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EARLY BIRD TICKETS WILL END SOON
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Schedule and agenda

08:00am - 09:00am

Registration and networking

09:00am - 09:05am

MC welcome

Jake Nelson
Jake Nelson
MC, Senior Journalist,
Australian Aviation
09:05am - 09:10am

Principal partner introduction

09:10am - 09:40am

Opening keynote

The Honourable Catherine King MP
The Honourable Catherine King MP
Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government,
Australian Government
09:40am - 10:20am

Panel 1 – Risk and security

Managing risk in a volatile global environment

Aviation is operating in a more uncertain and fragmented global landscape, shaped by geopolitical tension, energy market volatility, and ongoing supply chain disruption. These pressures are affecting everything from fuel costs and route planning to regulatory compliance and operational continuity. At the same time, increasing digital connectivity continues to introduce new layers of risk.

This session will examine how airlines, airports, and industry partners are adapting their risk frameworks to manage a wider spectrum of interconnected challenges, while maintaining safe, reliable, and commercially viable operations.

Discussion points include:

  • Geopolitical developments and their impact on airspace access, route planning, and demand
  • Fuel price volatility and the implications for cost management and network strategy
  • Supply chain disruption and resilience across critical aviation systems
  • Cybersecurity within the context of broader operational and enterprise risk
  • Strengthening contingency planning and organisational resilience in the face of large-scale disruption
Stephen Forshaw
Stephen Forshaw
Chief Representative, Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific,
Airbus
Andrew Warrender
Andrew Warrender
Executive General Manager Airlines & Governance,
Newcastle Airport Pty Limited
Todd Chapman
Todd Chapman
Principal,
Leading Edge Management Consulting
10:20am - 10:50am

Morning tea and networking

10:50am - 11:10am

Keynote address

11:10am - 11:50am

Panel 2 – Sustainability

Aviation and the path to net zero

With sustainability mandates tightening and industry scrutiny increasing, aviation leaders face growing pressure to reduce emissions across the entire value chain. This session will assess the practical steps required to meet long-term decarbonisation goals while maintaining operational viability.

Discussion points include:

  • Commercial and regulatory momentum for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF)
  • Viability and uptake of next-generation propulsion systems
  • Fleet renewal strategies and emissions targets
  • Carbon offset schemes and airport emissions frameworks
Burcak Sezer
Burcak Sezer
Executive General Manager People and Communications,
Newcastle Airport
11:50am - 12:30pm

Panel 3 – Consumer perspective

Improving passenger experience: Reliability, responsiveness, and trust

Service reliability has become a defining factor in passenger satisfaction and brand perception. As consumer expectations rise and policy attention sharpens, there is a growing opportunity to improve service transparency, operational reliability, and public trust. This session will examine how airlines, airports and regulators are working together to address the persistent pain points that disrupt travel and damage trust.

Discussion points include:

  • Enhancing reliability across flight schedules, baggage handling, and customer service
  • Embedding transparency into pricing, service metrics, and disruption protocols
  • Supporting accountability through clearer consumer protections and performance reporting
  • Considering the role of competition in shaping service innovation and consumer choice
  • Aligning operational systems and frontline teams to deliver a more seamless journey
12:30pm - 12:50pm

Keynote address

Rob Sharp
Rob Sharp
Chief Executive Officer,
Airservices Australia
12:50pm - 01:50pm

Lunch and networking

01:50pm - 02:30pm

Panel 4 – Automation and technology

Automation and infrastructure: Building aviation capability for growth

With travel demand rising, the sector must modernise systems and infrastructure to deliver a seamless, secure, and scalable experience. This session explores how automation and infrastructure upgrades are being used to increase capacity, reduce costs, and modernise aviation delivery.

Discussion points include:

  • Automation in airport operations, air traffic management, and fleet maintenance
  • Self-service, biometric, and AI-powered tools in passenger processing
  • Integrating new technologies with existing infrastructure
  • Evaluating ROI, implementation risks, and public accountability
02:30pm - 03:00pm

Closing keynote

03:00pm - 03:05pm

MC close