An Event that Shaped Industry Perspectives
The CAPA Summit Asia Pacific 2025 held at the Cairns Convention Centre became an important gathering for aviation leaders from across the globe. The event brought together airline executives, policymakers, and industry innovators to exchange ideas, share strategies, and highlight the path toward a more sustainable and resilient aviation sector.
The summit was not just a meeting of minds but a platform where meaningful collaboration took centre stage. Discussions ranged from fleet renewal strategies to global partnerships and the transition toward greener fuels, giving attendees a holistic view of the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of aviation.
Virgin Australia Focuses on Growth and Customer-Centric Innovation
Virgin Australia’s Chief Executive Officer Dave Emerson outlined the airline’s renewed ambition to strengthen its position in the value segment. The airline has sharpened its focus on small business travellers, corporate value customers, and premium leisure passengers. Emerson explained that the goal is to capture around one-third of the domestic market share, with strategic initiatives already underway to build momentum.
A significant achievement for Virgin Australia has been its successful Initial Public Offering, attracting a 25 percent investment from Qatar Airways. This partnership has unlocked new international routes, including direct flights from Australia to Doha, expanding the airline’s global reach.
In addition, Virgin Australia is embarking on a fleet expansion program with 16 new aircraft, including the Boeing 737 MAX and Embraer E-Jets E2, expected to join the fleet in the coming fiscal year. The airline’s post-administration recovery has seen its fleet grow from 58 aircraft to more than 100, all funded through operating cash flow rather than external capital.
Customer experience remains a priority, with the airline introducing pet-friendly flights as a unique service enhancement. This focus on both operational efficiency and passenger comfort reflects a balanced approach to growth.
Navigating Risks in a Complex Global Landscape
A panel featuring Andrew Barr, Chief Minister of the Australian Capital Territory, Matthew Schroder from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, and Richard Barker, Chief Executive Officer of Cairns Airport, addressed one of the most pressing realities in aviation today — managing operational and financial risks in an unpredictable world.
From geopolitical instability to fluctuating fuel prices and the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence technologies, the discussion explored strategies to ensure operational continuity and competitive fares. Schroder highlighted the ACCC’s approval of the Qatar Airways and Virgin Australia strategic partnership, citing its potential to enhance competition and deliver better international connectivity for Australian passengers. Notably, a daily Canberra to Doha service is planned to commence in December 2025.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel Takes Centre Stage
The shift toward Sustainable Aviation Fuel, commonly known as SAF, was one of the most anticipated topics at the summit. Industry leaders from Air New Zealand, Qantas, and Boeing explored the technological, financial, and logistical hurdles in adopting this cleaner alternative to traditional jet fuel.
Kimberly Camrass, Boeing’s Sustainability Lead for the South Pacific, emphasised SAF’s role in achieving net-zero emissions. However, she also noted the steep cost challenges, with SAF currently priced at three to four times higher than conventional fuel and limited domestic production capacity slowing its adoption.
Fiona Messent, Group Sustainability Officer at Qantas, underscored the need for industry-wide cooperation. She explained that both corporate partnerships and government support are essential if the aviation sector is to meet its 2030 carbon reduction targets.
Market Recovery and Growth Prospects for Australian Aviation
CAPA’s Head of Research, Simon Elsegood, shared an optimistic yet realistic assessment of the Australian aviation market. International travel demand has recovered strongly, with routes to Southeast Asia and emerging European destinations leading the rebound. However, the recovery has not been without its challenges.
Aircraft availability remains constrained, creating pressure on route development and overall capacity expansion. Workforce shortages and rising maintenance costs also continue to test the industry’s resilience.
Another significant shift in market dynamics has been the sustained reduction in business travel volumes. The popularity of remote meetings and altered corporate travel policies have reshaped demand patterns, requiring airlines to adapt their service offerings and route strategies
Qantas Positions Itself for Long-Haul Leadership
Qantas Domestic Chief Executive Officer Markus Svensson revealed ambitious plans to introduce the A321XLR aircraft into the airline’s fleet. The first delivery is expected by Christmas 2025, with ten aircraft anticipated by mid-2026.
This move is aligned with Project Sunrise, Qantas’ visionary program to operate non-stop long-haul services to almost any destination worldwide. The first such route will be the much-anticipated Sydney to London service, scheduled to commence in 2027.
In parallel, Qantas is investing heavily in SAF and other sustainable aviation technologies, reaffirming its commitment to reducing its environmental footprint while expanding its operational capabilities.
Collaboration as the Core of Future Progress
Across all discussions and presentations, one theme remained consistent — collaboration is the key to aviation’s future. Airlines, manufacturers, governments, and regulatory bodies recognise that the path to sustainability and growth cannot be walked alone. From expanding fleets to greening operations, the solutions require coordinated action at every level.
The CAPA Summit highlighted not only the innovative steps being taken today but also the willingness of industry leaders to engage openly about the difficulties that remain.
Conclusion The Path Ahead for Aviation
The CAPA Summit Asia Pacific 2025 in Cairns served as both a reflection on recent progress and a roadmap for the years ahead. The event illustrated that while challenges remain in fuel costs, geopolitical risks, and market shifts, the industry is actively investing in solutions.
With bold fleet expansion programs, strategic alliances, and determined steps toward SAF adoption, aviation leaders are working to build a sector that is more sustainable, more connected, and better prepared for the future. The collaborative spirit demonstrated in Cairns may well be the most valuable takeaway from this influential gathering, signalling an industry committed to innovation, resilience, and global responsibility.