Gulf Airport Study Tour
November/December 2026
Dubai • Abu Dhabi • Doha
Presented by

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About the Study Tour
The International Association of Airport Executives (IAAE) is proud to present the Gulf Airport Study Tour. Join aviation leaders and innovators for this in-depth study tour, an exclusive opportunity to explore the future of air mobility and airport innovation across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha. Tentatively planned for November or December 2026, this five-day tour will immerse participants in cutting-edge developments in advanced air mobility (AAM), smart airport infrastructure, and strategic global collaboration.
Participants will receive full coordination and planning, regional flights, ground transportation, and accommodations as part of the registration fee.
- Gain exclusive insights into advanced air mobility and emerging technologies.
- Meet global leaders including airport executives, AAM pioneers, regulators, and technology developers.
- Explore vertiports and smart infrastructure shaping the next generation of airports.
- Bring back actionable strategies to influence U.S. AAM initiatives.
- Visits to Dubai International Airport (DXB), Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), and Abu Dhabi Zayed International Airport Innovation Hub.
- Exclusive VIP receptions for high-level networking.
- Strategic roundtables and interactive sessions with regional and international experts.
Airport Study Tour Agenda
Sunday, October 19
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Conference Registration
7:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
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IAAE Board of Directors Meeting (Closed)
10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
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Walking City Tour
12:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Sponsored by Rhode Island Airport Corporation
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Welcoming Reception
6 - 7 p.m.
Sponsored by Jacobs
Monday, October 20
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Registration
7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
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Morning Coffee and Networking
9 - 10 a.m.
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Welcome Remarks and Conference Overview
10 - 10:30 a.m.
Speakers:
Heba Gouda, Vice President, Global Operations, AAAE
Dr. Maciej Lasek, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Infrastructure, The Government Plenipotentiary for the Central Communication Port (CPK) (invited)
Kevin Bumen, A.A.E., C.A.E., IAAE Chair, Chief Finance and Commercial Officer, San Francisco International Airport
Łukasz Chaberski, CEO, Polish Airports (PPL S.A.)
Douglas S. O'Neill (Confirmed)
Deputy Chief of Mission
The U.S. Embassy, Warsaw
Łukasz Chaberski, CEO, Polish Airports (PPL S.A.)Grzegorz Bykowski, CEO, Poznan Airport
Lt. Gen. Charles Costanza, Commanding General of V Corps, U.S. Army V Corps (TBC)
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SESSION 1 — Panel Discussion: Development of New Airport Hubs
10:30 - 12 p.m.
This panel will explore global trends in airport infrastructure, examining the strategic decision between building new greenfield airports and modernizing existing ones. Featuring a keynote by the Government Plenipotentiary for CPK, the session will include a case study on Poland’s Centralny Port Komunikacyjny (CPK) as a model for 21st-century airport development, and assess the broader economic and mobility impacts of major aviation investments.
Introduction: PPL’s Expert 10 minutes presentation: Case study: Modernization of Chopin Airport and construction of greenfield airport hub - CPK as strategic projects of the airport sector in Poland from the perspective of the experience of PPL S.A., the largest airport operator in Central and Eastern Europe
Moderator: TBD
Speakers: Dr. Maciej Lasek, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Infrastructure
The Government Plenipotentiary for the Central Communication Port (CPK) (to be invited)Marcin Danil, CFO, PPL S.A
Iftikhar Ahmad, P.E., President and CEO
Rhode Island Airport CorporationViktor Sober, CEO, Dubrovnik Airport
Greg Kelly, Executive Director
Savannah/Hilton Head International AirportFilip Czernicki, Ph.D, CEO, CPK
Marios Sentris, Aviation Lead for EMEA, Parsons
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Coffee/Networking Break
12 p.m-12:30 p.m.
Sponsored by Morristown Airport and Co-Sponsor by Ms. Jeanne Olivier, Past Chair, AAAE
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SESSION 2 — Geopolitical Challenges for the Aviation Sector
12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
This expert session will address the far-reaching impact of geopolitical conflicts—particularly the war in Ukraine—on global aviation. Topics will include airspace restrictions, sanctions, and rerouting challenges, as well as the need for cohesive pan-European strategies. The discussion will also focus on lessons learned in crisis response and international cooperation within the aviation sector.
Introduction: PPL’s Expert 10 minutes presentation: Presentation of the major conclusions of the Report on Future Technologies for Civil Aviation, prepared on behalf of PPL S.A. by the Team of Economic Advisors TOR.
Moderator: Kostas Dimitros, Vice President, Business Development-Strategic Programs EMEA, Parsons
Speakers: Oleksiy Dubrevskyy, CEO Boryspil (TBC)
Florian Guillerment Director General, EASA (invited)
Tonci Peovic MBA IAP, CEO, Alat Airport, Baku, Azerbaijan (TBC)
Majdalena Jaworska- Mackowiak, Polish Air Navigation Services Agency
Russell Reil, FAA Senior Representative - Warsaw
Anca Apahidean, Area Manager Eastern Europe, IATA, Romania
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Networking Luncheon
1:30 - 3 p.m.
Sponsored by Birmingham Airport Authority -
SESSION 3 — Digital Transformation in Airport Management
3 - 4 p.m.
This panel will examine how airports are leveraging artificial intelligence, automation, and intelligent passenger management systems to enhance operational efficiency and capacity. Experts will share practical models from both the U.S. and Europe, highlighting how digital tools are reshaping the future of airport operations and improving the overall passenger experience
Introduction:
PPL’s Expert 10 minutes presentation: Presentation of the major conclusions of the Report on Future Technologies for Civil Aviation, prepared on behalf of PPL S.A. by the Team of Economic Advisors TOR.
Moderator: David Full, AICP, Vice President and National Discipline Leader for Aviation Environmental
RS&H
Speakers: Bader Al Aydi, Chairman, Aviation Department at PSU, Saudi ArabiaDarren Large A.A.E., Director, Facilities & Operations at DM AIRPORTS LTD
Morristown Municipal AirportPerry Miller, A.A.E., I.A.P. President & CEO,
Richmond International AirportJulius Norkunas, CEO, Aerocalss
Mikołaj Lis, Head of Research and Development (R&D), Dimark
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Networking Coffee Break
4 - 4:30 p.m.
Sponsored by Richmond International Airport
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SESSION 4- Enhancing Cooperation in Civil and Dual-Use Airport Operations: Strategies for Integrating State and Military Activities in Central and Eastern Europe
4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
This session will examine strategies for enhancing collaboration at dual-use airports in Central and Eastern Europe. Experts will explore operational frameworks, coordination mechanisms, and best practices for integrating state and military activities, ensuring readiness and resilience across the region.
Introduction: Expert (TBD) 10 minutes presentation: proposed topic - How greater military mobility might affect the aviation sector - chances and risks
Moderator: Jeanne Olivier, A.A.E., ACE, IACE, Past Chair, AAAE
Speakers: Mark VanLoh A.A.E., CEO,
Jacksonville Aviation AuthorityRick Crider, A.A.E., Airport Director,
Prescott Regional AirportPerry Miller, A.A.E., I.A.P., President & CEO, Richmond International Airport
Ioanna Papadopoulou, Director, Communications & Marketing, Athens International Airport S.A. (invited)
Vladimir Semenchenko, CEO
Odesa International Airport
Ukraine (TBC)Adam Hamryszczak, CEO, Rzeszow Jasionka (TBC)
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Official Gala Dinner at Belvedere Restaurant
7-9 p.m.
Sponsored and Hosted by Poznan Airport and the Polish Airports (PPL S.A.)
Belvedere Restaurant is one of the most beautiful and interesting spots on the culinary map of Poland. The restaurant is located in the unique building of the New Orangery in the Royal Łazienki Park. It is a building with more than 150 years of history. As in the old days, it is filled with magnificent tropical plants.
Tuesday, October 21
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Registration
7:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
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Networking Breakfast
8:30 - 9:30 a.m.
Sponsored by Dubrovnik Airport
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SESSION 5 —ESG in Aviation – A Strategy for the Future
9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
This session will explore how airports are integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into long-term strategy and daily operations. Panelists will discuss decarbonization efforts at U.S. airports, emerging technologies that support sustainability, and the evolving impact of EU environmental regulations—offering a comparative transatlantic perspective on building a more resilient and responsible aviation sector.
Introduction: PPL’s Expert 10 minutes presentation: Presentation of the major conclusions of the Report on ESG practices at Polish airports, prepared on behalf of PPL S.A. by KPMG.
Moderator: Paulina Paga, ESG Team Leader and Plenipotentiary of the Management ,Board of Sustainable Development
Speakers: Adam Sanock, eMBA | DBA | Member of the Management Board, Polish Airports State Enterprise (PPL S.A.)
Jan Eklund, Intramodality Strategist, Strategic Development and Innovation,
SwedaviaGreg Kelly, Executive Director, Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport
Greg Bracci, Vice President, Envirosuite (TBC)
Mohamed Khalifa Rahma, Director, Air Transport Bureau, International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
Morgan Foulkes, Deputy Director General chez ACI EUROPE (invited) -
Networking Coffee Break
10:30 - 11 a.m.
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SESSION 6 — Financial Panel
11 a.m. :12:30 p.m.
This session will explore innovative financing models for airport infrastructure, with a focus on global experiences in public-private partnerships (PPPs), access to EU funding, and the role of private capital in aviation. Speakers will also highlight forward-looking strategies for financing green infrastructure, offering U.S. and European perspectives on sustainable investment approaches in a changing regulatory and economic environment.
Introduction: Andrew Gibson, Global Market Director for Aviation, Jacobs
Moderator: Andrew Gibson, Global Market Director for Aviation, Jacobs
Speakers: Kevin Bumen, A.A.E., C.A.E., Chief Finance and Commercial Officer, San Francisco International AirportThomas Lubeck, Regional Manager, PPP Transaction Advisory Services, South Asia and East Asia Pacific at the International Finance Corporation (IFC)
Dr. Maciej Lasek, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Infrastructure, The Government Plenipotentiary for the Central Communication Port (CPK) (TBC)
Patrick Flanagan, Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Ferrovial (TBC)
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SESSION 7— The Future of Airports in a Dynamically Changing World
12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
This final session will reflect on the key themes and insights from the conference while addressing the evolving challenges and strategic priorities facing airports over the next decade. It will conclude with remarks from the organizers and a forward-looking discussion on how the global aviation community can adapt, innovate, and lead in a rapidly changing environment.
Moderator: Jeff Mulder, Airports Director, Past Chair, AAAE, Oklahoma City (OKC)
Speaker: Dr. Igor Štimac, PhD, IAP, EMBA, FRAeS, VP of Infrastructure, Technology, and Operations for Concession Supervision, Business Consulting, and Education, Zagreb Airport Ltd.
Palmi Randversson, Managing Director
KADECO, Airport City Development
Keflavik International Airport, IcelandŁukasz Chabersk, CEO, PPL S.A.
Bryant Francis, C.M, Director of Airports at Cleveland Airport System (TBC)
Shannetta Griffin, Executive Director/CEO Maryland Aviation Administration & IAAE Vice Chair (invited)
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Conference Adjournment and Invitation to the 2026 Conference
1:30 p.m.
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Networking Luncheon
1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
Sponsored by Jacksonville Aviation Authority
Registration Fees & Deadlines
You acknowledge that in registering for and attending this AAAE event, you agree to adhere to the cancellation policy noted below, AAAE's Duty of Care, and AAAE's Code of Conduct and Terms and Conditions.
2026 REGISTRATION FEES
If you are not seeing the correct pricing appear for your member type, please contact member.services@aaae.org to complete your registration for this event.
On/Before 7/1/2026 |
After 7/1/2026 |
|
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IAAE Member* | $6,500 | $7,000 |
IAAE Non-Member* | $7,000 | $7,500 |
*Payment must be made no later than 65 days in advance of the study tour start date. The final cost will be dependent upon the actual cost of regional air fare at the time of purchase. Registrants will receive notice of any additional amount due no later than one month prior to the study tour date.
AAAE accepts registration regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, sex, physical disability, and national or ethnic origin. This includes but is not limited to admissions, employment and educational services. If you require any special assistance to participate or have special dietary requirements, email aaaemeetings@aaae.org.
Cancellation Policy:
Registrations, cancellations and refund requests must be submitted in writing. Air fare for the study tour will be booked 60 days prior to the study tour start date. Any additional air fare costs will be communicated to registrants at this time. After air fare is purchased, no cancellations can be accepted. Prior to air fare purchase, all cancellation requests for registrations are subject to a $200 cancellation processing fee; approved refunds will be processed after the study tour takes place. There will be no refunds of any kind after this date. Substitutions for the event will be accepted without penalties if made prior to air fare booking. The difference between member and non-member price will be charged if a non-member replaces a member. The individual substituting for the original registrant is responsible for all financial obligations (balance due; difference in fees due to membership type) associated with that substitution. For all inquiries regarding cancellations, refunds and substitutions, please contact Holly Ackerman at holly.ackerman@aaae.org. By submitting a completed registration form, you acknowledge that you have read and understand the cancellation policy. Please note failure to receive a confirmation letter before an event will not be grounds for a refund or credit.
NOTE: AAAE reserves the right to postpone or cancel an event if the number of registrants is insufficient; due to acts of God; or any other reason beyond IAAE’s control. In this event, we will notify all registrants and credit the full registration fee towards another IAAE meeting, product or service. However, any costs incurred by the registrant, such as airline penalties, are the responsibility of the registrant. Confirmation letters will be emailed to attendees upon registration. However, if you have not received a confirmation email seven business days after registration, please contact Holly Ackerman at holly.ackerman@aaae.org. Please note failure to receive a confirmation letter before an event will not be grounds for a refund.
Media Access Policy:
Media is not permitted on the airport study tour.
Photo/Video Disclaimer:
By registering for and attending any IAAE event, you agree that your image may be used at any time, without further notification, for printed materials, web sites, social media and other marketing purposes.
Hotel & Travel
Travel
Participants are responsible for their airfare from the U.S. to Dubai. AAAE/IAAE will provide regional airfare and hotel for the study tour. Following registration, participants will receive additional information.
Ground Transportation
Check back for details.
Contact Information
Heba Gouda
+1.703.797.2545