Airlines for Australia and New Zealand (A4ANZ) has appointed Stephen Beckett as CEO, bringing government and industry expertise to the peak airline body.
Airlines for Australia and New Zealand (A4ANZ) said Stephen Beckett will become Chief Executive Officer on 20 October 2025. He joins from Virgin Australia, where he served as General Manager of Government and Industry Affairs for almost two years.
Beckett is a familiar name in aviation policy and public affairs. Beyond his role at Virgin Australia, his CV includes Head of Public Affairs at Brisbane Airport and Senior Tourism, Transport and Trade Adviser to the Queensland Government, experience that gives him a 360-degree view of the airport–airline–government nexus.
A4ANZ said this background equips him to navigate the regulatory and operational challenges facing carriers across Australia and New Zealand.
In comments releasing the news, A4ANZ Chair Professor Graeme Samuel AC said Beckett brings “exceptional experience across aviation, tourism and transport policy,” adding that the sector is contending with “ongoing regulatory, commercial and geopolitical pressures.”
He said the immediate focus will be keeping air travel accessible and affordable for consumers while supporting member airlines to operate sustainably and continue connecting communities across Australia, New Zealand and beyond.
How will A4ANZ approach regulation and sustainability?
According to Professor Samuel, A4ANZ will be “laser-focused” on ensuring the aviation sector remains efficient, competitive and sustainable. That includes advocating for regulatory frameworks that protect financial viability alongside environmental responsibility and the needs of growing communities. The organisation emphasised aviation’s essential role in connecting regions, driving economic growth and supporting jobs across both countries.
Professor Samuel also paid tribute to outgoing CEO Emma Wilson, noting her leadership and guidance through the Australian Government’s Aviation White Paper process. Beckett steps into the role with that policy context front of mind as carriers and airports adjust to reforms and new expectations across infrastructure, competition and sustainability.
Beckett’s combination of airline, airport and government advisory experience positions him to articulate industry needs across both sides of the Tasman. For travel sellers, airports, tourism boards and tech providers, that advocacy translates into policy discussions on issues such as slot coordination, regional connectivity, sustainable aviation fuel scale-up, and consumer protections, all areas that shape network planning and ultimately the breadth, reliability and price of air options available to travellers.
Established in 2017, A4ANZ is the peak representative body for airlines operating in Australia and New Zealand. It advocates for airport operations, infrastructure access, regulatory frameworks, and industry sustainability. Members include Qantas, Virgin Australia, Air New Zealand, Jetstar, and Rex.
For more, head to www.a4anz.com
