Canberra has secured the rights to host the prestigious CAPA Airline Leader Summit for 2027, bringing one of the aviation industry's most influential gatherings to the capital and delivering significant opportunities for the city's tourism, hospitality and visitor economy.
The Summit will attract senior airline executives, airport leaders, tourism partners, policymakers and industry stakeholders from across Australia and around the world, placing Canberra at the centre of global discussions about the future of aviation and travel.
Hosting the Summit is expected to generate valuable economic benefits for Canberra's tourism and hospitality sectors, with delegates supporting local hotels, restaurants, cafes, and attractions throughout their stay.
The event will also provide an unparalleled opportunity to showcase Canberra's strengths as a business events destination and gateway to the broader Canberra region.
Quote attributable to Chief Minister, Andrew Barr:
"On behalf of the ACT Government, I am absolutely delighted to welcome CAPA to Canberra in 2027.
"Canberra is Australia's meeting place - a city built on connection, bringing together government, business, research, education and innovation. For a conference focused on aviation and connectivity, that's a pretty good fit, and there's certainly no shortage of issues for this industry to discuss as it navigates one of its most significant periods of change in decades.
"Our airport connects parliamentarians and diplomats, researchers and students, tourists and entrepreneurs, and visiting families and friends - few cities see such a diverse mix of travellers move through a single gateway, and that connectivity is critical to our city's success.
"Being chosen to host one of aviation's most influential gatherings is a strong vote of confidence in Canberra's connectivity, infrastructure and growing profile as a destination for major international business events. It also reflects Canberra Airport's growing importance as a strategic gateway to Australia's capital.
"Delegates will experience a city that respects people's time - where a full conference agenda, a great dinner and a visit to a national institution can all fit into the same day. They'll also find outstanding restaurants, award-winning wineries, national cultural institutions and a rapidly growing innovation economy, and I'd encourage them to come early and stay a little longer to experience the broader Capital Region.
"I thank CAPA for its confidence in Canberra, and acknowledge the strong partnership between CAPA, Canberra Airport, Canberra Convention Bureau and the ACT Government that has made this possible."
Quote attributable to Stephen Byron, CEO of Canberra Airport:
"We are delighted that Canberra has been selected to host CAPA 2027, bringing some of the aviation industry's most influential leaders and decision-makers to the Nation's Capital.
"Hosting CAPA 2027 is a significant opportunity for Canberra Airport and the ACT. Bringing the aviation industry's key decision-makers to Canberra will help strengthen relationships with our airline partners, showcase the opportunities in the Canberra market, and support future growth in air services and connectivity for the region."
Quote attributable to Michael Matthews, Chief Executive Officer at Canberra Convention Bureau:
"Securing the CAPA AIRLINE LEADER SUMMIT AUSTRALIA PACIFIC 2027 for Canberra is fantastic recognition of our destination's capability to deliver business events that provide a platform for business and economic leaders to connect, get to know our capital better and spark future investment in our city.
"We are seeing unparalleled interest from association leaders as Canberra year by year becomes more globally focused. Australia's capital is the meeting place of the nation, and we're delighted to be welcoming CAPA in 2027."
Quote attributable to Claudia Kunz, Senior Director of Events at CAPA:
"We are delighted that CAPA has chosen Canberra to host the Airline Leader Summit Australia Pacific 2027. This is an exceptional opportunity to bring together the region's aviation leaders in the heart of Australia's capital.
"We look forward to showcasing Canberra's unique blend of cultural, historical, and natural attractions, including its world-class museums, galleries, and the stunning landscapes of the surrounding region. As a hub of innovation and policy, Canberra provides the perfect setting for meaningful discussions that will shape the future of aviation in the Australia Pacific region."
