A new study, Southeast Asia’s Aviation Sector: Post-Pandemic Strategies and the Implications of a Rapid Recovery, projected the region's aviation sector could be 90% recovered by the end of 2023 and that the outlook is generally bright. However, the study said the last leg of the recovery or the final 10% capacity would likely be the most difficult to achieve due to fleet and manpower constraints.

These webinars from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) presented key findings from the study and an update on the aviation sector's recovery. The webinars examined strategies aimed at helping the aviation sector fully recover and return to growth.

The first webinar focused on market recovery strategies, including related recommendations from the study while the second webinar discussed the sector's rapid recovery over the last year and its implications. Both webinars featured a presentation from the study's co-authors, Brendan Sobie and Edward Clayton, followed by a panel discussion with speakers from the Southeast Asian aviation industry and a Q&A session.

Speakers

First webinar:

Introduction: Hiroaki Yamaguchi, Director, Transport and Communications Division, Southeast Asia Department, ADB
Brendan Sobie, Independent Analyst and Consultant, Sobie Aviation 
Edward Clayton, Partner, Capital Projects and Infrastructure-Malaysia and Viet Nam, PwC
Mike Szucs, Chief Executive Officer, Cebu Pacific Air
Paul Carroll, Chief Revenue and Network Officer, AirAsia Group
ASEAN Secretariat representative

Second webinar:

Chaorin Shim, Senior Transport Specialist, Transport and Communications Division, Southeast Asia Department, ADB
Brendan Sobie, Independent Analyst and Consultant, Sobie Aviation;
Edward Clayton, Partner, Capital Projects and Infrastructure-Malaysia and Viet Nam, PwC
Datuk Chandran Rama Muthy, Group Strategy Director, Lion Group
Otto Gergye, CEO Advisor, Thai Airways International
Ching Kiat Lim, Executive Vice-President, Air Hub and Cargo Development, Changi Airport