CAPA Airline Leader Summit Australia Pacific 2026

CAPA's home event, the CAPA Airline Leader Summit Australia Pacific 2026 gathered hundreds of industry leaders and decision makers from across Asia Pacific and beyond to consider the most significant trends and opportunities in aviation within the region.

This premier two-day forum provided unique and high-level analysis of Australasia's evolving aviation landscape, examining critical issues including regional connectivity, long-haul route development, infrastructure constraints, and the unique sustainability challenges facing carriers operating in this geographically dispersed market.

Join CAPA - Centre for Aviation, the world's most trusted source for aviation intelligence, for a comprehensive snapshot of the state of commercial aviation across the globe. Featuring exclusive insights generated from CAPA's extensive data and aviation knowledge tools, this session will not only examine key performance metrics for aviation, but will examine implications for major trends in regional aviation that are shaping the industry's outlook.

Robin Mack from Tourism Australia explores Australia's tourism opportunity, sharing insights into the trends, markets and aviation partnerships shaping the nation's visitor economy - and what lies ahead for Australian tourism.

Peter Smith, SVP Travel at Cover Genius, explores what truly drives airline customer behaviour today - and how airlines can move beyond transactions to build stronger trust, loyalty and lasting customer relationships.

Qantas Domestic CEO Markus Svensson shares insights into the airline's current priorities, network and fleet strategy, and the opportunities shaping the future of domestic aviation in Australia.

ZIPAIR Tokyo CEO Yasuhiro Fukada shares insights into the airline's growth strategy, evolving low-cost model and ambitions for connecting Japan with Australia and the wider world.

A strong aviation system is essential for Australia's economic growth, global connectivity, and resilience in the face of future challenges. Exploring strategies for sustainable growth in aviation is critical, particularly as the industry adapts to evolving passenger demands, expanding rural and international connectivity, environmental expectations, and the ongoing volatility of aviation fuel prices.

The fluctuating cost of aviation fuel presents significant operational challenges for airlines, impacting ticket pricing, route viability, and overall industry profitability. Addressing fuel price instability and exploring alternative fuel solutions will be crucial components of building a more resilient aviation sector capable of withstanding economic pressures and supply chain disruptions.

Investment in infrastructure to support rising passenger volumes, coupled with the adoption of advanced technologies to enhance operational efficiency and customer experience, will be key drivers of progress. Equally important is fostering collaboration between airlines, airports, and government bodies to ensure the system remains robust and adaptable.

This conversation promises to be a compelling exploration of the opportunities and challenges shaping the next era of Australian aviation.

Travel within Australia and the Pacific is evolving, driven by shifting passenger preferences, increased demand for regional tourism, and the push for more sustainable aviation practices. For regional airports, this presents opportunities to attract more flights, upgrade infrastructure, and position themselves as gateways to unique destinations.

Airlines can tap into growing regional markets by optimising routes, offering tailored services, and exploring partnerships with local communities. Challenges are the rising operational costs, particularly aviation fuel; the need for government support to maintain unprofitable routes; and the pressure to adopt greener technologies.

How can airlines and airports balance the affordability, accessibility and sustainability and unlock the full potential of Australia's domestic travel landscape?

This discussion will delve into the dynamic and rapidly evolving landscape of travel and aviation in Australia, exploring a range of critical topics that shape the industry today and its trajectory for the future. Key areas of focus will include the contrasting dynamics of domestic and international travel, the economic challenges impacting growth and sustainability-including the recently announced passenger tax by the government-and the transformative role of digital technologies, including AI and automation, in enhancing operational efficiency and customer experiences.

The new passenger tax introduces additional cost pressures on travellers and airlines alike, raising important questions about affordability, competitiveness, and the potential impact on passenger volumes and route viability. Understanding how the industry will navigate this fiscal change while maintaining accessibility and growth will be central to the discussion.

The conversation will also highlight the importance of collaboration between airlines and industry stakeholders, the growing emphasis on consumer awareness and preferences, and the innovative strategies being adopted to address emerging opportunities and challenges. By examining these aspects, the discussion aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current state and future trends of travel and aviation in Australia.

International travel to and from Australia is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the growing inbound and outbound market, increasing demand for direct routes, and Australia's growing appeal as a destination for both leisure and business travellers.

For international airlines, this creates exciting opportunities to expand operations by introducing new routes, increasing flight frequencies, and tapping into underserved markets. Incentives are needed to encourage more international airlines to operate to new destinations.

Can airports help to de-risk new route operations by working in partnership with local government, tourism bodies and business groups, to offer targeted incentives such as reduced airport fees, marketing support, and data-driven insights into passenger demand?

Tourism Australia, Managing Director, Robin Mack spoke to CAPA TV at the CAPA Airline Leader Summit Australia Pacific 2026, hosted in Adelaide, about latest industry trends and company developments.

CAPA Events are hosted in key markets around the world and attract the highest calibre of thought leaders and decision makers in the aviation and travel industry. Delegates are provided with unprecedented access to the latest data, insights and trends from our global team, in addition to valuable networking opportunities with executives across all sectors of the aviation and travel industry. Review CAPA's full events calendar here.

CVFR Travel Group, Group CEO, Ram Chhabra spoke to CAPA TV at the CAPA Airline Leader Summit Australia Pacific 2026, hosted in Adelaide, about latest industry trends and company developments.

CAPA Events are hosted in key markets around the world and attract the highest calibre of thought leaders and decision makers in the aviation and travel industry. Delegates are provided with unprecedented access to the latest data, insights and trends from our global team, in addition to valuable networking opportunities with executives across all sectors of the aviation and travel industry. Review CAPA's full events calendar here.

This presentation is a data-driven assessment of the aviation industry's sustainability performance, drawing on actual airline and airport performance data collected since 2019. It examines key trends in fuel use, carbon emissions, emission intensity related to passenger and freight transport, fleet composition, and financial performance to assess industry-wide progress toward the 2050 net-zero target. The analysis identifies the most and least carbon-efficient airlines and airports, benchmarking performance across the sector, and evaluates the growth trajectory of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) adoption alongside other critical indicators and levers for decarbonization. Grounded in empirical evidence rather than projections or industry rhetoric, it provides a clear-eyed view of where aviation truly stands on its path to a low-carbon future - and what remains to be done to close the gap between ambition and reality.

The aviation industry in Australasia and the Pacific has made progress in reducing emissions, driven by public, investor, and government pressure. However, challenges remain, such as the cancellation of the Oceania Biofuels project. Despite this, there are notable examples of innovation, including Air New Zealand's plans for a domestic sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production facility, Qantas' commitment to net-zero by 2050 with investments in SAF and fuel-efficient aircraft. Virgin Australia has emerged as an innovator in SAF adoption, becoming the first international airline to pick up SAF out of Bali in 2024 and, since March 2025, accessing SAF opportunities in the Whitsundays.

While SAF's high cost is a challenge, airlines can still meet net-zero targets through offsets like Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs). The Australian Government's Safeguard Mechanism and CORSIA mandate clear sustainability targets, requiring emissions reductions or offsets, but not specifically SAF use. If the government prioritises economic development, fuel security, or a domestic SAF industry, it can fund the cost gap, but airlines and passengers should not bear this burden beyond mandated costs.

• How can airlines balance SAF adoption with offsets to meet net-zero goals?

• What role can airports play in decarbonisation?

• Should governments fund the SAF cost gap, and how can this align with broader policy objectives?

• How can the region position itself as a global leader in sustainable aviation?

• What practical steps can airlines and airports take to work towards the net-zero goal?

Australia is transforming the passenger experience through technology. Examples include the implementation of advanced self-service kiosks, biometric check-in systems, and real-time flight information displays, all designed to streamline the traveller journey.

Sustainable technologies, such as energy-efficient terminal systems, enhances passenger comfort and environmental responsibility. Collaboration between tech companies, airlines, and airports is key to maximising these advancements. By working together, integrated systems can be developed to create predictive maintenance systems, personalised passenger services, and seamless data sharing to improve efficiency and customer satisfaction. This partnership-driven approach ensures that technology not only enhances the passenger experience but also drives operational excellence across the aviation ecosystem.

The air freight industry in Australasia is navigating a unique set of challenges that require urgent attention and innovative solutions. As the region experiences growing demand for air cargo, driven by booming e-commerce, agricultural exports, and high-value goods, airlines are grappling with capacity constraints at key airports, limited infrastructure in remote areas, and the complexities of serving a geographically dispersed market.

Geopolitical tensions in the Asia-Pacific region, coupled with supply chain disruptions and fluctuating trade policies, further complicate operations. Workforce shortages, particularly in cargo handling and logistics, add another layer of difficulty, as does the need for greater digitalisation to improve efficiency and transparency. For airline executives, the challenge lies in addressing these issues while capitalising on the region's strategic position as a global trade hub.

This discussion offers an opportunity to explore collaborative strategies, from infrastructure investment and regulatory alignment to leveraging technology and sustainability initiatives, to ensure the air freight sector in Australasia remains competitive and resilient.

Fiji Airways, Managing Director & CEO, Paul Scurrah spoke to CAPA TV at the CAPA Airline Leader Summit Australia Pacific 2026, hosted in Adelaide, about latest industry trends and company developments.

CAPA Events are hosted in key markets around the world and attract the highest calibre of thought leaders and decision makers in the aviation and travel industry. Delegates are provided with unprecedented access to the latest data, insights and trends from our global team, in addition to valuable networking opportunities with executives across all sectors of the aviation and travel industry. Review CAPA's full events calendar here.

As gateways to the booming Asia-Pacific market, Australian airports face critical decisions around capacity, sustainability, and passenger expectations. This panel will explore how airports and airlines can align investment strategies in infrastructure, technology, and decarbonisation to drive mutual profitability and competitive advantage.

• Capacity and Route Development - Optimising slot management and infrastructure to unlock growth opportunities during peak demand

• Decarbonisation in Action - Practical pathways for SAF deployment, electrified ground operations, and achieving net-zero commitments

• Digital Integration - Leveraging biometrics, predictive systems, and shared platforms to cut costs and improve turnaround times

• Competitive Passenger Experience - Co-creating seamless journeys and premium offerings that differentiate both airports and airlines

The panel will share insights from their distinct market position - whether international hub, domestic connector, or regional gateway - and deliver actionable strategies that address the real operational and commercial priorities of airline partners.

ZIPAIR Tokyo, CEO, Yasuhiro Fukada spoke to CAPA TV at the CAPA Airline Leader Summit Australia Pacific 2026, hosted in Adelaide, about latest industry trends and company developments.

CAPA Events are hosted in key markets around the world and attract the highest calibre of thought leaders and decision makers in the aviation and travel industry. Delegates are provided with unprecedented access to the latest data, insights and trends from our global team, in addition to valuable networking opportunities with executives across all sectors of the aviation and travel industry. Review CAPA's full events calendar here.

Cover Genius, SVP Travel, Peter Smith at the CAPA Airline Leader Summit Australia Pacific 2026spoke to CAPA TV at the CAPA Airline Leader Summit Australia Pacific 2026, hosted in Adelaide, about latest industry trends and company developments.

CAPA Events are hosted in key markets around the world and attract the highest calibre of thought leaders and decision makers in the aviation and travel industry. Delegates are provided with unprecedented access to the latest data, insights and trends from our global team, in addition to valuable networking opportunities with executives across all sectors of the aviation and travel industry. Review CAPA's full events calendar here.

Australian Airports Association, Chief Executive, Simon Westaway at the CAPA Airline Leader Summit Australia Pacific 2026spoke to CAPA TV at the CAPA Airline Leader Summit Australia Pacific 2026, hosted in Adelaide, about latest industry trends and company developments.

CAPA Events are hosted in key markets around the world and attract the highest calibre of thought leaders and decision makers in the aviation and travel industry. Delegates are provided with unprecedented access to the latest data, insights and trends from our global team, in addition to valuable networking opportunities with executives across all sectors of the aviation and travel industry. Review CAPA's full events calendar here.