Conference

2024

Air Expo Conference
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Air Expo Abu Dhabi is an aviation & aerospace industry think tank.

Relevant stakeholders from the industry will meet over three days to discuss today's challenges and tomorrow's opportunities.

Don't miss out on your chance to have your say at one of the Middle East industry's leading aviation events!

The Air Expo Abu Dhabi is an unparalleled global aviation exhibition & conference in the UAE's capital.

Program 2024

 DAY 1 : Tuesday 19th November 2024

11:00 - 11:10

Opening welcome speech

11:10  – 12:40

Abu Dhabi's Leadership in Aviation Training
Leading Aviation Training Solutions in Abu Dhabi Towards Vision 2030!
Highlighting achievements and milestones that showcase Abu Dhabi as a leader in aviation training in the MENA region.

Introductory statement:
Mr Yousif Al Hammadi - President Emirates Aviation Association

Speakers:
Mr Jubran al Breiki - CEO, Etihad Airport Services
Captain Stefan Dudda - Head of Training, Etihad Aviation Training
Mr Ebraheem Budebs - Group Head of Human Resource, SANAD
Mr Dennis Chavez - Head of Training, GANS 
Captain Mohamed Anwahi - VP, Flight Operations, Etihad Airways
Dr
Roberto Sabatini - Professor, Aerospace Engineering, Khalifa University

Moderator:
Paolo La Cava - Chief Executive Officer at Etihad Aviation Training

13:00  – 13:50

Aerospace and the UAE: Pushing New Frontiers 

Moderator:
Tej Mehta
Vice President Strategy,  SANAD

Speakers:
Mr Kuljit Ghata-Aura
President of Boeing ME
Mr Ziad Al Hazmi
CEO, Lufthansa Technik
Mr Ahmed Al Shehhi
Senior Manager
Airspace, GCAA
Mr Miguel A Lopez
Managing Director
Strategy & Consulting Middle East
Accenture

13:50 - 14:20

Revolutionizing Regional Air Mobility
VoltAero’s Hybrid-Electric Future.
VoltAero will share insights into their pioneering work, highlighting their approach to hybrid-electric propulsion systems. Attendees can look forward to an in-depth presentation on Voltaero's vision for the future of advanced air mobility, focusing on sustainability, efficiency, and regional connectivity.

Speakers :
Jean BOTTI
CEO, VoltAero
Christophe Lapierre
CEO, Sigma Air Mobility

14:40  – 15:45

Middle East Leading Advanced Air Mobility 
As the world turns to the Middle East for innovation, Abu Dhabi is emerging as a critical hub for the future of advanced air mobility. What do global AAM players need from the region to foster growth, and what can they offer in return? This panel will examine the region's potential to lead in infrastructure, regulation, and market adoption, while providing a platform for local and international stakeholders to align on mutual benefits.

Speakers:
Ms. Ghiya Al-Haj-Hasan,
Chief Commercial Officer,
Middle East & Africa, Honeywell
Mr. Dan Sloat
,
President
Advanced Air Mobility Institute
Dr Gustavo dos Santos

Executive Director
Aircraft Propulsion and Turbomachinery

 DAY 2 : Wednesday 20th November 2024

Women in Aviation
Opening welcome speech
10:00 - 10:10

Ms. Mervat Sultan, President WAI-ME

Guest Speaker
Sheikha Rawda bint Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan
Member of the UAE Children’s Parliament, Member of the UAE Children’s Parliament, Committee on Environmental Affairs and Sustainability

10:10 - 10:20

Keynote Speaker
Dr. Khaled Al Mazrouei
CEO
Strata

10:20 - 10:30

Keynote Speaker
Dr. Nadia Bastaki
Chief People and Corporate Affairs Officer,
Etihad Airways

Master of ceremonies
Ms Christina Loannidis
CEO Aquitude
Consultant, Trainer, Speaker

10:30 - 10:40

Guest Speaker
Ms Imen Sfaxi
From Wheelchair to Air
A national hero is championing inclusivity in Advanced Air Mobility with her visionary project, 'From Wheelchair to Flying Vehicle,' empowering women and individuals with reduced mobility

10:40 - 11:20

Innovations in Air Mobility
A discussion on the latest technological innovations in air mobility, including electric aircraft, urban air transport, and autonomous flying systems.

Moderator :
Dr Eng Suaad Al Shamsi
Women in Aviation Board Member
Speakers :
Ms. Ghiya Al-Haj-Hasan
Chief Commercial Officer,
Middle East & Africa, Honeywell
Ms. Anastasia Lit
Head of Special Projects,
Spacetech in Gulf
Captain Fahad ibne Masood
MRAeS - Advanced Air Mobility SME - Modern College of Business & Science

11:20 - 12:00

Challenges and Opportunities for Women in Aviation and Air Mobility
Addressing the unique challenges women face in the aviation and the new technology of air mobility sector and exploring opportunities for growth, leadership, and inclusivity.

Moderator :
Captain Kristina Tervo
VP Women in Aviation Middle East Chapter
Speakers :
Ms. Bushra Naser
Global Cybersecurity Marketing Manager, Lenovo
Ms. Nairouz Bader
CEO, Envision Partnership
Ms. Sultana Yassin
Lead QMS Auditor, and AAM Advocate
Ms. Katrin Mayrhofer
COO and Co-Founder,
ELSA Industry S.R.L.
Ms. Bayan Al Otaibi
Managing partner at
Jetzhub & First Sky

 12:00 - 12:10

Introduction about Women in Aviation Middle East Chapter

Keynote Speaker :
Heba Hussain
Manager Airline Relations
Abu Dhabi Airports

 12:10 - 13:00

Navigating the Future of Air Cargo: Digitization, E-commerce, and Sustainability

Panelists :
Mr Hamdi Osman, CEO and Founder Solit Air
Dr. Raman Kumar, CEO, Al Futtaim Logistics
Mr Jaideep Mirchandani,
Founder Sky One

Moderator : 
Ms Poonam Chawla,
Associate Publisher Air Cargo

13:10 - 13:30

Fireside Chat : Leadership in Aviation: Paving the Way for Future Generations.
An informal, in-depth conversation with a prominent leader in aviation discussing their journey, leadership lessons, and advice for aspiring professionals.

Moderator :
Pilot Alharath Bin Sama, Pilot & Flight Instructor - Pier Seven Aviation
Speaker :
Ms. Rayan Alraeesi,
VEX Robotics Engineer

13:30 - 14:10

Sustainability and the Future of Air Mobility
Exploring sustainable practices in air mobility, including eco-friendly aircraft designs, green aviation fuels, and policies promoting environmental responsibility.

Moderator :
Dr. Gerasimos Kontos
Professor at Abu Dhabi University
Speakers :
Mr. Fadi Elamin
CEO, My Skies Aviation
Ms. Malak Trabelsi
CEO, Vernwell Group
Mr. Dan Sloat
Founder & President,
Advanced Air Mobility Institute
Ms. Magdalena Lewicka
Global Design Manager – Airports, Honeywell
Mr Mohamed Hafez
Regional Strategy & Market Development Lead, Boeing

14:10 - 14:30

A focused talk on the critical role of technology in advancing air mobility, covering innovations such as AI, IoT, and data analytics in aviation. This session will also highlight the significant contributions of women in these technological advancements, showcasing their leadership, innovations, and impact on the future of air mobility.

Speaker :
Ms Magdalena Filcek
Air Balloon Pilot & NASA Employee

Close of Women in Aviation

14:40 - 15:00

The Pilot Shortage vs. The Fear of AI:
Why Human Pilots Are Here to Stay

Mr Rizwan Taj
Admissions Consultant & Pilot Theory Instructor, Licensee Manager 
Airways Aviation

15:00 - 15:40

Paving the Way for Hydrogen-Electric Aviation Adoption:
What plans are in place to commercialize hydrogen-electric aviation and the path to get there.

Dr Sayem Zafar
Lead Researcher – Aircraft Propulsion and Turbomachinery
TII - Technologie Innovation Institute

Advanced Air Mobility: Emerging Trends and Innovations

Dr Gustavo dos Santos
Executive Director - Aircraft Propulsion and Turbomachinery

16:10 - 16:40

Enhancing Aviation Performance 
Leveraging Physiological Science for Optimal Staff Health and Efficiency.
How can aviation companies exploit recent, cutting-edge research achievements in physiological sciences with the aim of maximising their performance by keeping their professional staff in peak physical and mental condition?
Speaker:
Mr Botond Szucs
Pharmaflight

16:40 - 17:00

Bridging the gap from Ab-initio training to Airline
Speaker:
George Triantafyllidis
Chief Commercial Officer
Egnatia Aviation

 DAY 3 : Thursday 21st November 2024

10:30 - 11:30

Navigating the Skies: Shaping Aviation Training for 2050:

  • How aircraft manufacturers are influencing training
  • Creating comprehensive pilot training solutions
  • Current challenges and advancements in pilot training
  • Digitalizing training records, streamlining operations, utilizing data analytics for optimizing training efficiency
  • Global standardization efforts
  • Discuss sustainability trends in aviation training
  • How simulators and technology are advancing pilot education

Moderator :
Mr Maximilian Buerger
Managing Director
AFM

Participants :
Captain Abhishek Nadkarni,
P7aviation
Mr George Triantafyllidis,
Chief Commercial Officer,
Egnatia Aviation
Captain Torbjörn Wischer
Director of Training Standards and Performance at BAA Training
Mr Walter Da Costa,
Chief Sales officer,
TECNAM

TECNAM, PIER 7, CAE EMIRATES, EGNATIA AVIATION, BAA TRAINING

11:30 - 12:00

How to become an Airline Pilot on a small budget

Mr Roy Ritter
Head of Training
Regional Air School

12:00 - 12:45

The Future of Aviation: Innovations in Advanced Air Mobility, Drones, and Electric Aircraft.

It will include a series of engaging discussions revolving around:

  • The development and potential of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
  • The various applications of drone technology in sectors such as logistics, surveillance, and agriculture.
  • The integration of advanced air mobility solutions, exploring both challenges and opportunities.
  • The significance of advanced training and simulation technologies in preparing pilots and operators for these emerging aviation technologies.
  • The development and promotion of technologies to reduce the aviation industry's carbon footprint, enhance fuel efficiency, and support renewable energy sources.

Moderator :
Captain Ramandeep Oberoi
Chief executive
Falcon Aviation

Panelists:

Mr Mikhail Alenkin
Founder and CEO
ArcosJets
Mr Hamza Betraoui
CEO
GIS Drones
Mr Daniel Peabody
CEO
Mallard Enterprises

13:00  – 13:50

ADNOC Aviation Services
Expansion of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) & Lower Carbon Aviation Fuel (LCAF).
Showcasing an unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainability, ADNOC Retail Aviation's support underscores its pivotal role in the aviation sector's advancement

Moderator:
Mr Alejandro Rios Galvan
Chief Research Scientist,  Khalifa University of Science and Technology  
Speakers:
Dr Stephane Morin
Manager, Experimental R&D,
ADNOC Refining Research Centre
Mr Gaetano Lucisano
Senior Biofuel and Feedstock Trader, ADNOC Global Trading
Mr Khalid Saad
Concluding his doctorate studies in AI
Fredrick Obiosa
Senior Manager, Business Development,
Masdar Green Hydrogen

14:00 - 14:45

Smart Vertiports To Automate 
The Future of Advanced Air Mobility :
ITOR MARTIN

  • Advanced Air Mobility for smart cities needs smart AAM ground infrastructure, reliable in all-operational conditions and allowing management of several simultaneous operations, while keeping DOC to a minimum.

  • Vertiport design and technology working together to elevate AAM to the take-off position, with specific vertiport networks perfectly adapted to the market, and supporting real business cases for a sustainable development of this new mobility.

    Speaker:
    Aitor Martin
    Managing Director
    Itor Martin

Why you should attend the Air Expo 2024 Conference & Exhibition

    • Hear from diverse, high-level speakers from aviation thought leaders, regulators and operators
    • See the latest technology innovations breaking into the market and propelling the Middle East industry
    • Engage with experts from across the industry and find out about developments throughout the three-day event
    • Learn through attending one of the exciting panels and sessions to deepen your knowledge and get the conversation going
    • Meet with peers and gain a competitive advantage with unlimited networking opportunities, allowing you to make business connections with new customers and suppliers
    • Bench-mark with the leading global best practices to align to changing trends
    • Network with aviation industry leaders and operational practitioners
    • Grow your knowledge and insights into the aviation industry

 AIR EXPO 2022 CONFERENCE PROGRAM

  Conferences program 2022

 DAY 1 : Tuesday 1st November 2022


13h00-13h05 : Welcome speech
Speaker :
Ms. Mervat Sultan - WAI-ME President

Master of Ceremony : Mrs. Muna Sulaiman

13h10-13h15 : Keynote speech
Speaker : Mr. Yousif Al Hamadi, President Emirates Aviation Association

13h15-13h25 : APPRECIATION AWARDS CEREMONY
Speaker :
WAI-ME

13h25-13h35 : Keynote Speaker – Etihad Airways
Speaker : Dr. Nadia Al Bastaki, Chief Human Resources and Organizational Development (HROD), & Asset Management Officer
Etihad Airways

13h35-13h40 : WAI video
Speaker : WAI-ME

13h40-13h55 : Storyteller
Speaker : Captain Ghadha, First Officer, Air Arabia

 CONFERENCE TOPICS - WOMEN IN AVIATION

PANEL 01

The aim of Panel 01 is to highlight the role and prosperity of women in the aviation industry. As well, it will emphasize the importance of empowering women, allowing them to provide value to the aviation industry through their knowledge and experience.

13h55-14h25 : PANEL 01, THE FUTURE OF AVIATION AND THE ROLE OF WOMEN IN DEVELOPMENT

  • Role and prosperity of women in the aviation industry.
  • Importance of empowering women and adding value in aviation.

Speakers : Mrs. Roula Droubi, Regional Director, Boeing Company
Mrs. Magdalena Lewicka, Global Design Manager - Airports, Honeywell
Ms. Huda Al Shamsi, Vice President, Marketing, Branding & Communication,
Abu Dhabi Airports       

ModeratorMrs. Nadia Gharaybeh, Marketing Manager, DC Aviation Al-Futtaim

14h25-14h30 : Video
Etihad Airways

14h30-14h45 : Story-Teller
Speaker : Dr. Eng. Suaad Al Shamsi, Technical Advisor, Etihad Airways

 PANEL 02

The aim of Panel 02: As the aviation market continues to grow, sustainability commitments and efforts are going to be necessary to meet industry and global climate goals. The goal of this panel is to provide insight into where we are at in reaching our industry target.

14h45-15h15 : PANEL 02, SUSTAINIBILITY IN AVIATION

  • Importance of sustainability commitments to meet industry and global climate goals.
  • How is the industry performing versus the targets?

Speakers : Mr. Linus Benjamin Bauer, CEO, Bauer Aviation Advisory
Mrs. Malak Trabelsi Loeb, Managing Director, Vernewell Management

ModeratorDr. Tiffany Claire Delport, CEO Envirotech International 

15h15-15h30 : Storyteller
Speaker :
Mrs. Dina Beljaflah, Vice President, Women in Aviation

PANEL 03

The aim of Panel 03: In our industry, the question arises whether our educational institutions keep their curriculums up to date with the latest technologies and innovations. Describe the challenges and difficulties they face to keep pace with the rapid developments in the aviation industry.

15h35-16h05 : PANEL 03, READINESS OF EDUCATION SYSTEM ALIGNED WITH TECHNOLOGY GROWTH

  • How updated is aviation educational system in line with the latest technologies and innovations.
  • Challenges and opportunities to keep pace with the rapid developments in the aviation industry.

Speakers : Dr. Asma Alnusairi, CEO, 2071 For Management Consultancies and Training
Mrs. Lilit Tshughuryan, Founder and Managing Director Akademikka Training Institute

ModeratorDr. Gerasimos Kontos, Associate Professor, Abu Dhabi University

16h05-16h10 : Closing


 DAY 2 : Wednesday 2nd November 2022

10h-10h15 : United Nations Presentation by Chief Aviation Transportation & Logistics Section

Speaker : Joscha Kremers, Chief Aviation Transportation & Logistics Section, United Nation

 PANEL 01

The aim of Panel 01 : The aviation industry is very dynamic and by the nature of the international business it operates, any interna-tional development can impact and reshape the industry. This panel discusses the future developments in business aviation across airlines and airports and opportunities across Abu Dhabi to connect to the world and beyond.

10h15-11h : FUTURE GROWTH & DEVELOPMENTS IN AVIATION

  • The Future of Aviation Developments – airlines, airports and the future of business aviation
  • Connecting Abu Dhabi to the world & beyond

Speakers : Mr. Mohammed Husain Ahmed, Chief Executive Officer, Royal Jet
Mr. Joscha Kremers, Chief Aviation Transportation & Logistics Section, United Nations
Mr. Francois Bourienne, Chief Commercial Officer, Abu Dhabi Airports
Mr. Ibrahim Al Mannaee, Chief Executive Officer, NEXT50

ModeratorMr. Badr Al Olama, Executive Director, Mubadala

 PANEL 02

The aim of Panel 02 : Substantiality and green aviation are a key strategic priorities for the aviation business globally and this panel aims at discussing new aviation fuels and developments which support better flights and sustainability and the emerging role of drones to support green sustainability in the aviation business.

11h-11h45 : MAKING AVIATION GREEN
SUPPORTED BY

  • Sustainability in the aviation ecosystem
  • Green Aviation - Better flight efficiency and fuel reduction
  • New sustainable fuels and developments
  • How drones can support sustainability?

Speakers : Mr. Frank McCrorie, COO, Abu Dhabi Airports
Ms. Mariam Al Qubaisi, Head of Sustainability, Etihad Airways
Mr. Kuljit S. Ghata-Aura, President, Middle East, Turkey & Africa, Boeing International Corporation

Mr. Jason Sutcliffe, Regional Marketing Director - EMEA, Rolls-Royce
Mohamed Showky, Founder & CEO GIS, Drones

ModeratorProfessor Richard Curran, Head of Aviation Management, University of London

 PANEL 03

The aim of Panel 03 : The pandemic impacted every business around the world and in particular, the aviation industry which was hard hit with travel totally paralyzed. On the other hand, air cargo witnessed a phenomenal rise due to distribution of the vaccines and other relief efforts for the pandemic. This panel aims to discuss the post pandemic recovery for aviation and outlines how well the airports and airlines were prepared and more importantly, how can they adapt to the changing needs of the travelers in the future.

    11h45-12h30 : EVOLVING ROLE OF AVIATION POST PANDEMIC

    • Post Pandemic Recovery for Airlines
    • How well prepared were Airlines & Airport services post pandemic?
    • Revenge Travel and Impacts on Airlines and Airports
    • Changing needs of customers and future of travel?
    • Opportunities & Challenges for Airlines

    Speakers : Mr. Mark Souter, SVP Aviation Development, Abu Dhabi Airports
    Mr. Amer Khan, Vice President Middle East, Africa, & The Sub-Continent, Etihad Airways

    Mr. Raghu Seelamonthula, Director, Honeywell
    Mr. Sanjeev Gadhia, Chief Executive Officer, Astral Aviation

    ModeratorMr. Sunil Malhotra, Managing Partner, Bchain Consultants

    12h30-13h30 : PRESS CONFERENCE - WORLD PREMIER
    SUPPORTED BY

     PANEL 04

    The aim of Panel 04 : To discuss the importance of air cargo for future growth and the rising role of air freighters in the global economy. Post pandemic, how supply chain challenges are being addressed? and how is the role played by different air cargo stakeholders in the aviation ecosystem is changing?

    13h30-14h15 : GROWTH & FUTURE OF AIR CARGO
    SUPPORTED BY

    • Importance of cargo for economic growth
    • Air cargo as a key financial contributor to passenger airlines
    • Passenger aircrafts to Freighter conversions
    • Role of dedicated freighters in the overall ecosystem
    • Importance of the role to be played by different stakeholders in air cargo development: airport, airlines, freight forwarders, Government etc.

    Speakers : Mr. Steven Polmans,  VP Business Development & Free Zone, Commercial, Abu Dhabi Airports
    Mr. Bachi Spiga, Head  Of  Operations, DHL Express Middle East and North Africa

    Mr. Martin Drew – SVP Sales and Cargo – Etihad Airways Group    
    Mr. Jaideep Mirchandani, Chairman & CEO, Skyone Aviation
    Mr. Raju Ramineni, Airfreight Director Kerry Logistics                 

    Moderator : Mr. Glyn Hughes, Director General of TIACA

     PANEL 05

    The aim of Panel 05 : Aviation training and development plays a crucial role to ensure that aviation teams are future ready with the changing skills and technologies which will impact the aviation business going forward. How is technology impacting aviation training and development and what needs to be done to stay prepared for the future?

    14h15-15h00 : CHANGING ROLE & IMPORTANCE OF AVIATION TRAINING  & DEVELOPMENT 

    • Impact of industry 4.0 emerging technologies on aviation training and curriculum
    • Future of Aviation Training & the Metaverse
    • Future impacts of technology in aviation education
    • Opportunities and challenges in aviation and training

    SpeakersDr. Mark Pierotti, Commercial Director, Abu Dhabi Aviation
    Mr. Maximilian Buerger, Director, AFM.aero & Aviationfly.com
    Captain Nadhem Al-Hamad, CEO, T3 Training

    ModeratorMr. David Studden, Senior Manager-Business Development & Marketing
    Gulf Centre for Aviation Studies (GCAS)

     PANEL 06

    The aim of Panel 06 : Maintenance, repairs and overhauls play a crucial role in the aviation business and this panel will aim to discuss regional trends across MRO’s and the increasing role of OEM’s (Original Equipment Manufacturers) in MRO. It will also outline opportunities for MRO in Abu Dhabi along with how to cope with challenges?

    15h00-15h45 : MRO’S AND THE FUTURE OF MAINTENANCE
    SUPPORTED BY

    • Regional trends in MRO’s
    • OEM’s and their increasing role in MRO’s
    • MRO Opportunities in Abu Dhabi
    • Opportunities & Challenges for MRO’s

    Speakers : Mr. Kashish Kohli, Group Chief Financial Officer, SANAD
    Mr. Francois Bourienne, Chief Commercial Officer, Abu Dhabi Airports

    Mr. David Doherty, Head of Sales, Etihad Airways Engineering

    ModeratorMr. Raffi Kasparian, Managing Director, Alton Aviation Consultancy
    Mr. Adam Cowburn, Managing Director, Alton Aviation Consultancy

     PANEL 07

    The aim of Panel 07 : Aviation traffic management, safety and security is a core support function in aviation and the panel aims are discussing key trends, opportunities and challenges faced by the business. Airport cyber security, digital traffic controls and other key developments will be discussed against the backdrop of rising costs for aviation security.

    15h45-16h30 : AIR TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT & AIRPORT SECURITY
    SUPPORTED BY

    • Key Trends & Challenges
    • Airport Cyber Security Services
    • Abu Dhabi Airport – case study
    • Rising costs for aviation safety
    • Digital Traffic Control

    Speakers : Mr. Frank McCrorie, Chief Operations Officer, Abu Dhabi Airports
    Mr. Ahmed Juma Al Shamsi, Acting Chief Strategy Officer, Abu Dhabi Airports
    Ahmed Al Shehhi- Acting  Senior Manager Airspace, UAE GCAA
    Mr. Mark Greens, Head ANS Projects, GANS

    Moderator : Nasser Juma, Vice President, Air Navigation Services, Abu Dhabi Airports

    16h30-16h45 : GANS Presentation

     DAY 3 : Thursday 3rd November 2022

     PANEL 01

    The aim of Panel 01 : To discuss developments in green mobility and outline the current state, customer requirements along with the UAE infrastructure support. The panel will also discuss emerging trends in the EV sector and how Governments can support growth of green mobility solutions.

    09h55-10h15 : AL FUTTAIM PANEL
    SUPPORTED BY

    • Current state of the market and customer appetite
    • The UAE infrastructure and support
    • How Al-Futtaim Automotive is driving the UAE forward with its green mobility strategy and vision
    • Emerging trends in the EV sector
    • How a relationship with government is crucial to accelerating the green strategy, and how the UAE is supporting the growth and adoption of green mobility solutions

    Speakers : Mr. Vincent Wijnen, Senior Managing Director, AL-FUTTAIM AUTOMOTIVE
    Mr. Jonathan Pollock, Regional Managing Director – Emerging Brands, AL-FUTTAIM AUTOMOTIVE
    Yousuf AlRaeesi, Director of GCR & HSSE, AL-FUTTAIM AUTOMOTIVE

    ModeratorMs. Claire Lawson, General Manager, IMPACT PORTER NOVELLI

     PANEL 02

    The aim of Panel 02 : Major technology developments have reshaped the vertical take off and landing (eVTOL) hybrid aircrafts which has a game changing influence across the aviation sector. The Panel aims at discussing opportunities and challenges along with some key industry trends and benefits of the eVTOL developments.

    10h15-11h : FUTURE OF URBAN MOBILITY – eVTOL HYBRID AIRCRAFT

    • Diversity, equality and inclusion in aviation
    • Recruitment - challenges & opportunities
    • People Sustainability
    • Training & development in aviation

    Speakers : Aqeel Al Zarooni - Acting Assistant Director General - Aviation Safety, UAE GCAA
    Mr. Giorgy Alafinov, Chief Executive Officer, JETKA
    Captain Ramandeep Oberoi, Chief Operating Officer and Accountable Manager, Falcon Aviation Services

    Mr. Victor Lefevre, Head of MEA, Eve Air Mobility

    ModeratorMr. Jean J. Botti, CEO and CTO, VoltAero

     PANEL 03

    The aim of Panel 03 : Robotics and AI have been a disruptive technology and this panel aims at outlining how these emerging technologies are reshaping the aviation business. It will discuss some key opportunities and challenges along with the much-needed balance required between machines and humans.

    11h-11h45 : ROLE OF TECHNOLOGY, AI AND ROBOTICS IN AVIATION

    • Key opportunities & challenges

    • The balance between machines & humans

    • Impact of industry 4.0 emerging technologies on aviation

    • Cybersecurity & cyber-resilience

    • Airport Smart Gates – case study

    Speakers : Mr. Sanjay Sharma, Head of Information Technology, Jumeriah International
    Mr. Andrew Kendall, Account Director – UAE, MICROSOFT
    Mr. Marcello Kekligian, Vice President, Data & Automation, NEXT 50
    Mr. Lidor Revah, Co-Founder & CEO, IMPERIUM JETS

    Ms. Kanika Tekriwal, Co-Founder and CEO, JETSETGO
    Mr. Andrew Murphy, Chief Information Officer, Abu Dhabi Airports

    ModeratorMr. Mazen Thabet, Marketing & Communication Lead, Abu Dhabi Airports

     PANEL 04

    The aim of Panel 04 : Retail services have seen a dramatic shift towards e commerce particularly during Covid-19 and onwards. How is this impacting retail across airports? How are the non-aeronautical services changing the airport retail landscape and what are some key airport retailing trends and opportunities?

    11h45-12h30 : RETAIL & SERVICES AT AIRPORTS

    • Role and value of Non-Aeronautical Services

    • Airport retail – key trends

    • Abu Dhabi Airport – opportunities in the future

    Speakers : Mr. Gareth Warwick, SVP Retail, Abu Dhabi Airports
    Ms. Rafaela Efstathiou, Business Development Manager, Ariadnemaps
    Mr. Udaya Indraratana, Founder & CEO, London Executive Coaching & Consulting

    Mr. Anupam Saxena, Managing Director, TrueLucent International

    ModeratorMr. Sunil Malhotra, Managing Partner, Bchain Consultants