, rebranded slogan: "The Way the Earth Connects". The new tagline is a reflection of the Alliance's achievements over the last 10 years, as well as its future mission over the next decade; a decade of more growth and innovation.

As part of its growing commitment to environmental preservation, the Alliance will continue its "Greening the Skies" campaign. At the same time, under the banner of "Biosphere Connections", the Star Alliance is cooperating with recognised environmental organisations such as Unesco-MAB, the World Conservation Union and the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.

At the recent World Environment Day exhibition, Thai Airways International (THAI) was recognised for its various environmental efforts, including the Biodiesel Project, the Ground Support Equipment Repair for Environmental Friendliness Project, the Organic Fertiliser Project, the Waste Water Treatment Project and the Wheel Suspension Project for Aviation Equipment.

For THAI, the co-host of the Asia Forum 2007, the opening of its spa lounge and Star Alliance member lounge at Suvarnabhumi Airport will be one of the highlights of this year.