• Georgia Halliday, Conference Producer, Aviation Week Network

• The Honourable Dale Last MP, Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Minister for Manufacturing and Minister for Regional and Rural Development, Queensland Government

This panel will explore how key stakeholders can assist Australasia in achieving its MRO potential. With a focus on what specific capabilities the region currently lacks and how can these gaps be addressed? What effective incentives are in place for international and regional investors? What are the primary bottlenecks to investment in the regional aviation sector and how can they be mitigated? What opportunities are there from the announcement of Maintenance, repair, overhaul and upgrade of Australian Defence Force aircraft as a Sovereign Industry Requirement? How does Defence plan to “grow and guide“ Australia’s MRO&U capability? How can the Australian Government and the region’s airlines collaborate to attract outside investment for setting up facilities in the region? Can tax and fee structures be reviewed to alleviate the financial burden on aviation operators? How are high labor costs and inflation affecting investment decisions in the aviation sector and how can this be addressed? What impact are MRO capacity shortages in the Asia Pacific region having on Australia?

• Moderator: Air Vice-Marshal (Ret) Neil Hart, Strategic Advisor - Air, Defence and Space, Queensland Department of State Development
• Viv de Beus, Head of Base Maintenance, Qantas Engineering
• AIRCDRE Jacqueline Churchill, Director General Airlift and Tanker Systems, Department of Defence
• Troy Marshall, Managing Director, ECO MRO
• Asta Zirlyte, CEO, Heston MRO

With new aircraft deliveries unable to keep up with demand, parts shortages and rising costs, some airlines have made the strategic decision to extend the life of their fleet, which comes with a new set of challenges. This session will explore the change in mindset required to effectively manage a mature fleet in the Australasia Region. What are the challenges associated with parts, repairs and corrosion? Are airlines looking into any fleet modernization options to reinvigorate their fleets? Hear from both regional and international carriers on their varied maintenance strategies.

• Moderator: Rahul Shah, SVP Strategic Growth, Business Development Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, AAR CORP.
• Jeff Boyd, Manager Network Strategy and Development, Link Airways
• Toby Koch, Airline Maintenance Management Consultant, TKMR Pty Ltd 
• Christine Letchford, Head of Airworthiness, Nauru Airlines

The Pacific Islands face a unique set of challenges, from supply chain issues to high operational costs, necessitating tailored strategies and innovative solutions. What are the unique challenges faced by the Pacific region, and how are they being addressed? How do supply chain issues compare to those in other parts of the world? What are the cost implications of operating in the region, and how can they be managed? How are regional airlines adapting to supply chain challenges and high operational costs? What role does regional collaborations and partnerships play in mitigating the challenges? With contributions from Nauru Airlines, Solomon Airlines, Fiji Airways, Air Tahiti Nui, Air France and Air Caledonie, this panel will explore the regional aviation landscape and its unique challenges.

• Moderator: Leata Alaimoana, Queensland Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner - Pacific, Trade and Investment Queensland 
• Tommaso Auriemma, VP Commercial and Strategy Asia & Pacific, Air France KLM Engineering & Maintenance
• Philippe Busson, Chief Strategy & Operating Officer, Air Caledonie
• Christine Letchford, Head of Airworthiness, Nauru Airlines
• Gary Seddon, CEO, Air Niugini Limited
• Sean Te'o, CEO, Solomon Airlines

• Georgia Halliday, Conference Producer, Aviation Week Network

With supply chain challenges and a lack of raw materials causing global parts shortages and increasing delays, what are key players doing to mitigate this challenge? What alternative solutions are being considered e.g. repair vs replace. How can the aviation industry effectively manage the lack of availability of both new and used parts? What strategies can be employed to manage price escalations in the face of parts shortages? What is the potential of recovery and recycled aero-grade materials in addressing parts shortages? From the perspective of OEM supply chain managers, what are the main bottlenecks causing spare parts delays? What role does technology play in managing and mitigating parts shortages in the aviation sector?

• Moderator: Joshua Ng, Director, Alton Aviation Consultancy
• Afrooz Ahmadi, Components and Purchasing Leader, Virgin Australia
• Lars Moeslein, SVP Group Commercial APAC, HAECO
• David Settergren, VP of Business Development for APAC, SR Technics
• Andrew Thie, Head of Technical, Bellinger Aviation

Understanding the potential of new technologies is crucial for staying ahead in a rapidly evolving industry. What are some of the most exciting new technologies emerging from Australasia in the aviation sector and what challenges/opportunities do they present? How are advancements such as AAM, eVTOL, autonomy and regulatory reform transforming the industry? What role does collaboration between industry, government, and academia play in fostering technological innovation? How can the aviation industry support and accelerate the adoption of new technologies and how can we manage the commercial risks with developing new technology? What is the next phase of growth?

• Moderator: Andreas Hilz, Partner, Oliver Wyman 
• Lloyd Armstrong, Project Manager, Flying Colours Aviation
• Dr. Reece Clothier, President, Australian Association for Uncrewed Systems
• Ryan McMahon, National RPAS Training Manager, Aviation Australia

• Moderator: James Pozzi, MRO Editor EMEA, Aviation Week Network
• Steven Campbell, Executive Manager - National Operations and Standards, CASA
• Andreas Marcelja, Executive Manager- Stakeholder Engagement, CASA

In the face of fierce competition for talent from sectors like mining, energy or construction, this session will explore how the aviation industry can attract and retain the new generation of workers. What strategies can be employed to reposition the benefits of working in aviation to capture the interest of the younger generation? What is the experience of new hires in the aviation industry, and how do they compare to their more experienced colleagues? How can we increase understanding of career pathways and progression opportunities for new workers in aviation? Are AMT schools adequately preparing the workforce for real-life challenges, and is the curriculum up to date with industry needs? What role can mentorship play in solving the workforce shortage, and how can industry associations contribute to this effort? How can we effectively instill knowledge in the younger generation to combat the juniority challenge? To what extent does technology impact or aid the transition of knowledge from experienced workers to new hires?

• Moderator: Alana McKenna, Account Manager, Gallagher Aerospace
• Lachlan Kilby, Managing Director, Javelin Aerospace Group 
• Andrejus Lietunovas, CCO, FL Technics Indonesia
• Glenn Ryan, CEO, Aviation Australia
• Troy Scott, Training Manager, Alliance Airlines
• Glynn Sowter, Solicitor and Legal Officer, Australian Licensed Aircraft Engineering Association (ALAEA)

• Georgia Halliday, Conference Producer, Aviation Week Network