IAAE News

February 12, 2025

Washington, D.C. – The Fifth Global Aviation Forum, hosted by the International Association of Airport Executives (IAAE) and sponsored by Signature Aviation, brought together over 200 industry leaders, airport executives, and aviation technology experts to discuss the future of sustainable aviation, urban air mobility (UAM), and artificial intelligence (AI) in airport operations. The forum, one of the largest in its history, provided a platform for global stakeholders to explore innovations shaping the future of the aviation industry.

Key Takeaways from the Forum:

Sustainability and Electrification in Aviation

Aviation leaders emphasized the need for sustainable practices, including the electrification of ground support equipment, rental car fleets, and service vehicles at airports. Kevin Bumen, A.A.E., C.A.E., Chair of IAAE and Chief Financial and Commercial Officer of San Francisco International Airport, highlighted the importance of integrating advanced and urban air mobility (AAM/UAM) with sustainable ground operations to reduce environmental impact.

Regulatory Challenges in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and UAM

A discussion led by Mike French, Vice President of Resident Success at Signature Aviation, explored the need for regulatory clarity as electric aviation advances. Dr. Kostas Iatrou, Director General, Hermes Air Transport Organization, underscored the importance of global collaboration in harmonizing AAM/UAM regulations, while additional insights were expected from representatives of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).

Innovations in Airport Operations and Ground Handling

Herbert Michael Keffel of Munich Airport International outlined the challenges and innovations in transitioning ground service equipment to electric power, emphasizing the need for substantial infrastructure investment. JFK Airport’s new electric GSE pooling system was highlighted as a model for reducing costs and improving efficiency.

The Role of AI and Public Acceptance in Urban Air Mobility

• Tomislav Lang, Founder of Flyvbird GmbH, shared how AAM/UAM can transform airport logistics, stressing the need for public education and phased implementation.
• Giulio de Carli, President, Air Tech Italy, discussed how electric ground transportation can complement AAM/UAM to create a more seamless and efficient passenger experience.
• Matija Bračić, Assistant Professor, University of Zagreb, highlighted the role of AI-driven modeling and simulation in planning and optimizing airspace for advanced air mobility operations.

Drones and Their Growing Role in Airport Environments

• Eng. Daniyar Tule, Chief Flight Inspection Engineer at Samana Special Mission, shared insights on using drones for flight inspection and airspace management, citing AI-powered automation as a game-changer for operational efficiency.
• Dubai International Airport representatives emphasized the importance of regulatory cooperation to integrate drones into airport operations safely.

Future Outlook and Next Forum

As the industry continues its transition to sustainable and autonomous solutions, the Global Aviation Forum will remain at the forefront of fostering discussions that shape aviation’s future. The next Global Aviation Forum is scheduled for May 14, 2025, with an open call for topic suggestions from industry stakeholders.

IAAE will also be hosting key industry events, including Smart Airports in Amsterdam (March) and the Airports Conference of the Americas in Lima, Peru (June), to continue discussions on sustainability, innovation, and global best practices.

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Press Contact:
Holly Ackerman
International Association of Airport Executives (IAAE)
Email: holly.ackerman@aaae.org
Website: www.iaae.org