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    CAPA Airline Leader Summit Australia Pacific 2026

    Adelaide, Australia
    28-29 Jul 2026

    Day 2 - Wednesday 29 July 2026

    8:00 - 9:00 - Registration, Networking & Coffee

    9:00 - 9:10 - CAPA Welcome

    9:10 AM - 9:40- Airline Leader Interview, Fiji Airways CEO Paul Scurrah

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

    9:50 AM - 10:30 - Decarbonising the Aviation Industry: Challenges and opportunities for the region

    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?

    Moderator: Wiedemann Consultants, CEO, Mirjam Wiedemann

    Panel:

    Air New Zealand, Chief Sustainability & Corporate Affairs Officer, Kiri Hannifin

    Qantas, Chief Sustainability Officer, Fiona Messent

    TTF, CEO, Margy Osmond

    Virgin Australia, General Manager Sustainability, Fiona Walmsley

    10:30 - 10:35 - Announcement of 2027 Summit

    10:35 - 11:05 AM- Coffee Break & Networking

    11:05 - 11:30 - Airline Leader Interview ZIPAIR Tokyo CEO Yasuhiro Fukada

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

    11:30 - 12:15- Revolutionising the Passenger Experience Through Technology

    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.

    Moderator: Mobility Futures, Senior Associate, Ingrid Picard

    Panel:

    Alliance Airlines, COO, Paul Doherty

    China Southern, Regional Director Sales & Marketing, William Wang

    GE Aerospace, Data Scientist, APAC Region, Evan Edwards

    TTF, CEO, Margy Osmond

    12:15 - 12:55 - Overcoming Challenges and Driving Innovation in Australasia's Air Freight Industry

    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.

    Moderator: Belli, Founder, Jeff Pan

    Panel:

    Cathay Pacific, Area Head of Cargo SWP, Nigel Chynoweth

    Tasman Cargo Airlines, CEO, Kim Rasmussen

    Texel Air, COO, Mariette Ebersohn

    12:55- 1:00- CAPA Wrap Up

    1:00 - 2:30- Closing Lunch & Networking