COVID-19 has resulted in global airlines cancelling or suspending their flights amid increasing restrictions on mobility. The global aviation system, the lifeblood of intercontinental connectivity, has been reduced to a mere skeletal framework with fewer airlines flying fewer services. The road to recovery, at least for air travel, seems long.

Industry professionals will share their insights during this webinar, exploring topics such as:

• how has COVID affected the airport sector in Australia-Asia
• what are the industry efforts to bring back air travel
• when can we reunite with and visit our families and relatives across borders
• when can I plan my next trip
• what can we expect of the “new normal air travel"

Whether you are a prospective traveller, work in the industry or an aviation student, this is your chance to hear directly from experts and get questions answered. This event is also for you if you're interested in learning more about the airline/airport industry, their efforts, and how you will be affected as an individual traveller.

Meet the speakers

Matteo Zanarini is the Area Manager South West Pacific at the International Air Transport Association (IATA), based at IATA’s Sydney branch office and has over 30 years of industry experience in aviation.

Matteo commenced his career in Freight Forwarding in Sydney and soon after moved to Airline Passenger and Cargo where he held a number of managerial roles with Alitalia Airlines, in Australia, Asia and Europe.

Matteo joined IATA In 2009, as Passenger Services Manager before moving into the role of Aviation Solutions Manager, South West Pacific in 2013 and subsequently appointed Area Manager in January 2018.

Paul Cheng has been with the aviation industry for over three decades. He served in a variety of positions at Hong Kong International Airport’s Terminal Operations, Airfield, Safety, International Marketing and Business Continuity Planning.

Paul started his aviation career with an international airline and moved on to hold key roles with different airlines in Hong Kong, Mainland China and Vietnam. During his wide ranging airline career, he has been involved in various business aspects ranging from airport operation, service delivery, sales and marketing and business development. Apart from aviation, Paul also gained experience in other areas such as overseas hotel apartment project development, intercity rail service, travel and freight forwarding business.

Peppy is responsible for the growth of air service capacity and Melbourne Airport’s aviation business analytics. Peppy's key focus is to grow both mature and emerging markets by targeting market segments that deliver appropriate yield for Melbourne Airport’s airline customers. He works closely with airlines, tourism boards/authorities and industry partners.

Peppy has more than 15 years of experience in New Zealand’s energy, aviation and tourism sectors, focusing on strategy, business development and industry leadership. Prior to joining Melbourne Airport, Peppy held business development roles with Auckland Airport and Christchurch Airport.

Moderated by

Dr Chrystal Zhang is an Associate Professor of Aviation in the School of Engineering at RMIT University. She commenced her academic career in 2011 after over two decades of service in the industry in both public and private sectors in China and the UK. She has expertise in aviation regulatory framework and policy making, airline/airport strategies and marketing, airport operation and management, and traveller's behaviour and wellbeing.