2024 Summit Agenda
WED 25 SEPTEMBER
Main Conference Stage
09:25 - 09:30Opening remarks by chairperson
Amandeep Bhangu | Founder | Voice Media London
Speaker :
09:30 - 09:40Opening Keynote : Strengthening aerospace clusters and ecosystem to drive economic growth
09:40 - 10:10Panel: Developing the country’s defence industry system
- Driving innovation for next-generation Defense Capabilities
- Discussing smart manufacturing options and highlighting initiatives including Make it in the Emirates
- Discussing lessons learnt from local and international manufacturers
- Developing strategic international partnerships
Matthew Cochran | Chairman & CEO | Defense Services Marketing Council
Moderator :
Salim Mousallam | Regional Vice President – Defense & Systems | GE Aerospace – Middle East, Türkiye & Africa
Vice Admiral DATO' Shamsuddin Bin HJ Ludin | Director General Defence Cyber & Electromagnetic Division | Malaysia Armed Forces
Speakers :
10:10 - 10:25Milestones and future endeavors shaping the nation's space ambitions
H.E. Salem Humaid Al Marri | Director General | Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC)
Speaker :
10:25 - 10:40On stage interview with Etihad Airways
Dan Murphy | Correspondent | CNBC
Moderator :
Antonoaldo Neves | CEO | Etihad Airways
Speaker :
10:40 - 10:55Keynote: Saudi Air connectivity program: Updates and Progress
Ali Rajab | Executive Vice President, GACA; Board Member, Saudi Air Connectivity Program | General Authority of Civil Aviation Saudi Arabia
Speaker :
10:55 - 11:10On-stage Interview: Saudi Arabian airline’s vision to be a pioneer and innovator
Jane Witherspoon | Bureau Chief - Middle East | Euronews
Moderator :
Steven Greenway | CEO | Flyadeal
Speaker :
11:10 - 11:40Panel Discussion: Offering insights into the future of the Saudi Arabian Aviation sector
Steven Greenway | CEO | Flyadeal
Osamah Alnuasier | SVP of Marketing and Corp. Communications | Riyadh Air
Speakers :
11:40 - 11:55Session reserved for NMI Engineering
Nicole Mauthe | Board Director and Founder | NMI - Engineering
Speaker :
11:55 - 12:25Panel: Technological advancements and disruptions in the regional and international aerospace landscape
- Analyzing the influence of technological advancements, such as digitalization, artificial intelligence, electric propulsion and more
- Assessing the impact of disruptive innovations on defense, space and commercial aviation
- Technology’s role in ensuring sustainable aerospace
- Discussing strategies to embrace technological advancements and foster innovation amidst geopolitical and macroeconomic changes
Arjun Sreekumar | Global Director – Aerospace and Defence | Frost & Sullivan
Moderator :
Rami El Samra | Vice President – Airport Services Business Support | Emirates
Shiro Matsuzaki | Manager, Strategic Investment | Japan Airlines
John Langford | Founder and CEO | Electra.aero
Robert Harward | Executive Vice President for International Business and Strategy | Shield.ai
Josef Mouris | Chief Executive Officer | Electron Aerospace
Speakers :
12:25 - 12:55Offsets Powering Economic Development
- Understanding offsets in defense contracts and their economic impact
- Best practices, policies and regulations for implementation of offsets
- Role of SMEs in success of offset programs
- Future trends and technologies in offsets
Matthew Cochran | Chairman & CEO | Defense Services Marketing Council
Moderator :
12:55 - 13:25Panel Discussion: Ensuring cybersecurity resilience in a constantly changing digital landscape of the aerospace industry
Jane Witherspoon | Bureau Chief - Middle East | Euronews
Moderator :
Mohammed Al-Qahtani | CISO | Riyadh Airports
Vice Admiral DATO' Shamsuddin Bin HJ Ludin | Director General Defence Cyber & Electromagnetic Division | Malaysia Armed Forces
Speakers :
13:25 - 14:30Networking Lunch
14:30 - 15:00International partnerships enabling access to space and economic growth
Lynette Tan | CEO | Space Faculty, Singapore
Moderator :
Ricardo Conde | President | Portuguese Space Agency
Petr Bares | Honorary President | Czech Space Alliance
Rasha Al Amad | Director Strategic Planning and Deputy Chief International Relations | National Space Science Agency (NSSA)
Pilar Zamora Acevedo | Executive Director | Colombian Space Agency (AEC)
Mike Gold | Executive Vice President for Civil Space and External Affairs | Redwire Space
Wang Cheng | Secretary General | China Space Foundation
Speakers :
15:00 - 15:30Space domain awareness and responsible use
- How can we strengthen international law for the use of space?
- What is the impact of political turmoil on space operations?
- Role of space agencies and operators in ensuring responsible use of space environment
- Way forward to regulate the use of space whilst accelerating human expansion into space and ensuring effective space traffic management
Arjun Sreekumar | Global Director – Aerospace and Defence | Frost & Sullivan
Moderator :
Mohamed Amara | Federal Geographic Information Center
Mike Gold | Executive Vice President for Civil Space and External Affairs | Redwire Space
Lynette Tan | CEO | Space Faculty, Singapore
Alexander Hendry | Head of Technolgy - Middle East | Baker Botts
Speakers :
15:30 - 16:00Panel: The Innovation Transformation In Space: Where Are We in 2024?
- Understanding the profound transformation of the Space industry
- The role of agencies, start-ups, access to markets and capital and how those factors compare to innovation frameworks and ecosystems between Europe, North America and Asia
- First hand information and insights into challenges and opportunities for the transforming space industry
Dr. René Puls | Executive Board Member | European Centre for Space Economy and Commerce, European Space Agency
Moderator :
Philipp Maurer | Aerospace Investor / Founder & CEO | Green Eight Capital
Prof. Hiro Koizumi | Director Space Propulsion Laboratories | Tokyo University
Luca del Monte | Head of Commercialisation | European Space Agency
Dylan Taylor | Chairman & CEO | Voyager Space
Speakers :
16:00 - 16:30Panel: Fusion of Space communications and Earth observation: Insights and innovations
- Highlighting the satellite's role in enhancing global aerospace communications with advanced, high-capacity capabilities.
- Advancements in Earth Observation Technologies: Examining the integration of satellite communication technologies in Earth observation, focusing on innovations in remote sensing and data transmission.
- Strategic Expansion in Aerospace Connectivity: Discussing the expansion of satellite fleets for improved global communication coverage, and the implications for aerospace and Earth monitoring.
- Future Trends in Satellite Communications: Exploring future developments in direct device communication and SAR technology, transforming how we connect and observe Earth from space.
Matthew Cochran | Chairman & CEO | Defense Services Marketing Council
Moderator :
Yiheng Huan | Co-founder | MINOSPACE
Declan Lynch | CRO and General Manager | Privateer Space
Anders Linder | General Manager, International Government | Maxar Intelligence
Luigi Scatteia | PwC Advisory | Partner - Global Space Practice Leader | PWC
Speakers :
16:30 - 17:00Panel: Space Economics: Lessons Learned from 20 Years since the Dawn of the NewSpace Era
- Looking back into the success factors of the NewSpace Economy, its development over time, the key players
- New role of agencies in this emerging trillion dollar market
- Special considerations of NASA and other stakeholders, which had and still have to adopt to a NewSpace era
Dr. Marc-André Chavy-Macdonald | Space Lead | University of St. Gallen
Moderator :
Torsten Hoffmann | Award-winning Filmmaker, Director | FORTITUDE
Raphael Röttgen | Founder | E2MC
Anna Hazlett | Founder and Principal | AzurX
Livingston Holder | CTO and Co-Founder | Radian Aerospace
Speakers :
17:00 - 17:15Closing remarks by chairperson
VISTA - Inspiration Stage
11:30 - 11:45Opening Keynote
11:45 - 12:30Opening Session: Panel – sponsored by Aerospace Xelerated
12:30 - 13:30Mentorship Clinic – sponsored by Aerospace Xelerated
Specifically for investors, corporate leaders, and industry professionals in the aerospace sector.
13:30 - 14:30Networking Lunch
14:30 - 15:30Startup Presentations
Exhibiting startups will present their innovative products or services in a rapid-fire pitch format, to a panel of Industry investors/ mentors.
THU 26 SEPTEMBER
Main Conference Stage
09:55 - 10:00Opening remarks by chairperson
Amandeep Bhangu | Founder | Voice Media London
Speaker :
10:00 - 10:45Opening Panel : Understanding the shifts in air travel demand and adapting accordingly
- Analyzing the impact of changing travel patterns on use of air space and aircraft demand
- Role of airports – How can airports cater to the changing demands? What transformational efforts need to be put in place to ensure connectivity and competitives?
- Identifying emerging market segments and tailoring product offerings
- Enhancing operations, implementing innovative tech, enabling fleet flexibility and more to meet varying customer needs
- How can airports and airlines support each other and what will be aviation industry look like 2050 and beyond?
Jens Flottau | Executive Editor, Commercial Aviation | Aviation Week Network
Moderator :
Vincent Coste | CCO | Riyadh Air
Tero Taskila | CEO | BEOND
Laila Odina | CEO | Riga International Airport
Tasos Michael | CEO | Cyprus Airlines
Speakers :
10:45 - 11:30Accelerating sustainable aviation fuel production and adoption
- Exploring challenges and opportunities in SAF adoption
- Evaluating frameworks for expanding SAF development and meeting governmental mandates
- Fast-tracking SAF technology deployment and innovation
- Enabling international coorperations for SAF Adoption
Jens Flottau | Executive Editor, Commercial Aviation | Aviation Week Network
Moderator :
Alexander Kueper | VP Renewable Aviation Business | Neste
Simon D'Oyly | General Manager, Victor MENA | FlyVictor
Dr. Alejandro Rios Galvan | Director, Sustainable Bioenergy Research Consortium; Chief Research Scientis | Khalifa University
Eng. Maryam Al-Balooshi | State Lead Negotiator for Aviation Climate Change, Vice Chairman CAEP - ICAO, Manager Environment | General Civil Aviation Authority
Alex Kosmas | Head of International Cooperation for the Middle East & Africa | Airbus
Speakers :
11:30 - 12:00Panel Discussion: Towards sustainable aviation: 2025 and beyond
- What efforts can the aviation industry can continue to make in order to ensure sustainability?
- Investigating efficient strategies and forthcoming measures aimed at fostering a sustainable aviation sector
- How can commercial aviation stake holders enable sustainability whilst ensuring profitability
- Achieving net zero – what critical actions need to be taken by the industry?
Shubhodeep Pal | Chief Operating Officer | SimpliFlying
Moderator :
Jane Boyle | Head of Sustainability | Abu Dhabi Airports
Main Canaan | Regional General Manager, Middle East | GE Aerospace
Goncalo Pires | Chief Financial Officer | TAP Air Portugal
Speakers :
12:00 - 12:15On-stage Interview: Uncovering the journey of India’s award-winning international airport – Banglore International Airport
Amandeep Bhangu | Founder | Voice Media London
Moderator :
Satyaki Raghunath | Chief Operating Officer | BLR Airport
Speaker :
12:15 - 12:45Technology as an enabler for the growth of airline and airport business
- New age of technology delivering a next gen travel experience
- Highlighting the top tech trends in aviation • How are new technologies impacting corporate aviation?
- Supporting the implementation and adoption of new tech across airlines and airports
- Discussing the threats and evaluating strategies that help combat challenges that come with the increased digital landscape
Buti Qurwash | VP Security | Dubai Airports
Dr. Dirk Jungnickel | Senior VP Enterprise Data & Analytics | Emirates Group
Sourav Sinha | Chief Information Officer | BEOND
Speakers :
12:45 - 13:15Panel: Managing Capacity and Infrastructure: Optimizing Airport Infrastructure for Future Growth
- Analyzing current and projected passenger and aircraft traffic demands
- Investing in expansion and modernization of airport facilities
- Implementing advanced technologies for efficient passenger flow management.
- Enhancing collaboration with airlines and ground service providers for seamless operations
- Building smart next generation airports
Tareque Choudhury | VP Technology | Dubai Airports
Delip Prasad | Head of Market for MENA | Munich Airport
Kashif Khalid | Regional Director - Africa & Middle East Airports | IATA
Rami El Samra | Vice President – Airport Services Business Support | Emirates
Speakers :
13:15 - 14:00NETWORKING LUNCH
14:00 - 14:30Panel: Advanced Aerial Mobility – Challenges and opportunities
- Driving innovation in aerial mobility and autonomous systems
- Accelerating the implementation of eVtols and discussing advancements and collaborations needed to enable country wide AAM system
- Discussing innovative technologies that help support the global growth of the AAM industry
Shubhodeep Pal | Chief Operating Officer | SimpliFlying
Moderator :
JR Hammond | Executive Director | Canadian Advanced Air Mobility (CAAM)
Sunil Budhdeo | Transport Innovation Manager, Transport & Infrastructure | Coventry City Council
Hawkins Musili Wambua | General Manager, Fahari Aviation | Kenya Airways
Nicole Mauthe | Board Director and Founder | NMI - Engineering
Speakers :
14:30 - 15:00Panel: Air cargo of tomorrow – setting up for demand surge of the future
- Understanding latest trends. Adapting and reacting to recent demands
- Ensuring sustainability in air cargo logistics
- Exploring the influence of environmental policies, trade agreements, and government support on the air cargo industry
- Discussing strategies to adapt to changing economic conditions and optimize business operations
- Highlighting latest technologies such as drones for efficient cargo delivery
Shubhodeep Pal | Chief Operating Officer | SimpliFlying
Moderator :
Dirk Goovaerts | CEO Continental Europe, Middle East, Africa & India and Global Cargo Chair | Swissport
Yasir Verimli | Vice President, Cargo Hub Operation | Turkish Airlines
Manoj Singh | Chief Cargo Officer | Adani Airport Holding limited
Leonard Rodrigues | Director - Revenue Management and Network Planning | Etihad Cargo
Speakers :
15:00 - 15:30Developing a diverse and inclusive workforce of tomorrow
- Highlighting plans and programs for aerospace capacity development.
- What can governments do and how can the aerospace community contribute to build and inclusive next generation of workforce
- Investments and partnerships being made to train and develop workforce and to ensure diversity
Dr. Nadia Bastaki | Chief People and Corporate Affairs Officer | Etihad Airways
Dr. Pongpat Thiensiri | Deputy Director General | Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand
Davide Petrillo | Executive Director | Space Generation Advisory Council
Thobile Masooa | Executive, Human Resources | South African Civil Aviation Authority
Speakers :
15:30 - 16:00Panel: Investing in the aerospace and aviation industry: A 10 year road map
- Understanding the investment opportunities across the diverse segments
- Recognising promising industry segments
- Analysing how governments and investors can wok better together
- Discussing the growth trajectory of the industry
Frederico Fernandes | Associate Director | Wize
Moderator :
Anas Zenneidine | CEO | Innovation MENA
Dr. Mariam Ketait | Global Accelerators and Innovation Programmes Lead (METACA) | Aerospace Xelerated, Boeing
Charles Beigbeder | Expansion Chairman | Audacia
Sahith Reddy | Venture Partner – DeepTech & Space | GrayBella Capital
Speakers :
16:00 - 17:00Chairperson’s closing remarks
Amandeep Bhangu | Founder | Voice Media London
Speaker :
NextGen Leaders - Inspiration Stage
11:00 - 11:20Opening Keynote
11:20 - 12:00Opening Session: Innovating for the Future: The Role of Youth in Aerospace: Exploring how young minds can contribute to innovation in aerospace and the importance of fresh perspectives and new technologies
Jim Manship | Chair, Defense, Aerospace & Security Committee AmCham Abu Dhabi; MENA Commercial Director | Raytheon
Moderator :
Dr. Gerasimos Kontos | Associate Professor | ADU College of Engineering
Hala Majeed Alzargani | Manager, Center for Innovation and Security Solutions | Lockheed Martin
Dr. Sean Swei | Group Lead, Khalifa University Space Technology & Innovation Lab; Professor of Practice | Khalifa University
Mutlu Numan Zumrut | HR Director – METCIS & Africa | GE Aerospace
Speakers :
12:00 - 13:00Mentorship Clinic: Empowering Future Leaders – sponsored by American Chambers Abu Dhabi
13:00 - 14:00Networking Lunch
14:00 - 15:00University Project Presentations
Universities will present their University’s project in front of esteemed Industry mentors, showcasing their cutting-edge innovations and research that will highlight their leadership in science and technology.
Fahad Al Mheiri | Deputy Managing Director | Raytheon Emirates
Dr. Gerasimos Kontos | Associate Professor | ADU College of Engineering