UNSW Aviation Industry Panel Discussion Series

Assistant Professor | School of Science | UNSW Canberra

Dr. Uğur Turhan is an accomplished academic and Senior Lecturer in aviation at UNSW Canberra, specializing in Air Traffic Management, Airport Operations, Aviation Safety, and Human Factors in Aviation. With a Ph.D. in Civil Aviation Management from Anadolu University, Dr. Turhan has over two decades of experience in both academic and professional settings.

Dr. Turhan has held various academic positions, recently serving as Deputy Director at the Capability Systems Centre and Senior Lecturer at UNSW Canberra. He has also served as an Assistant Professor at Eskisehir Technical University and Anadolu University. His international experience includes a visiting professorship at Embry Riddle Aviation Academy.

Dr. Turhan’s research focuses on aviation safety, air traffic management, airport operations, and human factors. He has authored numerous articles in prestigious journals and contributed to several international projects funded by the European Commission. His notable publications include studies on aircraft maintenance, air traffic control training, and aviation security.

Dr. Turhan has taught a wide range of courses, including Air Traffic Management, Airport Operations, Safety Management Applications in Aviation, and Human Factors in ATC. He has also developed and delivered specialized training programs for air traffic controllers and airport operators.

Dr. Turhan has been involved in several high-profile projects, such as the FACT project under the European Commission HORIZON2020 and the Skill-UP project under Erasmus+. He has also held key administrative roles, including Deputy Chair of the Air Traffic Control Department and Safety Management System Director at Anadolu University International Airport.

Dr. Turhan holds various certifications, including a Turkish CAA Air Traffic Controller License and training in aviation safety management systems, project management, and human factors in maintenance.

CEO | Founder | Principal Aerospace Advisor,  Flight Next and former Integrated Airspace Technical Lead with AirServices Australia

James Kaminski is the Founder and CEO of Flight Next, an Australian aviation advisory focused on airspace ecosystem integration. He holds a Master of Science and Technology in Aviation from UNSW and has more than 25 years' experience across the transport sector, including almost two decades in aviation. James works at the crossroads of industry, government and academia to address operational, policy and technological challenges shaping aviation's next chapter. He contributes to international aviation standards and industry forums focused on the safe and efficient integration of emerging aviation capabilities that enable seamless airspace outcomes.

Head of Civil Air Traffic Control | Rohde & Schwarz 

Rod Sciortino is Head of Civil Air Traffic Control at Rohde & Schwarz Australia, where he works with aviation stakeholdersacross Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific to modernise critical communications and air traffic management infrastructure.

Before joining Rohde & Schwarz, Rod spent more than 35 years with Airservices Australia in a range of operational and executive leadership roles across air traffic management and airport operations. His experience spans frontline operations, major infrastructure programs and the delivery of critical aviation services.

Rod is passionate about helping the aviation industry embrace innovation in a practical way, combining operational experience with technology to improve safety, resilience and efficiency.

First Assistant Secretary, International Aviation, Technology & Services, Department of Infrastructure,  Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts.

Richard is an experienced leader in the Australian Public Service with over 15 years in the Senior Executive Service.

Richard leads a division with responsibility for international aviation matters, aviation agency governance, safety and airspace policy, emerging technologies (including policy relating to RPAS and AAM), low carbon fuels, accessibility as well as the preliminary flight paths and environmental assessment for the new Western Sydney Airport. This builds on significant experience in the aviation policy earlier in his career including responsibility for bilateral air services negotiations and aviation environmental matters, region al development, urban policy and a range of complex infrastructure initiatives in the rail sector.

Richard is a Graduate of the Institute of Company Directors and holds a Master of Environmental Studies from the University of Adelaide.

Interim CEO | Skykraft

Dr Rob Weaver was appointed as Interim CEO at Skykraft on 10 September 2026. He is a senior aviation professional with over 20 years of operational, regulatory and strategic experience across air traffic management, aviation safety and future aviation technology. 

He has worked for both the UK and Australian air navigation service providers, NATS and Airservices Australia, including six years as an Executive General Manager at Airservices, where he led safety, environment and assurance for Australian air traffic control and Aviation Rescue Fire Fighting. He served on the Global Safety Standing Committee of CANSO (the Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation) and chaired its Asia Pacific Safety Workgroup.

From 2018 to 2026 he worked with Embraer and Eve Air Mobility in the advanced air mobility sector, leading the development of safety and operational concepts for future air traffic management. He drove global business development and regulatory engagement for a new air traffic management platform, taking it from initial concept to first commercial operational service. He was a member of CANSO's Complete Air Traffic System Global Council and an adviser to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority through its Aviation Safety Advisory Panel technical work groups.

Rob holds a PhD in Computer Science (safety-critical systems) and a Master of Engineering in Computer Systems and Software Engineering, both from the University of York, UK. He is a Board Director of the Australian Association for Unmanned Systems.