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.
Tuesday, 25 March 2025
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Opening Remarks
Hear more about why Routes Asia 2025 is taking place in Perth.
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Keynote Interview: Virgin Australia’s Journey to Profitability
In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Virgin Australia's leadership team to discuss their strategic approach to restructuring and rebuilding the airline network for long-term success. With a focus on returning to profitability, this conversation will delve into the lessons learned from their recent turnaround efforts, highlighting key initiatives that have driven recovery.
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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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State of the Airport Industry
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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CEO Keynote Interview
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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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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 panel brings together senior airline and aviation leaders from across the Southwest Pacific to explore the key challenges, emerging trends, and future outlook for a region at a pivotal juncture.
Wednesday, 26 March 2025
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Join us for an exclusive keynote interview with Paul Carroll, Chief Commercial Officer of AirAsia Aviation Group, as we dive into the route development strategy of the airline. With decades of experience in the aviation industry, Paul will share his insights on AirAsia’s strategies for expanding its network, navigating post-pandemic recovery, and adapting to evolving market demands. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear firsthand how one of the leading low-cost carriers is shaping the future of air travel through innovative route planning and commercial leadership
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India’s aviation market is expanding at an unprecedented pace, driven by record-breaking aircraft orders from airlines like IndiGo and 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 like IndiGo 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 Interview
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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, with a focus on the Airbus A321XLR and the progress of ultra-long-haul initiatives like Project Sunrise. Key topics will include the economic benefits of expanded connectivity for smaller markets, the challenges of adapting to Asia-Pacific's diverse landscape, and how narrow-body aircraft are redefining 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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Airline Briefing
Exclusive updates direct from key airline decision makers and network planners.
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Airline Briefing
Exclusive updates direct from key airline decision makers and network planners.
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Airline Briefing
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) -
Arun Bansal
Group CEO, Adani Airports -
Jay L Lingeswara
Vice President Commercial, Vietjet Air -
Paul Carroll
Chief Commercial Officer, AirAsia Aviation Group -
Steven Small
Director Events, Routes -
David Casey
Editor-in-Chief, Routes