Browse speaker profiles and insights
Since its launch in 2020, the Aviation Reimagined webinar series has brought together a diverse and influential group of speakers from across the globe—leaders in industry, government, research, and innovation—who are shaping the future of sustainable aviation.
Air travel contributes approximately 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and reducing this impact is critical to addressing the climate challenge, as highlighted by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Aviation Reimagined explores the cutting-edge solutions, policy developments, and technological breakthroughs that are driving the decarbonisation of the aviation sector.
Facilitated by Dr Emma Whittlesea, Professor Tim Ryley, Professor Susanne Becken and Dr Bojana Spasojevic, this annual series has become a platform for timely conversations and practical insights on the sector’s transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient future.
Below is an alphabetical list of presenters since 2020, each contributing valuable expertise and perspectives to the series.
Facilitators
Dr Emma Whittlesea
Dr Emma Whittlesea was previously the Program Director for Griffith’s Climate Ready Initiative and is now the Head of Partnerships at Stralis Aircraft. She has over 25 years’ experience working with communities and public, private, and not-for-profit sectors within the UK, Europe, and Australia to advance sustainability. Her professional focus is to enable climate action through effective partnerships and collaborative projects, with a particular interest in the advancement of zero emission travel.
Professor Tim Ryley
Tim Ryley is Professor of Aviation, within the School of Engineering and Built Environment at Griffith University. With over twenty-five years of transport research experience, his current research includes environmental issues associated with aviation, such as the relationship between aviation and climate change. Tim’s research is typically inter-disciplinary and industry-linked; he has developed research and consultancy collaborations with many aviation industry stakeholders, including airport, airlines and Government bodies.
Professor Susanne Becken
Susanne Becken is a Professor of Sustainable Tourism at Griffith University in Australia and the Principal Science Investment Advisor (Visitor) in the Department of Conservation, New Zealand. She has published over 120 articles on sustainable tourism, climate change and tourism resource use, and contributes to a wide range of national and international sustainable tourism initiatives, including through her role with Travalyst, Air New Zealand, EarthCheck Research Institute, and the New Zealand Tourism Data Leadership Group.
Dr Bojana Spasojevic
Dr Bojana Spasojevic is an interdisciplinary tourism and air transport management researcher. Her research uses stakeholder engagement theory as a problem-solving framework. Apart from her main research areas – stakeholder engagement and air route development, Spasojevic's research expertise includes passenger/tourist behaviour, travel confidence and air travel emission.
Presenters (in alphabetical order)
Daniel Bloch
As Assistant Manager of Sustainable Aviation Fuels, Daniel focuses on strengthening IATA’s data, insights, and positioning on SAF, while acting as a link between producers and airlines. He has held commercial, policy, and environmental roles in aviation across Europe and Australia. Previously Aviation Development Manager for Tourism Western Australia, he led the State’s airline recovery post-COVID-19. He also worked as an aviation consultant, advising bioenergy companies on opportunities in Sustainable Aviation Fuel.
Alejandro Block
Dr Alejandro Block is IATA’s manager for new energies and technologies. His role involves understanding the energy transition of aviation from current conventional jet fuel, into SAF, hydrogen and batteries and was the leader of the IATA Net Zero Roadmaps initiative. Prior to joining IATA Alejandro led several technology and sustainability positions in organizations including ICAO, ACI and the Aerospace Technology Institute, where he led the delivery of the Aerospace Technology Strategy for the UK.
Robert Boyd
Robert Boyd joined Boeing International in August 2022 as Regional Lead, Global Sustainability Policy and Partnerships. His role includes representing aviation as Sector Champion, for the World Economic Forum, First Movers Coalition. Prior to joining Boeing, Robert spent nearly 10 years at the International Air Transport Association, ultimately as Assistant Director, Energy Transition and Policy.
Rachel Burbidge
Rachel Burbidge has been leading EUROCONTROL’s work on climate change adaptation and resilience since 2009, authoring the organisation’s ground-breaking Challenges of Growth work on Climate Adaptation, and several peer-reviewed journal articles. She co-chairs the European Aviation Climate Change Adaptation Working Group with ACI-EUROPE and co-leads the climate adaptation and resilience work of the ICAO Committee on Aviation and Environmental Protection (CAEP) Airport and Operations Working Group.
Michael Burke
Michael Burke is Director of DSDILGP’s Biofutures Queensland, delivering the $30 million Biofutures 10-Year Roadmap and Action Plan to position Queensland as an Asia-Pacific hub for biomanufacturing and biorefining. He previously held senior roles in the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries. With a background in aquatic animal husbandry, Michael spent 15 years at the Bribie Island Aquaculture Research Centre. He holds a Master of Aquaculture and a postgraduate degree in aquatic animal health.
Dr Lauren Burns
Dr Lauren Burns is Chief of Strategic Partnerships, Heart Aerospace. She has a PhD in Aerospace Engineering from RMIT University. Her early career focused on lightweight design of carbon fibre structures at Boeing Research & Technology – Australia, where she was lead author on 2 patents. Since 2018 she has worked on the design of electric aircraft: at Seattle-based start-up Zunum Aero on the ZA10 hybrid electric aircraft, and currently for Swedish-based Heart Aerospace, which is commercialising the world’s first 19-seat all-electric regional airliner.
Marina Bylinsky
Marina Bylinsky is Head of Sustainability at ACI EUROPE. She joined ACI EUROPE in September 2015 and is responsible for coordinating all aspects of the association’s sustainability strategy. In this role, she represents ACI EUROPE in various high-level European and global fora. She also oversees the administration and ongoing evolution of Airport Carbon Accreditation, the global carbon management standard developed by ACI EUROPE. Marina led the development of ACI EUROPE’s Sustainability Strategy for Airports and contributed to the airport industry’s input to the Destination 2050 initiative.
Dr Michelle Carter
Michelle is Head of Transport at KTN, the UK’s innovation network. She oversees KTN’s Transport activities including rail, maritime, automated and zero-emission vehicles, aviation, Mobility as a Service, and supporting systems. Working with strategic partners and innovators, KTN’s Transport Team supports the national decarbonisation agenda and greater transport efficiency. They help innovative businesses access R&D funding and connect with expertise, services, or technology to deliver transformative mobility solutions. Michelle also oversees the secretariat for the Jet Zero Council Sustainable Aviation Fuel Delivery Group.
Ken Conway
Ken leads Sustainable Aviation at Airbiz, a boutique international consultancy based in Sydney. With over two decades of experience, he has helped airports on five continents strengthen sustainability and ESG credentials through evidence-based planning, strategy, regulatory engagement, and public outreach. Airports globally engage Ken to develop strategies for cleaner, quieter, smarter operations. For Airports Council International (ACI-World), he led an 18-month Airbiz/ICF study recommending a Global Long-Term Carbon Goal and a sectoral decarbonisation roadmap..
Bob Criner
Bob is the CEO and co-founder of Stralis Aircraft, with 17 years of international aerospace experience, including five at the forefront of electric aircraft innovation. He supported Heart Aerospace and Ampaire with electric propulsion system development and was an early member of magniX, leading strategy, product roadmap, certification, and aircraft integration. Earlier in his career, Bob worked at Makani (GoogleX) and held lead roles on Saab, Airbus, Gulfstream, Northrop Grumman, and Boeing programs. He studied aerospace engineering at UNSW.
Michele D'Ercole
Michele D’Ercole, as the COO for magniX, is currently supporting the company’s development and certification efforts for their innovative electric propulsion systems, including motors, inverters and motor controllers for commercial aviation. In his previous role, he was President and General Manager at GE Aviation Czech Republic, managing GE’s small commercial turboprops business unit's profit and loss. Michele has more than 20 years of experience in aerospace, oil and gas, and automotive industries.
Jennifer Desharnais
Jennifer has over 18 years’ experience in tourism, spanning hospitality, events, tour operations, and aviation. She holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and an MSc in Air Transport Management from Cranfield University, UK. After roles with IATA in Geneva and Montreal, she returned to aviation in 2019 with ACI World. Her role supports the World Environment Standing Committee and ICAO’s Committee on Aviation Environmental Protection. Jennifer continues to build technical expertise in environmental and sustainability matters.
Ivan Diaz-Rainey
Professor Ivan Diaz-Rainey, a Professor of Finance at Griffith University, is a leading international expert in climate and sustainable finance. His research expertise includes climate finance, carbon markets, energy finance, banking, financial regulation, green Fintech and energy and environmental policy.
Alexandre Feray
Alexandre Feray is the founder and CEO of OpenAirlines, a French software company that developed SkyBreathe, the leading eco-flying solution based on Big Data and AI. SkyBreathe is used by 58 airlines worldwide and helped save 1M tons of CO2 in 2022. Alexandre Feray has an MSc in Computer Science from Ecole Centrale Paris and started his career at IBM Research in NY, USA.
Nick Fewster
Nick is the Environment and Sustainability Manager for Northern Territory Airports (Darwin International Airport, Alice Springs Airport and Tennant Creek Airport), overseeing environmental management and sustainability. His work includes renewable energy projects and emissions reduction initiatives. Nick recently completed an MBA at Adelaide University, specialising in corporate sustainability.
Stephen Forshaw
Stephen joined Airbus in 2022 as Chief Representative and Head of Country, Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific. He is a member of the Airbus Asia Pacific Leadership Team and is responsible for representing Airbus at a corporate level, covering all the business divisions: Commercial, Helicopters, Defence & Space.
Dr Maile Giffin
Maile is a Strategic Partnership Manager within the Innovative Partnerships team at the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE). Sustainable Aviation comes under both the team’s Cleantech portfolio and Aerospace strategy. Maile has been largely focussed on both hydrogen and sustainable aviation fuels and their role to play in helping to achieve a sustainable aviation industry.
Sara Hales
Sara Hales is Managing Director of AVISTRA and Greenbird, Australia’s AAM industry collaboration platform. A leading strategist, she delivers value through aviation, infrastructure, and air mobility. With unique experience in launching aviation businesses and pragmatic business development, Sara is passionate about the role of AAM in creating a world where air mobility is for everyone and doesn’t cost the Earth.
Heidi Hauf
Heidi was appointed Boeing’s regional sustainability lead for Asia Pacific in January 2021, leading sustainable aviation policy advocacy and developing partnerships to support aerospace sustainability goals. She also chairs industry groups including the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Alliance of Australia and New Zealand. A former Australian Army intelligence officer, Heidi has worked on systemic sustainability across public service, resource management, and business—advising leaders and shaping strategies and policy across Australia, Asia, East Africa, Europe, and the UK.
Distinguished Professor James Higham
James Higham is a Professor of Sustainable Tourism at Griffith University, Australia, and Honorary Professor at the University of Otago, New Zealand. He is founding director of the Otago Tourism Policy School (2019–2023) and former co-editor of the Journal of Sustainable Tourism (2014–2021). He has co/edited 15 books and published over 100 journal articles. In 2022, he was awarded the position of Ahorangi Taiea Distinguished Professor at the University of Otago.
Julia Hinwood
Julia Hinwood leads the Economic Infrastructure Business at the Clean Energy Finance Corporation, focusing on energy efficiency and emissions reduction in transport and the built environment. She also supports Australia’s supply chain for renewable and low-emission technologies. Before joining CEFC, Julia led the export credit financing team at National Australia Bank and worked at Toronto Dominion Bank. She has over 15 years’ experience in project finance across resources, infrastructure, energy and utilities. Julia holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) and a Bachelor of Arts.
Sami Jauhiainen
As Vice President of Asia Pacific, Renewable Aviation, Sami leads Neste’s sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) business in the region. He focuses on developing the SAF market, building supply chains and partnerships to increase availability, and collaborating with public and private stakeholders on credible aviation decarbonisation roadmaps. Prior to 2013, he worked in energy investment banking in London, advising global energy clients on mergers, acquisitions, and capital markets. Sami is passionate about purpose-driven business supporting a healthier planet for our children.
Tim Johnson
Tim Johnson is Director at the Aviation Environment Federation ( AEF) and a lead representative of the civil society participating in the International Civil Aviation Organization’s environmental work. AEF is the principal United Kingdom Non Government Organisation campaigning on aviation’s impacts on people and the environment, and represents communities living around airports and under flightpaths.
Daniel Juschus
Daniel Juschus is an Aerospace Engineering Master's student at the Delft University of Technology who has been focusing on hydrogen fuel cell propulsion for the last few years of his education. During the final project of his Bachelor degree, he designed a hydrogen-powered 19-seat regional aircraft in a group of 10 students, which was later awarded the 2018 Anthony Fokker Award of the NLF. Since the climate impact of aviation is an issue that is close to his heart, he is aiming to contribute to making aviation carbon-free. Currently, he is working on his Master thesis at GKN Aerospace.
Fredrik Kämpfe
Fredrik worked for the Swedish CAA, worked for EASA for 14 years, and in 2018 took the position of Director Industry Affairs for the Swedish Aviation Industry Group which forms part of the Swedish Confederation of Transport Enterprises. Fredrik has a technical background in mechanical engineering and graduated with a Master of Laws from Uppsala University and has a second master’s degree in International Air and Space Law from University of Leiden. Fredrik is a private pilot with over 400 flight hours as pilot in command and has worked several years at Stockholm Arlanda Airport for a ground handling company.
Dr Michael Kane
Dr Michael Kane is a Research Fellow at the University of Queensland researching future cities and sustainable transport. Michael has a PhD relating to knowledge economy, urban transport and planning. Michael is also the Head of Public Policy at RACQ working on innovative planning and development initiatives relating to clean energy, sustainable development, transport, smart cities and economic strategies.
Carola Kantz
Carola Kantz is the Deputy Managing Director of the VDMA Power-to-X for Applications working group. The working group represents the entire value chain of Power-to-X, from renewable energies to process engineering and applications. Previously, she coordinated the association's activities in the energy sector within the VDMA and represented the energy policy interests of the mechanical and plant engineering industry in Berlin. Before this, she worked as a consultant on energy, mobility and sustainability in Berlin and London. She holds a PhD in International Political Economy from the London School of Economics (LSE).
Dr Ruth Knibbe
Dr Ruth Knibbe is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Queensland and a Materials Engineer specialising in materials for electrochemical energy generation and storage systems. She has researched and developed fuel cell, electrolysis, and battery materials for various applications. After roles at the Danish Technical University and Victoria University of Wellington, Ruth joined UQ’s School of Mechanical & Mining Engineering in 2016. There, she established a research group focused on developing novel battery systems, with a current emphasis on solid-state batteries.
Axel Krein
Axel Krein is the Executive Director of Clean Sky and the Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking. Clean Aviation develops and demonstrates revolutionary new technologies and aircraft concepts to support the EU’s climate neutrality goals for aviation in the context of the Horizon Europe framework programme for Research & Innovation and the European Green Deal. Prior to Clean Sky, Axel held various senior positions over a 20-year career at Airbus. Axel holds a Masters in Aerospace Engineering from the Technical University of Aachen, Germany.
Ken Lau
Ken Lau is the Senior Manager, Environment and Airport Information Technology at ACI Asia-Pacific. Since 2012, Ken has coordinated environmental and IT initiatives, promoting cooperation among regional airports. Ken serves as secretariat for the ACI Asia-Pacific Regional Environment Committee and Airport IT Liaison Group and manages the Airport Carbon Accreditation program for members across the Middle East, Mongolia, Australia, and New Zealand. His background includes chemical engineering, plant management, construction, and environmental officer certification, with responsibility for safety, health, and environmental standards at treatment facilities.
Professor David Lee
David Lee is Professor of Atmospheric Science and leader of the ‘Aviation and Climate Research Group’ at Manchester Metropolitan University, UK. His background is in atmospheric science, with a specialization in climate science. David has participated as a Lead Author for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change since the late 1990s and contributed to assessments of WMO/UNEP Emissions Gap Reports, and co-leads the Impacts and Science Group of the International Civil Aviation Organization.
Glenn Llewellyn
Glenn Llewellyn is Vice President, Zero-Emission Aircraft at Airbus and a recognised leader in aviation climate strategy. He leads Airbus’s mission to launch the world’s first zero-emission commercial aircraft and has forged key cross-industry partnerships. Previously, Glenn led Airbus’s research portfolio to reduce climate impact, including demonstrators like the all-electric VTOLs – Vahana and CityAirbus – and the hybrid-electric E-Fan X.
Professor Brendan Mackey
Professor Brendan Mackey is Director of the Griffith Climate Action Beacon, Griffith Climate Change Response Program, and the National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility at Griffith University. He has a PhD in ecology from The Australian National University. The primary foci of Professor Mackey's current research are: * climate change adaptation and mitigation * science-based policy for climate change, conservation and sustainable development * the application of decision support systems to environmental problems.
Liam Megill
Liam Megill is the co-founder of AeroDelft, a Technical University of Delft student team with a mission to prove that emission-free aviation is possible by pioneering liquid hydrogen-powered electric aircraft. His work focuses on sustainable aircraft design, aviation climate policy, and advancing zero-emission technologies in aviation. Liam is a Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering student at the Technical University of Delft and a certified flight instructor in Germany.
Val Miftakhov
Val Miftakhov is Founder & CEO of ZeroAvia, a California-based company developing the world’s first practical zero-emission aviation powertrain. A serial EV entrepreneur, his previous company, eMotorWerks, created a leading platform for EV battery aggregation and was acquired in 2017. Val held senior roles at Google and McKinsey & Company and was a nuclear researcher at the Stanford Linear Accelerator. He holds a PhD in Physics from Princeton, a Master’s from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, is a two-time Russian physics competition winner, and holds airplane and helicopter pilot licenses.
Alan Milne
Alan has over 39 years’ experience in the aviation industry, spanning a diverse range of operational, regulatory and strategic management roles. Beginning his career as an aircraft maintenance engineer, Alan progressed through the management ranks to become a senior executive at Qantas. Alan then advanced to become the CEO of Air Niugini in the Pacific region before joining Skytrans in 2020. As a double degree qualified professional, a private pilot and a licensed engineer, Alan brings a vast wealth of knowledge of the airline industry to Skytrans.
Hemant Mistry
Hemant Mistry has 30 years’ experience in aviation, spanning technology application, commercial strategy, and regulatory reform. He leads IATA’s Energy Transition activities, supporting decarbonisation by working with airlines, governments, and the supply chain to achieve Net Zero by 2050. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he secured financial support for airlines and partners. Previously, as IATA’s Director of Infrastructure and Fuel, Hemant worked with governments, airports, ANSPs, and fuel suppliers to build partnerships, improve pricing and efficiency, and support capacity development.
Nik Mungilwar
Nik is the Senior Sustainability Specialist at Airservices Australia. He supports and manages the Sustainability portfolio, responsible for delivery of the organisational Sustainability Strategy including climate impacts and resilience planning. He is based in the Safety Security and Environment directorate, and systematically works on embedding sustainability in all organisational activities.
Andrew Murphy
Andrew joined Transport & Environment T&E as Aviation Director in 2014, having previously worked for the Green European Foundation and at the European Commission's transport directorate. Andrew is Irish, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and law and a Bachelor of Laws from the National University of Ireland, Galway. Since 2021, he is a member of Ireland’s Climate Change Advisory Council.
Graham Noyes
Graham Noyes’ legal practice focuses on fuel and carbon law. He represents the Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) Producer Group, which includes leading SAF companies such as Fulcrum BioEnergy, Gevo, LanzaJet, Velocys, and World Energy. Graham previously represented many of these producers in a coalition with A4A, United Airlines, and SFO Airport that secured California Air Resources Board approval to credit SAF under California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS).
Raechel Paris
Raechel Paris is the Executive General Manager, Governance at Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC). Raechel drives the sustainability strategy for BAC in fulfilling its vision to “Connect the World – Create the Future” and ensuring BAC continues its focus on delivering sustainable value to its four Bosses – the Community, its Employees, its Shareholders and its Customers.
Cindy Park
Cindy is a Graduate Policy Advisor within the Gas and Fuel Markets Policy team at the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE). Cindy has been supporting the development of a sustainable aviation fuels mandate in New Zealand, under the team's Energy and Resources portfolio. Prior to this role, Cindy graduated from the University of Auckland with a Bachelors of Health Sciences in Population Health.
Paul Peeters
Paul Peeters is currently an emeritus Professor at the Centre for Sustainability, Tourism and Transport (CSTT) of Breda University of Applied Sciences (BUAS). He worked as an aircraft designer at Fokker, and as a researcher in the field of wind energy, and environment and transport.
Paul Perera
Paul is CTO and Co-Founder PXL-ICE and has been in business for 34 years, covering roles as diverse as Programme Manager, Strategy and Planning Director, General Manager, Strategy & Future Programmes Director, VP for Technology and Innovation, Operations Director across Military Technology, and Aerospace industries as well as the founder of 3 start-ups, and Non-Executive Director. Paul is currently completing a Global MBA whilst setting up 3 companies including PXL-ICE, which is building on innovation leveraged from Manufacturing collaboration and digital twins for discrete event modelling.
Joshua Portlock
Josh is the Founder of Electro.Aero and has over a decade of experience developing and commercialising electric propulsion and autonomous systems. He is an entrepreneur and robotics engineer who has specialised in electric propulsion technologies. Josh founded Electro.Aero to help safely propel the sustainable aviation industry, through developing and commercialising electric propulsion systems for aircraft development partners, including chargers, batteries and energy management systems.
Denise Pronk
Denise has worked at Royal Schiphol Group since 2008 and is Head of Sustainability, with a vision to make sustainability integral to business operations. Based in the Strategy and Airport Planning department, she focuses on embedding sustainability across the organisation. In addition to transforming the airport sustainably, she is committed to helping achieve net-zero carbon emissions in aviation by 2050. Denise is also an active member of Airports Council International Europe and World, contributing to sustainability discussions at both European and global levels.
Georgine Roodenrys
Georgine Roodenrys is a Partner with Deloitte advising private and public sectors on decarbonisation, circular economy, energy transition and sustainability. Current highlights include working for the International Olympic Committee on Climate & Sustainability and B2032 as well as a range of engagements on building the Hydrogen and Low Carbon Liquid Fuel industries in Queensland.
Hugh Ross
Hugh Ross is an Assistant Director in the National Emerging Aviation Technologies Policy section of the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications, and is responsible for drone and Advanced Air Mobility infrastructure and regulation. Hugh has a background in strategic policy and program development across the education, employment and infrastructure portfolios.
Jessica Rudd
Jessica is an experienced sustainability professional who is passionate about embedding sustainability into an organisations activities and culture. As the Head of Sustainability at Brisbane Airport Corporation, Jess is responsible for developing BAC’s long-term sustainability strategy and initiatives which focus on decarbonisation, circular economy, climate change and social sustainability.
Jeremy Sampson
Jeremy Sampson, CEO of the Travel Foundation, leads global efforts to improve tourism's impacts on people and the environment. Based in Spokane, Washington, he collaborates with leading travel companies and destinations, providing practical solutions. Jeremy has extensive experience in tourism and sustainability, including roles at IUCN and Sustainable Travel International.
Aaron Shaw
Aaron is Founder and CEO of Sydney Seaplanes, specialising in charter, scheduled tourism, and regional aviation services. Formed in 2006 through the amalgamation of three seaplane companies, it has become an iconic Sydney experience and a key part of Sydney Harbour activity. Aaron has helped establish seaplane businesses in Vietnam, the Philippines, and Indonesia, and consulted for companies in China, the USA, and New Zealand. He holds a commercial pilot’s licence and seaplane endorsement.
Keith Shine
Keith Shine FRS is Regius Professor of Meteorology and Climate Science at the University of Reading, UK. His past work has included a focus on non-CO2 aviation impacts including the impact of contrails, NOx and water vapour emissions. He was a co-author of a recent critical review of uncertainties in mitigating such non-CO2 climate impacts (DOI: 10.1039/d3ea00091e) from hydrocarbon fuels.
Jacob Snelgrove
Jacob works in Air New Zealand’s Sustainability team with a focus on future zero emissions aircraft technology. This work encompasses aircraft technology across hydrogen, battery and hybrid platforms as well as understanding the enabling infrastructure required to support future aircraft deployment. Jacob began his career in the airline industry 15 years ago as an airline pilot, flying for both Air New Zealand and Jetstar Airways. Prior to moving into sustainability, Jacob had held a variety of flight operations leadership roles at both airlines focused on fleet entry to service programs, safety management and pilot training.
Pete Sutherland
Pete has 26 years aviation experience, primarily as an Engineering Officer with the Royal New Zealand Air Force where he worked on the creation of the New Zealand Defence Force airworthiness regulations. He is currently managing CAA NZ’s project for ensuring that New Zealand’s aviation regulatory system is prepared for the entry into service of New Zealand’s first commercial electric aeroplane operation in 2026.
Yun-Yuan Tay
Yun-Yuan Tay is Head of Asia-Pacific for Skyports, a global Advanced Air Mobility infrastructure developer and drone services operator. He leads vertiport and drone services businesses, including business development, project management, and technology deployment. With 10+ years in aerospace, aviation, and consulting, he held roles at McKinsey & Company, ICF Aviation, and United Airlines. Yun holds a Bachelor’s in Aerospace Engineering, an MBA from Harvard Business School and is a certified FAA private pilot.
Keith Tonkin
Keith has been in the aviation industry since 1986. He spent 15 years in the RAAF flying tactical transport and long-range strike and reconnaissance aircraft, then another 9 years in international and domestic operations for Qantas. Since then, through respected consultancy Aviation Projects, Keith has provided trusted expert advice about airport planning, operational risk and aerodrome safeguarding to government and corporate clients throughout Australia and the Asia Pacific, enabling the development and implementation of practical solutions to complex aviation problems.
Rosalinde van der Vlies
Rosalinde is Director of the Clean Planet Directorate in the European Commission’s, Directorate-General for Research and Innovation and Deputy Mission Manager of the Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities Mission. Before her appointment, Ms. van der Vlies was the Head of Coordination and Interinstitutional Relations Unit, and acting Head of Communication and Citizens Unit.
Dr Susan van Dyk
Susan holds a PhD in Biochemistry and a Master’s in Law and has been a biofuels expert for 17 years. For the past nine years, she has focused on conversion technologies for drop-in and sustainable aviation biofuels (SAF). She managed four SAF/biojet projects addressing technologies, feedstock, supply chains, sustainability, and policy, and has authored multiple reports and academic publications. Susan coordinated IEA Bioenergy Task 39 (liquid biofuels) from 2013–2018 and is currently a research associate at the University of British Columbia.
Claire Waghorn
Claire is the Sustainable Transition Leader for Christchurch International Airport, working towards accelerating the transition within the aviation sector towards zero carbon. As a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand, her focus was on international climate law. She also holds a MSc International Relations (LSE, London), and LLB and BA (Hons) in Diplomacy and International Relations (UC, New Zealand). Claire’s previous roles include Parliamentary Researcher for the Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand and Foreign Policy Officer for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Rhyan Wardman
Rhyan invested in Sounds Air in 2009, becoming a Director in 2013 and appointed Board Chairman in November 2019. His career has spanned various industries and roles, ranging from founding start-ups to holding executive positions in multi-national companies. Rhyan was a Wine Marlborough Director from 2014, concluding his tenure as Board Chairman in 2017. He is a Board Director for Wellington-based tech start-up, Marama Labs, and recently co-founded The Coterie and acquired the iconic Seresin Estate Winery in Marlborough. Rhyan is a member of the Institute of Directors.
Jamison Warren
Passionate is one word most people use to describe Jamison who has been with FCM for nearly 10 years. With approximately 15 years in the travel industry and his strategic mindset and infectious enthusiasm, as the Director Global Sales and Strategic University Partnerships FCM Travel, Jamison is responsible for FCM’s Graduate Program, the Intern Program, and relationships between Flight Centre’s Responsible Travel Charter, Worldwise, and FCM’s university partners. Helping universities and corporate clients make more sustainable travel choices (embracing green as the true ‘new normal’) is a particular passion.
Dr Robert Weaver
Rob is the Regulation & Public Policy Global Lead for Eve Air Mobility, the Embraer backed startup dedicated to accelerating the global Urban Air Mobility (UAM) ecosystem. Previously he was Executive General Manager Safety, Environment & Assurance at Airservices Australia, where he was a member of the Executive for six years. He has also worked for the UK’s Air Navigation Service Provider and holds a PhD in safety-critical systems from the University of York.
Professor Simon Weeks
Professor Simon Weeks has just launched his own consultancy business. He was CTO for the Aerospace Technology Institute, responsible for the UK’s aerospace technology strategy and £5Bn+ programme. Previously, Simon held senior engineering & technology roles with Rolls-Royce, including Global Head of Aerospace R&T, Director of Engineering Operations for Aero Engine Controls and Technical Director for Eurojet, leading development of the EJ200 engine for Eurofighter Typhoon.
Professor Paul Williams
Paul Williams is Professor of Atmospheric Science at the University of Reading, UK. Educated in physics to PhD level at Oxford, he specialises in atmospheric turbulence, jet streams, numerical modelling, and climate change, with a focus on weather-sensitive applications including aviation. He has published two books and over 70 scientific papers in leading journals. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Physics and the Royal Meteorological Society.
Emma Wilson
Emma Wilson is Director of Policy and Advocacy for Airlines for Australia and New Zealand A4ANZ, representing airlines including Qantas, Virgin Australia, Air New Zealand, Jetstar, and Rex. She works across key public policy areas such as airport regulation, aviation security, and sustainability. Collaborating with stakeholders within and beyond aviation in Australia and internationally, Emma led the development of the Net Zero Roadmap for Sustainable Flying.
Professor Talal Yusaf
Professor Talal Yusaf recently joined Aviation Australia as Chief Business Development Officer. He has held teaching, research, and management positions across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, the United Kingdom, and Queensland over the past 28 years. Professor Yusaf holds PhDs in renewable energy and biotechnology. He has a strong research background, with a field of specialisation in renewable energy, alternative fuels, and mechanical methods for water treatment.