In a wide-ranging interview that spanned everything from regulatory reform at Sydney Airport to next-generation biometric processing, Simon Westaway – the newly appointed CEO of the Australian Airports Association (AAA) – lays out a visionary blueprint for the nation’s aviation future.
This article covers Westaway’s plans for:
- Sydney’s slot legislation
- Updating regional Australia’s airline infrastructure
- The use of biometrics in the aviation industry
- The importance of reinvesting PMCs in aviation
- Airports being destinations in their own rights
With the AAA representing over 340 airports, Westaway’s message is clear: the challenges facing Australia’s airports are matched only by the opportunities, and the coming years promise transformative change.
As far as job starts goes, Simon Westaway has had to walk the talk, but he has done that often. In addition to numerous head corporate and political communications roles, the fast-talking now-Victorian knows his way around an airport, growing up around the airfields of Newcastle, and having a working life with roles at Jetstar and Impulse as well as gigs at Tourism Australia and the Australian Tourism Industry Council.
He’s no newbie, so in his first few months in the role he was pressing the flesh, meeting AAA members, working on delivering a new strategy to the Board, plus dealing with Federal legislative changes, including the Sydney slots – oh and, on a personal front, he bought a house. That was just in the last the two months of 2024.
This year his wife, Rachel Westaway, decided to run as a Liberal candidate for the seat of Prahran in a state by-election which takes place tomorrow (Saturday). Talking of elections, he is lobbying both sides of the fence for a bigger clip of the $1.5 billion Passenger Movement Charge to go to airport infrastructure improvements, plus there are the finer details of those slot changes to introduce, too.
“Look, Sydney Airport is the premier gateway – the largest and most critical piece of infrastructure in our country, particularly for international travel,” Westaway begins. “Despite being a slot-regulated airport with a cap, a curfew, a regional ring fence, and even a noise-sharing arrangement, it remains the major domestic hub, and that’s why getting the Sydney slots legislation right is so important.”
With the new slots arrangements set to take effect later this year, Westaway says this will improve operational flexibility and alleviate long-standing issues of accessibility and congestion.
But Sydney is only part of the story. Westaway is equally passionate about Australia’s regional airports.
“Newcastle is a critically important emerging airport,” he notes, with a touch of personal pride. “It’s been around a long time, and its evolution is vital to the region’s future. The connection with RAAF Williamtown, which supports the military on one side of the airfield, adds a unique dimension to its strategic importance.”
Westaway’s firsthand knowledge of smaller airfields is evident as he recalls a recent visit to Ballarat – a facility that, despite not hosting commercial flights, has made significant investments in maintenance and pilot training.
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Infrastructure upgrades are the cornerstone of the new AAA CEO’s vision. Highlighting major projects across the nation, Westaway points to Melbourne’s third runway, the Brisbane and Gold Coast upgrades, the reconfiguration of Perth and the new Western Sydney International (WSI) facility as pivotal investments.
“When you look at Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth, each is investing up to $5 billion in infrastructure improvements – from runways and taxiways to smarter, more efficient terminal systems,” he explains. “These initiatives are not just about expanding capacity; they’re about reinventing the passenger experience.”
A key aspect of that reinvention lies in embracing digital transformation. Westaway is a fervent advocate for biometrics, arguing that modernising border processes is critical for both security and efficiency.
“Moving to biometric processing is not only common sense – it’s essential,” he says. “A digitally driven border would be safer, more secure, and offer a much more seamless experience for passengers. It’s frustrating to watch travellers stuck in long queues at scanner points when other international gateways have already evolved.”
Use PMC for its original purpose
Westaway’s call for the Federal Government to reinvest revenue from those passenger charges echoes his commitment to a digital future.
“We’re asking for an additional 5 per cent of the current PMC revenue to be reinvested into critical airport infrastructure,” he adds, emphasising that this is not about denying the government revenue, but about ensuring that funds fulfil their original purpose.
His vision extends beyond physical infrastructure to a broader strategic framework with the CEO also rolling out a five-year organisational strategy that will focus on doing things “smarter and safer”, along with enhancing stakeholder engagement.
“Our planning is on a rolling three-year basis, but our look-ahead really covers a five-year horizon,” he explains. “We want to simplify operations, make them more efficient, and ensure that we’re prepared for a decade of significant growth in passenger volumes.”
His confidence in Australia’s aviation future is palpable, buoyed by record travel numbers post-pandemic and the expectation that domestic and international travel will continue to surge.
Yet, Westaway remains keenly aware of the human element in this transformation. While mega-projects like Melbourne’s new runway capture headlines, he stresses that even smaller improvements – like better digital processing and enhanced accessibility – are crucial.
“Airports are becoming destinations in their own right,” he observes. “Travellers expect a seamless, comfortable experience from the moment they step off the plane. That means everything from efficient processing at smart gates to well-designed retail spaces that can make even the longest wait more pleasant.”
With events like AAA’s Airport Retail and Commercial Forum on the horizon (22-23 July), Westaway sees an opportunity to bring together diverse stakeholders – airlines, retailers, technology providers and regulators – to share insights and drive collaborative innovation.
“This forum isn’t just about data; it’s about exchanging ideas and understanding the evolving landscape of airport development,” he said. “It’s a chance to learn from global leaders and ensure that Australian airports are not only competitive but truly world-class.”
Australia’s biggest airport retail and commercial event takes off for 2025 in Sydney
As our conversation draws to a close, Westaway’s enthusiasm for the future is unmistakable. Whether it’s upgrading infrastructure, digitising border processes, or engaging with communities and industry partners, his roadmap for Australia’s airports is ambitious yet pragmatic.
“We’re building for the future,” he concludes. “And as long as people want to travel, our airports need to evolve. There’s no stopping this momentum.”
With the dual challenges of rapid growth and evolving passenger expectations, Westaway’s call for smarter, safer, and more connected airports is both timely and essential. As Australia prepares to enter a new era of aviation, his leadership promises to steer the nation’s airports confidently into the 21st century.
