Aviation Forum Austria 2024
Organizer
- Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Mobility, Innovation and Technology (BMK)
- Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG)
- Austrian Economic Chamber (WKÖ)
- Aviation Industry Austria (AIA)
Documentation
On October 24, 2024, the Aviation Forum Austria 2024 took place in Vienna, hosted by the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology (BMK), in cooperation with the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG), Aviation Industry Austria (AIA), and the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKÖ).
This annual event brought together high-level decision-makers, experts, and industry leaders to explore the critical advancements in aviation research and technology, including sustainability, artificial intelligence, and the future of airports. Attendees joined both in-person and online, affirming Austria's commitment to eco-conscious events through compliance with Austria's Green Events standards.
The aim was to organize the event in accordance with the criteria of the Austrian Ecolabel for Green Events.
Session I: Sustainable Aviation Technologies
Kicking off the discussions, the forum's first session, "Sustainable Aviation Technologies," focused on the forward-looking collaborations between Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), suppliers, and research organizations to foster sustainable practices.
Future Developments: Industrial and Research Cooperation from OEM, Suppliers and Research
This session provided a comprehensive look at how these industry giants are paving the way for sustainability in aviation.
Keynote speakers included:
- João Pedro Taborda, VP of Government Affairs in Europe and Central Asia at Embraer
- Robert Machtlinger, CEO of FACC
- Juriaan Kellermann, CEO of Fokker Next Gen
Research Lightning Talks and Gallery Walks
Following the keynotes, a series of lightning talks and gallery walks spotlighted innovative research projects from Austria, showcasing groundbreaking ideas that highlight Austria's research expertise in aviation technologies. Participants engaged in these short, dynamic presentations and interactive discussions.
Lightning Talks & Gallery Walks I:
- Project LH2 - Michael Schilling
- Project JOICE - Wolfgang Hassler
- Project Airborne - Helmut Kühnelt
- Project Resistant - Andreas Flanschger
The second part, beginning at 11:15 a.m., shifted focus to a technological perspective aimed at boosting aviation efficiency through innovation.
Key Notes: Future Developments: The Technological Perspective for Greater Efficiency
Keynote speakers included:
- Alexander von Seckendorff, Commercial Account Director at Airbus
- Roland Kastenhuber, Head of Sales at Pankl Aerospace Systems Europe
- Kevin-Christian Garzon, Aeronautical Research Engineer at NASA - SJSURF
Each speaker offered unique insights into how technology can enhance operational efficiency, with particular emphasis on emerging innovations in their respective organizations. This session wrapped up with another round of lightning talks and gallery walks, featuring additional research pitches from Austrian innovators before attendees gathered for a lunch break.
Lightning Talks & Gallery Walks II
• Project OFELIA - Benjamin Walther
• Project H2EDT - Giacomo Scomparin, Mehdi Noui
• Project Redeem - Malek Ibrahim
• Project Bio SAF Airlab - Markus Lehner, Christoph Markowitsch
• Project WECAP - Andreas Janecek
Session II: Artificial Intelligence-Driven Innovations in Aviation
The afternoon session, starting at 1:30 p.m., explored the influence of artificial intelligence on everyday operations within aviation, a topic of rapidly growing relevance for the industry.
Key Notes: How does Artificial Intelligence affect your daily aviation business
Keynote speakers included:
- Eduard Gringinger, Principal Data Scientist at Frequentis
- Anna von Groote, Director General at EUROCAE
- Jörg Kushauer, Head of Innovation Management, Product Conformity, and Safety at Diehl Defense
These industry experts presented the far-reaching effects of AI in improving operational efficiencies, safety, and customer experiences, followed by lightning talks and gallery walks featuring Austrian AI-focused research projects.
Lightning Talks & Gallery Walks III:
- Project CrystalAir - Nina Paulitsch, Andrea Hofer
- Project NGS – Eduard Gringinger, Andreas Rath
- Project CyMODAC - Holger Flühr
- Project Prometheus - Carina Schlögel
Session III: Twin Transition - Aviation of the Future
At 3:15 p.m., the final session, "Twin Transition - Aviation of the Future," brought attention to how airports and airlines envision the future of aviation through sustainable and tech-driven transformations.
Key Notes: How will the Airport of the Future Look Like
Keynote speakers included:
- Günther Ofner, CEO of Vienna Airport
- Konstantin Baumgartner, Head of Business Development at Austrian Airlines
- Julian Jank, CEO of Aeroficial Intelligence
Panel Discussion: The Transformation of Aviation
Following the keynotes, a panel discussion took place, where experts discussed how their respective organizations are addressing emerging challenges.
Panelists included:
- Elisabeth Landrichter, Managing Director at Austro Control GmbH
- Alexander von Seckendorff, Commercial Account Director at Airbus
- João Pedro Taborda, VP of Government Affairs in Europe and Central Asia at Embraer
- Julian Jank, CEO of Aeroficial Intelligence
Closing Remarks and Networking
The forum concluded with closing remarks from Henriette Spyra, Director General of Innovation and Technology, summarizing the insights of the day and encouraging ongoing collaboration in Austria's aviation sector. A final networking session provided further opportunities for attendees to connect and discuss potential partnerships.
Technology Exhibition and Green Event Commitment
Throughout the event, the technology exhibition in the foyer allowed companies and research institutions to showcase their aviation-related products and services. Aligning with the Austrian Eco-Label for Green Events, the forum upheld sustainability standards, making it a model for environmentally conscious professional gatherings.
Aviation Forum Austria 2024
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Gallery
The photos may be used further with the credit: "Philipp Stambera/FFG"
Downloads
Target Audience
Representatives from companies in the aviation (supplier) industry as well as the air transport sector (airports, airlines, air traffic service providers, ...), aviation-related organizations and initiatives, academic and non-academic research institutions, as well as stakeholders of societal challenges.