All eyes will be on the Greater Hunter Region next year as Newcastle Airport hosts the prestigious Australasia Aviation Roundtable for the first time, from 18-20 June 2025, marking a significant milestone just ahead of the grand opening of its international terminal on 1 August.
The event will showcase the Hunter region, bringing together airlines, airport representatives, and aviation professionals to discuss the future of aviation and tourism. Airline route development, sustainability best practices, technological advancements in airport operations, passenger experience and security and aviation’s role in promoting cultural exchange and tourism are a key focus.
Newcastle Airport CEO, Dr Peter Cock, said hosting the Australasia Roundtable in 2025 highlighted the Greater Hunter Region’s growing importance as a key regional hub and demonstrates the airport’s commitment to driving innovation, industry excellence and collaboration across aviation, tourism and business sectors.
“This event will attract domestic and international airline network teams and marks a pivotal moment to showcase our region from the Barrington Coast down to the Entrance,” Dr Cock said. “It will coincide with the grand opening of our new terminal, which will open the Hunter Region to the world, boosting tourism, enhancing business opportunities and driving economic growth.”
The Australasia Roundtable brings together state government representatives, state and local tourism organisations, airlines and the Tourism Australia Aviation Manager. in attendance, this event aims to shape the future of Australian aviation and inspire new levels of excellence and connectivity within the industry.
Destination NSW CEO Steve Cox said the opening of Newcastle’s international terminal will mark a major milestone for the $52.9 billion NSW visitor economy, with the 2025 Australasia Aviation Roundtable offering an ideal opportunity to showcase the region’s growing potential on the world stage.
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“Destination NSW is proud to support this event through our Business Events NSW program, which will give delegates the chance to foster meaningful connections and experience the region’s world-class food and wine, stunning natural landscapes and rich cultural offerings first-hand,” Cox said.
Newcastle Airport executive general manager of Aviation and Air Freight Business Development, Andrew Warrender, said it was an honour to host the Roundtable for the first time in the Hunter region, which brings together the brightest minds in the industry.
“I’m excited to talk with our aviation leaders and strengthen our partnerships,” Warrender said. “I have full confidence that our region will showcase all it has to offer and be a compelling attractor for airlines who have global choices to make when they decide on new destinations.
“Together, with new and existing airline partners, we can develop new routes that will make our region more connected. Our region is looking forward to the new airport terminal to open next year, and so are the airlines. It will bring an unprecedented increase in choices for the Hunter, who already have up to 250 weekly flights to choose from, with all the expanded domestic and international travel options that will bring.”
The Airports Roundtable is organised by Ailevon Pacific, an international aviation consultancy firm supporting airports, airlines and tourism organisations in air service development.
Ailevon Pacific Aviation Consulting managing director, Oliver Lamb said the 2025 Australasia Roundtable was primed to be one of the most successful events ever held in the region.
“We are proud to be working with Newcastle Airport to bring together the brightest minds in the aviation industry to connect, drive innovation and achieve excellence in their respective fields,” Lamb said.
