Event: CAPA Australia Pacific Aviation & Corporate Travel Summit 2018

Panel session: Delivering an Efficient Airport Access System: How to Ensure Western Sydney Airport is Fit for Purpose

After decades of indecision, the Australian Government in 2017 pressed ahead with the decision to build Sydney’s second airport, providing much needed capacity to accommodate the anticipated influx of 76 million ppa by 2030. However, it is critical that the airport serves as a genuine alternative to Kingsford Smith and does not become a localised regional airport with poor surface infrastructure links. This panel discussion will cover the following points:

  • Making provisions for surface connectivity: Does the airport need a fast rail link?
  • What is the expected impact of the proposed aerotropolis?
  • Financing the infrastructure project
  • How is the airline customer profile expected to evolve — will the airport remain primarily focused on the low-cost market?

Moderator:

  • George Woods – Partner, L.E.K. Consulting

Panellists:

  • Graham Millett – CEO, Western Sydney Airport
  • Barry Adams – Executive Director, Board of Airline Representatives of Australia
  • Christopher Brown – Chairman and Founder, Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue
  • David Borger – Western Sydney Director, Sydney Business Chamber

Date/Location:
Wednesday, 1 August, 2018
Sofitel Sydney Wentworth 
Sydney, Australia

Time: 12:30 p.m.

About George Woods

George Woods leads L.E.K. Consulting’s Asia-Pacific Airports practice. George has advised airport clients for over 20 years on aeronautical and commercial matters, including runway timing, terminal strategy, retail and ground transport. Recently, George was engaged by the Australian government to advise on the development of the Western Sydney Airport. George is a member of the Tourism and Transport Forum Australia (TTF) and sits on the TTF’s Aviation Panel.

CAPA Australia Pacific Aviation & Corporate Travel Summit 2018

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/New Zealand 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 Summit, will be held on 1-2 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 700+ aviation and corporate travel executives from airlines, airports and suppliers in what is widely regarded as the largest, preeminent strategic aviation summit in the South Pacific region.

About L.E.K. Consulting

L.E.K. Consulting is a global management consulting firm that uses deep industry expertise and rigorous analysis to help business leaders achieve practical results with real impact. We are uncompromising in our approach to helping clients consistently make better decisions, deliver improved business performance and create greater shareholder returns. The firm advises and supports global companies that are leaders in their industries — including the largest private- and public-sector organizations, private equity firms, and emerging entrepreneurial businesses. Founded in 1983, L.E.K. employs more than 1,200 professionals across the Americas, Asia-Pacific and Europe. For more information, go to www.lek.com.