The inaugural Australian Air Freight Summit will take place during the Avalon Australian International Airshow 2027, establishing a dedicated national forum focused on the future of Australia’s air freight sector.
Developed with input from stakeholders across the industry, the summit will bring together air freight leaders and professionals to examine the next phase of sector growth and the role air cargo will play in strengthening Australia’s future trade capability.
“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,” said Justin Giddings, Chief Executive Officer of the AMDA Foundation.
Avalon Airport has been confirmed as the summit’s first major partner. Its involvement reflects both its position as the home of the airshow and its importance as a gateway for Victoria’s aviation and freight sectors.
Avalon Airport CEO Ari Suss said the airport was proud to support the first edition of the 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,” said Ari Suss, CEO of Avalon Airport.
Freight and Trade Alliance (FTA) has also been confirmed as the summit’s program delivery partner. The organisation will support the development of an industry-led program for the inaugural event.
As part of the broader Avalon program, the summit will feature conference sessions and networking opportunities aimed at connecting industry stakeholders around the opportunities shaping Australia’s air freight sector.
According to Paul Zalai, Co-Founder and Director of the FTA, air freight remains a critical component of Australia’s international trade system.
“Air freight is a critical enabler of Australia’s international trade, supporting exporters and importers in an increasingly fast-moving and complex environment. 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,” said Paul Zalai, Co-Founder and Director of the FTA.
Sponsorship opportunities for the Australian Air Freight Summit are already open. Registration information and full details of the program are expected to be released in the coming weeks.





















