Welcome introduction from Routes. Hear what you can expect over the course of the event.
Routes Asia 2025
Perth, Australia
• 25 – 27 March 2025
Conference Programme
The Routes Asia conference programme will bring together senior leaders from the route development and aviation industries.
Comprising keynote interviews, panel discussions, airline briefings and best practice workshops, the Routes Asia 2025 conference programme will provide you with exclusive insight into the key air service development issues driving change within the industry, exploring the future of route development in the new post-pandemic era.
The programme will cover topics including the state of the airline and airport industries, the recovery of Asia Pacific International Travel and India's aviation boom, with panels of aviation experts giving their insights and opinions.
Platinum Conference Sponsor
Platinum Conference Sponsor
Tuesday, 25 March 2025
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Welcome to Country
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Opening Remarks
Hear more about why Routes Asia 2025 is taking place in Perth.
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State of the Airline Industry
Subhas Menon, Director General, Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA)
Despite ongoing challenges, including supply chain disruptions and geopolitical uncertainties, Asia-Pacific airlines are experiencing robust growth in both passenger and cargo markets. Passenger volumes are nearing pre-pandemic levels, driven by strong leisure and business demand, while cargo markets remain resilient. Join AAPA Director General Subhas Menon as he discusses the region’s air travel outlook for 2025 and beyond.
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Airports in the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions are experiencing a strong recovery, with passenger traffic expected to reach approximately 3.9 billion by the end of 2024. While some markets, including Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia, are still trailing 2019 levels, the rapid growth in China and India is driving regional momentum.
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Keynote Address
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, The Boeing Company
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Fireside Chat with Qantas Group
Join us for an intimate fireside chat with a senior leader from Qantas Group, where they will share valuable insights on how the airline is navigating the evolving challenges of the aviation industry. From recovery strategies post-pandemic to sustainability initiatives and adapting to a rapidly changing market, this conversation will offer a unique perspective on the future of one of the world’s most iconic airlines. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear directly from a key decision-maker shaping Qantas Group’s path forward.
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Accelerating the Recovery of Asia-Pacific International Travel
Although Asia-Pacific’s recovery lagged behind other regions due to delayed post-pandemic reopening, it is now gaining significant momentum. In 2024, the region is seeing double-digit growth, with international arrivals expected to increase by 19%. Leading this resurgence are markets such as China, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia, all showing impressive gains in visitor numbers. However, outbound markets from China and Japan, while showing strong year-on-year growth, have yet to fully return to their pre-pandemic levels. Additionally, shifts in the geopolitical landscape—such as the closure of Russian airspace to most western carriers—is influencing Asia Pacific’s aviation dynamics.
This panel brings together industry experts to address key questions: What factors are driving the strong rebound in some markets? Which international markets have the biggest potential for growth? How can slower-recovering outbound markets, such as China and Japan, be effectively re-engaged to accelerate their recovery? With the surge in travel demand, how are airports and airlines addressing potential capacity constraints and infrastructure challenges
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Fireside Chat with Aircalin
Charting the Future of Aviation in the South Pacific
Aviation is a lifeline for many South Pacific nations, ensuring essential connectivity and driving tourism-dependent economies across the region. Yet, the industry is facing a challenging period. While some airlines are reporting record profits, others struggle with severe operational issues or face insolvency risks. This fireside chat will explore the key challenges, emerging trends, and future outlook for a region at a pivotal juncture.
Wednesday, 26 March 2025
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Fireside Chat with Indigo
Join us for an exclusive keynote interview with Abhijit DasGupta, Head of Planning & Revenue Management at IndiGo, as we explore the airline's route development strategy. With extensive experience in the aviation industry, Abhijit will share his insights on IndiGo’s approach to expanding its network, navigating post-pandemic recovery, and responding to changing market demands. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear firsthand how one of the largest low-cost carriers in Asia is shaping the future of air travel through innovative route planning and strategic leadership.
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India's Aviation Boom: Navigating Growth and Global Reach
India’s aviation market is expanding at an unprecedented pace, driven by record-breaking aircraft orders from airlines like Air India. With a rising middle class eager to travel, India is experiencing a transformation in both domestic and international travel demand, changing the market dynamics significantly. This shift opens new avenues for growth, especially as carriers consider leveraging the Airbus A321XLR to connect India directly with Europe and Australia using narrowbody aircraft—a game-changer in expanding accessible, long-haul travel from India.
Additionally, the emergence of newer airlines, such as Akasa Air, is intensifying competition and adding capacity to meet the country’s increasing travel needs. This panel will bring together key aviation leaders to discuss the factors fuelling this rapid growth, the impact of new aircraft capabilities on long-haul routes, and the role of India’s emerging middle class in reshaping travel patterns.
What opportunities and challenges lie ahead for Indian airlines aiming to tap into global markets? How will the introduction of longer-range narrowbodies influence the region? How can new entrants like Akasa Air further accelerate India’s aviation ascent? Can India’s airport infrastructure keep pace with demand? Join us for insights into the dynamic future of one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets.
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Keynote Address
Hokkaido Airports
Kenjiro Karahashi, Managing Director, Aviation Business Development, Hokkaido Airports
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Bridging New Horizons: Aircraft Innovation and Route Development in Asia-Pacific
As the Asia-Pacific aviation sector advances, new aircraft technologies are reshaping airline networks across the region, opening new connections between secondary cities and operating sectors previously the domain of widebody aircraft. With a growing focus on the future of existing fleets and the majority of new deliveries being narrow-body aircraft, airlines are facing critical decisions regarding supply chain issues, timelines, and the opportunities presented by extended range capabilities.
This panel will explore the transformative impact of aircraft innovation on route development, focusing on the progress of ultra-long-haul initiatives and advancements in long-range aircraft. Key topics will include the economic benefits of expanded connectivity for smaller markets, the challenges of adapting to diverse regional landscapes, and how narrow-body aircraft are reshaping the future of long-haul travel.
Join top industry leaders as they discuss the future of air travel, the role of aircraft innovation, and how emerging technologies are paving the way for a more connected and efficient Asia-Pacific.
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Airport Development and Sustainable Design: Shaping Airports for Future Demand and Environmental Considerations
As the aviation industry grows, airport development must keep pace with increasing demand while addressing environmental sustainability. This panel will explore the future of airport design, focusing on how airports can be developed to accommodate rising passenger numbers while minimizing environmental impact. Experts will discuss innovative sustainable initiatives in airport construction, including energy-efficient buildings, the use of renewable energy, sustainable materials, and the integration of green spaces.
Additionally, speakers will examine how airports are evolving to meet future demand through smart design, technological innovations, and scalability. Key topics will include planning for passenger flow, resilience to climate change, and the role of sustainable airport infrastructure in supporting the aviation industry's transition to Net Zero. Join industry leaders as they discuss the challenges and opportunities in designing airports that serve the needs of tomorrow’s travelers while prioritizing environmental responsibility.
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Smoothing Seasonality Effects – Strategies to Boost Off-Peak Visitation and Shoulder Season Growth
Seasonality remains a major challenge for the travel and aviation sectors, with fluctuations in demand creating pressure during off-peak and shoulder seasons. This panel will explore the best strategies for smoothing seasonality effects, focusing on innovative ways to attract travelers during quieter periods. Airlines and tourism authorities will share successful examples of winter campaigns that have effectively driven demand, while highlighting the importance of partnerships with the events sector to create year-round appeal. Key topics will include targeted marketing efforts, leveraging special events to boost visitation, and how airlines and destinations can collaborate to maintain consistent growth throughout the year. Join top industry experts as they discuss the future of seasonality management and the creative solutions that can drive passenger numbers during the shoulder seasons.
Thursday, 27 March 2025
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Airport Catchments, Understanding behaviours
Aidan Mooney, Vice President Consulting, ASM Global Route Development
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Airline Briefing with Cebu Pacific Air
Exclusive updates direct from key airline decision makers and network planners.
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Airline Briefing with AirAsia Group
Michael Simionescu, Head of Airport Partnerships & Incentives, AirAsia Group
Exclusive updates direct from key airline decision makers and network planners.
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Exclusive updates direct from key airline decision makers and network planners.
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A Productive Routes Meeting – Key Insights from Network Planners
What makes a Routes meeting truly productive? Join our expert panel as we explore the decision-making factors and critical metrics that network planners prioritize when evaluating new routes. Discover the challenges and opportunities from a network planner’s perspective and gain valuable insights into the evolving landscape of route development. From balancing demand forecasting to navigating operational constraints, this session will shed light on the key elements that drive successful network planning and the strategies that ensure long-term growth in an increasingly competitive market.
* Please note like all events, the programme is subject to change.
Speakers
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Subhas Menon
Director General, Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) -
Michael Simionescu
Head of Airport Partnerships & Incentives, AirAsia Group -
Malcom An
Senior Managing Director Global Strategic Initiatives Commercial Sales & Marketing, The Boeing Company -
Miyuru Sandaruwan
Regional Marketing Director, Boeing Commercial Airplanes -
Holly Miles
Editor, International Airport Review -
David Casey
Editor in Chief, Routes