CAPA Airline Leader Summit Australia Pacific 2026

Day 1 - Tuesday 28 July 2026

08:00-09:00- Registration, Networking & Coffee

09:00-09:10- Welcome to Country, CAPA Welcome

09:10-09:30- Host Welcome

Hon Joe Szakacs MP, Minister for Infrastructure and Transport

Adelaide Airport, Managing Director, Brenton Cox

09:30-09:45- State of the Industry

CAPA - Centre for Aviation, Head of Research, Simon Elsegood

09:45-10:30 - Navigating Growth and Resilience

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.

Moderator: Shift Global, Founder, Oriel Morrison-Higgins

Panel:

A4ANZ, CEO Stephen Beckett

ACCC, General Manager - Infrastructure & Transport, Matthew Schroder

Australian Airports Association, Chief Executive Officer, Simon Westaway

BARA, Executive Director, Stephen Pearse

10:40-11:20 - Coffee Break & Networking

11:20-12:10 - Regional Connectivity and Accessibility

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?

Moderator: CAPA - Centre for Aviation, Head of Research, Simon Elsegood

Panel:

Alliance Airlines, COO, Paul Doherty

Jetstar Airways, Executive Manager, Commercial, Scott Zeglin

Regional Aviation Association of Australia, CEO, Rob Walker

Skytrans Australia, CEO & MD, Gytis Gumuliauskas

Solomon Airlines, CCO, John Wopereis

12:30-1:50- Lunch Break & Networking

1:50- 2:20- Airline Leader Interview, Qantas Airways CEO Domestic Markus Svensson

Qantas Airways, CEO Domestic, Markus Svensson

Moderator: Shift Global, Founder, Oriel Morrison-Higgins

2:20 - 3:00- Challenges, Innovations, and Trends in Australia's Travel and Aviation Industry

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.

3:00 - 3:40 - Strategic Partnerships for Growth and Sustainability in the Asia-Pacific Region

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.

Moderator: L.E.K. Consulting, Partner, Ian Kershaw

Panel:

Adelaide Airport, Executive General Manager People, Culture and Customer Dermot O'Neill

Brisbane Airport, Exec GM Aviation, Ryan Both

Newcastle Airport, Executive General Manager Aviation, Andrew Warrender

Perth Airport, Chief Commercial & Aviation Officer, Kate Holsgrove

Queensland Airports, Chief of Aviation, Adam Rowe

3:40 PM - 4:10 PM - Coffee Break and Networking

4:10 PM - 4:55- International Competitiveness and Market Access

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?

Moderator: Aviation Week Network, Senior Air Transport Editor, Adrian Schofield

Panel:

Airbus, Head of Marketing APAC, Bence Szabo

Air New Zealand, CCO, Scott Wilkinson

BARA, Executive Director, Stephen Pearse

Fiji Airways, Chief Revenue, Network and Alliances Officer, Russell Shaw

4:55 - 5:30- Workforce Development and Retention

The loss of around 25,000 aviation jobs in Australasia since the pandemic has intensified workforce challenges, particularly as the industry grapples with an ageing workforce. To attract and retain talent, airlines and airports are adopting innovative strategies such as offering competitive pay packages, enhanced benefits, and flexible work arrangements to appeal to younger workers and retain experienced staff.

For example, Qantas has launched targeted recruitment campaigns emphasising career growth opportunities and training programmes for pilots and engineers, while Virgin Australia has introduced initiatives like mental health support and employee wellness programmes to improve job satisfaction.

Some airports have taken proactive steps by partnering with local educational institutions to create pathways for young professionals into aviation careers, including internships and apprenticeships in engineering, operations, and customer service. These efforts, combined with a focus on diversity and inclusion, are helping to rebuild the workforce and ensure the long-term sustainability of the aviation sector in Australasia.

Moderator: Leading Edge Management Consulting, Principal Consultant, Todd Chapman

Panel:

Aviation Australia, CEO, Glenn Ryan

Fiji Airways, Chief People's Officer, Organisation Transformation & Executive Coach, Anna Morris

ISS Service Facilities Australia, Director Aviation, Phil Brezzo

Virgin Australia, Chief People Officer, Lisa Burquest

5:30 - 5:35 - Day 1 Closing Remarks

6:45 - 7:30 - Pre-Dinner Drinks

7:30 PM - 10:00 PM - Gala Dinner