Inaugural air freight summit to launch at Avalon Airport

THE INAUGURAL Australian Air Freight Summit will launch at Avalon Australian International Airshow 2027, creating a dedicated national forum focused on the future of Australia’s air freight sector.

Developed with input from across the industry, the summit is intended to bring together sector leaders to examine the next phase of air freight growth and its role in strengthening Australia’s future trade capability.

AMDA Foundation chief executive officer Justin Giddings said the Australian Air Freight Summit would build on the airshow’s established role as a national platform for aviation, aerospace and industry engagement.

“Avalon Australian International Airshow has always been a meeting point for industry, and the Australian Air Freight Summit will extend that platform to a sector that is increasingly important to Australia’s trade future,” Mr Giddings said.

Avalon Airport has been confirmed as the summit’s first major partner, reflecting its position as the home of the airshow and a key gateway for Victoria’s aviation and freight sectors.

Avalon Airport chief executive officer Ari Suss said Avalon Airport was proud to support the inaugural summit.

“Air freight plays a vital role in connecting Australian businesses with global markets, and Avalon Airport Melbourne is proud to be the first major partner of the Australian Air Freight Summit.

“The summit will bring together the people who move freight, operate our gateways and rely on those connections to grow. It’s an opportunity to identify what the sector needs next and how we can work together to strengthen Australia’s air freight capability,” Mr Suss said.

Freight & Trade Alliance has also been confirmed as the summit’s program delivery partner, supporting the development of an industry-led program for the inaugural event."

Held as part of the Avalon program, the summit will feature conference sessions and networking aimed at connecting industry around the opportunities shaping Australian air freight.

FTA director and co-founder Paul Zalai said he was pleased to be involved in delivering the new event for the sector.

“Air freight is a critical enabler of Australia’s international trade, supporting exporters and importers in an increasingly fast-moving and complex environment," he said.

“The Summit provides a national platform to unite the industry and, importantly, recognise freight forwarders and customs brokers as the professionals who connect Australia to global markets, facilitate the compliant movement of air cargo and help businesses navigate evolving regulatory and operational requirements.

“By bringing these voices together, we can identify emerging opportunities, address shared challenges and help position Australia for the next wave of air freight growth.

“FTA is proud to support an industry-driven program that puts the people who move Australia’s freight every day at the centre of that conversation,” Mr Zalai said.