New route opportunities - ultra-long haul markets are being opened up by next generation aircraft

18 July, 2019

Qantas' Group CEO Alan Joyce has said the Perth-London service commenced in 2018 has demonstrated there is "amazing demand" for non-stop services to Europe and perhaps forms the platform to establish the next frontier and help the carrier take the prize of operating the world's longest commercial air services from 2022/2023.

Having challenged Airbus and Boeing to develop an aircraft capable of flying the additional distance needed to access the US east coast from Sydney and similar routes, the remaining issues are to establish a viable business case, agree terms with flight crews and to secure the necessary safety authorisations. A new generation of long haul aircraft and airlines are creating new route development opportunities.

As one the discussion topics at the forthcoming Australia Pacific Aviation and Corporate Travel Summit, CAPA - Centre for Aviation will examine what examples of implementation of new aircraft types has been successful around the world and look at what opportunities still exist to tap into new aircraft types.

As the foremost authority on aviation in the world, CAPA - Centre for Aviation's events provide cutting edge knowledge about strategic market trends and dynamics to help attendees make informed decisions, delivering the information and connections needed to inspire and improve business. The CAPA Australia Pacific Aviation and Corporate Travel Summit will take place in Sydney on 07-08 August 2019.

The South Pacific aviation market has enjoyed relatively benign operating conditions in the last couple of years, allowing the region's carriers to record some of its best ever results. Major inbound markets are performing well and bringing solid traffic growth. Against this backdrop, Australia and New Zealand air carriers are exploring the latest aircraft technology, opening up new city pairs, realigning their hubs and reviewing their partnership strategies on key markets such as the Trans Tasman and Trans Pacific.

But as we head deeper into the year, changing macroeconomic conditions, rising fuel prices and growing trade protectionism could cause major headwinds in the industry. What is the outlook for Australia and New Zealand aviation for the medium term and what new dynamics will shape?

CAPA's home event, the Australia Pacific Aviation and Corporate Travel Summit, will be held on 7-8 August to explore these issues, as well as the commercial and operational pillars underpinning strategic decision making at local and international carriers. It will gather 600+ aviation and corporate travel executives from airlines, airports and suppliers in what is widely regarded as the largest, pre eminent strategic aviation summit in the South Pacific region.

This event, hosted at the Hyatt Regency Sydney hotel, Located adjacent to Darling Harbour in Sydney's Central Business District (CBD), is a must attend for those seeking to learn from, network and collaborate with today's travel industry leaders!