2024 Summit Agenda
WED 25 SEPTEMBER
Main Conference Stage
09:30 - 09:40Opening remarks by chairperson
- Amandeep Bhangu | Presenter & Moderator | Voice Media London
Speaker :
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 :
- H.E. Dr Mohamed Alahbabi | Senior Advisor & Space Lead | EDGE Group
- Vice Admiral DATO' Shamsuddin Bin HJ Ludin | Western Fleet Commander | Royal Malaysian Navy
- Salim Mousallam | Regional Vice President – Defense & Systems | GE Aerospace – Middle East, Türkiye & Africa
Speakers :
10:15 - 10:30Keynote: Milestones and future endeavors shaping the nation's space ambitions
- H.E. Salem Humaid Al Marri | Director General | Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC)
Speaker :
10:30 - 10:50Interview with Etihad Airways
- Dan Murphy | Correspondent | CNBC
Moderator :
- Antonoaldo Neves | CEO | Etihad Airways
Speaker :
10:50 - 11:05Keynote: Saudi Air connectivity: Updates and Progress
- Ali Rajab | Executive Vice President, GACA; Board Member | Saudi Air Connectivity Program
Speaker :
11:05 - 11:45Panel: Offering insights into the future of the Saudi Arabian Aviation sector
- Osamah Alnuasier | SVP of Marketing and Corp. Communications | Riyadh Air
- Michael White | Chief Commercial Officer | Red Sea International Airport
- Chris Browne | CEO – KSA | Swissport Saudi Arabia Ltd
- Grainne Van Den Berg | Head of Airline Marketing Middle East North Africa | Airbus
Speakers :
11:45 - 11:55NMI Skyspace - how medical aviation will shape the future
- Nicole Mauthe | Board Director and Founder | NMI - Engineering
- Kamal Zoabi | Owner | Scan Survey Company
Speakers :
11:55 - 12:35Panel: 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 :
- Shiro Matsuzaki | Manager, Strategic Investment | Japan Airlines
- Robert Harward | Executive Vice President for International Business and Strategy | Shield.ai
- Josef Mouris | Chief Executive Officer | Electron Aerospace
- Diana Siegel | Chief Financial Officer | Electra.aero
Speakers :
12:35 - 13:00What is next for R&D in Aerospace?
- Matthew Cochran | Chairman & CEO | Defense Services Marketing Council
Moderator :
- Mehdi Bouchenak | CEO | Safran Emarat Ltd
- Sharief Fahmy | Executive Director | KAMAN
Speakers :
13:00 - 14:00Networking Lunch
14:00 - 14:30Panel Discussion: International partnerships enabling access to space and economic growth
- Lynette Tan | Chairwoman & Chief Executive Officer | 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 | Chief Growth Officer | Redwire Space
- Wang Cheng | Secretary General | China Space Foundation
Speakers :
14:30 - 14:45Interview: EDGE’s role in the UAE’s space ecosystem, and capacity building for Emirati satellite engineers
- Amandeep Bhangu | Presenter & Moderator | Voice Media London
Moderator :
- H.E. Dr Mohamed Alahbabi | Senior Advisor & Space Lead | EDGE Group
Speaker :
14:45 - 15:15Space 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 | General Counsel | Federal Geographic Information Center
- Mike Gold | Chief Growth Officer | Redwire Space
- Lynette Tan | Chairwoman & Chief Executive Officer | Space Faculty, Singapore
- Alexander Hendry | Head of Technolgy - Middle East | Baker Botts
Speakers :
15:15 - 15:45Panel: 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 :
- Prof. Hiro Koizumi | Director Space Propulsion Laboratories | Tokyo University
- Luca del Monte | Head of Commercialisation | European Space Agency
- Raphael Röttgen | Founder | E2MC
Speakers :
15:45 - 16:15Panel: 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.
- Luigi Scatteia | Partner - Space Practice Global Lead | PWC
Moderator :
- Yiheng Huan | Co-founder | MINOSPACE
- Anders Linder | General Manager, International Government | Maxar Intelligence
- Franck Mouriaux | Space Programmes Director | EDGE
Speakers :
16:15 - 16:45Panel: 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 :
- Raphael Röttgen | Founder | E2MC
- Anna Hazlett | Founder and Principal | AzurX
- Livingston Holder | CTO and Co-Founder | Radian Aerospace
Speakers :
16:45 - 17:00Closing remarks by chairperson
- Amandeep Bhangu | Presenter & Moderator | Voice Media London
Speaker :
VISTA - Inspiration Stage
11:00 - 11:15Opening Keynote
- Dr. Mariam Ketait | Regional Lead | Aerospace Xelerated and Boeing
Speaker :
11:15 - 11:30Case Studies: From Founders to Failures; From Startups to Successes. Real life stories within the Aviation Industry
- Frederico Fernandes | Associate Director | Wize
Moderator :
11:45 - 12:35Founders Fireside Chat
In this insightful dialogue, Matt will engage with Aerospace Xelerated portfolio companies founders Akram Amir, AR Engineering, Thamjeeth A. Gaffoor, Basetwo, and Alex Eyles Owen, Sees.ai to discuss their entrepreneurial journeys.
- Matt Briggs | Partnership Manager | Aerospace Xelerated
Moderator :
- Akram Amir | Founder and CEO | AR Engineering
- Alex Eyles Owen | Founder Associate | Sees.ai
- Thamjeeth Abdul Gaffoor | Co-Founder and COO | Basetwo
Speakers :
12:35 - 13:15Interactive Workshop: Corporate x Startup Collaboration: The Key to Unlock Aerospace Innovation
In this interactive session, Matt will share insights from behind the scenes at Aerospace Xelerated, Boeing's industry-leading startup accelerator programme. Attendees will bolster their understanding of the benefits and challenges of corporate x startup collaboration and take away learnings that they can apply to drive innovation within their own organisation.
- Matt Briggs | Partnership Manager | Aerospace Xelerated
Speaker :
13:15 - 14:00Networking Lunch
14:00 - 16:00Startup Presentations
Exhibiting startups will present their innovative products or services in a rapid-fire pitch format, to a panel of Industry investors/mentors.
- Frederico Fernandes | Associate Director | Wize
- Matt Briggs | Partnership Manager | Aerospace Xelerated
- Sahith Reddy | Founder | Bumi & Space
- Raphael Röttgen | Founder | E2MC
- Reda Nidhakou | Interim CEO | VentureOne
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THU 26 SEPTEMBER
Main Conference Stage
09:55 - 10:00Opening remarks by chairperson
- Amandeep Bhangu | Presenter & Moderator | Voice Media London
Speaker :
10:00 - 10:45Panel : 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 | Chief Commercial Officer | Riyadh Air
- Tero Taskila | Chief Executive Officer | BEOND
- Laila Odina | Chief Executive Officer | Riga International Airport
- Tasos Michael | Executive Chairman | 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 | Vice President, Renewable Aviation Business | Neste
- Simon D'Oyly | General Manager, Victor MENA | FlyVictor
- Dr. Alejandro Rios Galvan | Sustainable Bioenergy Research Consortium; Chief Research Scientist | Khalifa University
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 :
- Main Canaan | Regional General Manager, Middle East | GE Aerospace
- Goncalo Pires | Chief Financial Officer | TAP Air Portugal
- Delip Prasad | Head of Market for MENA | Munich Airport
Speakers :
12:00 - 12:15On-stage Interview: Uncovering the journey of India’s award-winning international airport – Banglore International Airport
- Amandeep Bhangu | Presenter & Moderator | Voice Media London
Moderator :
- Satyaki Raghunath | Chief Operating Officer | BLR Airport
Speaker :
12:15 - 12:45Fire Side Chat: Technology 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
- Abhishek Sengupta | Founder and Chief Executive Officer | Middle East Media Corp
Moderator :
- Tareque Choudhury | Vice President Technology | Dubai Airports
- 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
- Abhishek Sengupta | Founder and Chief Executive Officer | Middle East Media Corp
Moderator :
- Delip Prasad | Head of Market for MENA | Munich Airport
- Kashif Khalid | Regional Director - Africa & Middle East | IATA
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 | Chief Executive Officer, 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
- Kashif Khalid | Regional Director - Africa & Middle East | IATA
Moderator :
- Dr. Pongpat Thiensiri | Deputy Director General | Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand
- Davide Petrillo | Managing Director | Voyager Space Exploration – Europe
- 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 | Chief Executive Officer | Innovation MENA
- Dr. Mariam Ketait | Regional Lead | Aerospace Xelerated and Boeing
- Charles Beigbeder | Expansion Chairman | Audacia
- Sahith Reddy | Founder | Bumi & Space
Speakers :
16:00 - 16:10Chairperson’s closing remarks
- Amandeep Bhangu | Presenter & Moderator | Voice Media London
Speaker :
NextGen Leaders - Inspiration Stage
11:00 - 11:05Opening Keynote
- Mutlu Numan Zumrut | HR Director – METCIS & Africa | GE Aerospace
Speaker :
11:05 - 11:20Presentation: EDGE’s role in Emirati Satellite Engineer Capacity Building
- Fatema Alhajri | Chief Engineer – Space & Cyber Technologies | EDGE Group
Speaker :
11:20 - 12:00Innovating 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
- Jim Manship | Chair, Defense, Aerospace & Security Committee AmCham Abu Dhabi; MENA Commercial Director | Raytheon
Moderator :
- Hala Majeed Alzargani | Manager, Center for Innovation and Security Solutions | Lockheed Martin
- Sharief Fahmy | Executive Director | KAMAN
- Courtney Sader | Chief Legal Counsel | Raytheon Emirates
Speakers :
13:00 - 14:00Networking Lunch
14:00 - 15:30University 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 | Managing Director | Raytheon Emirates
- Dr. Gerasimos Kontos | Associate Professor | ADU College of Engineering
- Dr. Sarath Raj | Project Director – Amity Dubai Satellite Ground Station and AmiSat | Amity University
- Sanjay Shah | Manager (Tech T&D) | Remaya International
- Anwan AlKatheeri | Senior Manager - National Capabilities Development | EDGE