The Regional Aviation Association of Australia (RAAA) today announced the line-up of presenters set to address the 2026 RAAA Convention at Cairns in June this year.
Headlining the announcement is Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King, with Shadow Minister Bridget McKenzie and former Governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia Glenn Stevens also occupying keynote spots on the program.
RAAA CEO Rob Walker said the industry was facing tough economic times, making the convention program an important component in the future of regional aviation.
"Regional aviation is extremely challenging at any time," Walker said. "The fuel crisis has once again highlighted the operational and cost sensitivities that all our members face. The convention program will update attendees on the current operating environment but importantly, provide real and practical examples of how we operate and be stronger together."
"We’re really excited about the convention program … it’s two full interest-packed days. Not only will we be hearing from the federal Minister, shadow Minister and aviation agency heads, we will also be exploring innovation in regional aviation and how AI can be leveraged by our members."
Among the presenters announced today are:
Pip Spence – CEO and Director of Aviation Safety at the Civil Aviation Safety Authority
Justin Giddings – CEO of AMDA Foundation and the Australian International Airshow
Angus Mitchell – Chief Commissioner of the Australian Transport Safety Bureau
Adam Spencer – Radio and television personality and expert in the fields of AI and cyber security
Rob Sharp – CEO Airservices Australia
“The 2026 Convention will be our biggest yet," Walker added. "Exhibition space has sold out; sponsorships are strong, and attendance registrations are selling fast. We want to see as many of our members and their staff up in Cairns to benefit from the interest packed program."
Heading the plenary sessions is a panel session featuring key personnel from FIFO carrier Maroomba Airlines in WA and Civil Aviation Academy's Sue-anne Munckton, outlining why the airline appointed a CEO from outside the aviation industry, and how that has impacted the company leadership.
A significant part of the conference program will be given over to the discussion of artificial intelligence (AI) and the benefits and challenges facing aviation. This session is set to feature Qantas Chief Technology, AI and Transformation Officer Rachel Yangoyan, president of the Australian Association for Uncrewed Systems (AAUS) and Basair CEO David Trevelyan in discussions with TV personality and technology expert Adam Spencer.
Australia's regional aviation industry is facing many challenges to remain viable, including rising fuel costs, airport security and sustainability, an ageing fleet and the government's push for net-zero carbon emissions; issues that are likely to be raised regularly during the three-day convention.
The 2026 RAAA Convention is on at the Cairns Convention Centre 16-18 June 2026.
More information is on the convention website www.raaaconvention.com.au.
- Steve Hitchen