The event, which runs until 9 October, has drawn more than 4,500 leaders from across the aviation industry and features over 600 speakers, including CEOs and senior executives from leading aviation companies. Attendees also have the opportunity to engage with more than 400 travel technology exhibitors, showcasing the latest advances shaping air transport.

Across 85 sessions on the opening day, discussions covered a range of themes — from artificial intelligence and sustainability to cybersecurity, regulation, and digital transformation.

AI Accelerating Aviation Transformation

Artificial Intelligence remains the most disruptive force in aviation. As David Rowan, author and former editor of Wired UK, noted, “AI is the fastest ever adopted technology. We shouldn’t assume that everything that was fact until now will continue to be a fact.”

While AI’s potential to drive efficiency is widely recognised, industry leaders urged caution and discernment. Faith Taylor, SVP for Global Citizenship and Sustainability at Kyndryl, emphasised the importance of understanding the environmental footprint of cloud computing. “Companies need to know where their data centres are and what powers them before migrating systems,” she said.

Ben Dias, Chief AI Scientist at IAG, added that sustainability is embedded in all of the group’s AI initiatives. “Even when AI can do a thing, it doesn’t mean it should. We weigh the costs and sustainability impact of each application.” IAG is currently developing an AI-driven engine optimisation system to improve maintenance scheduling and operational efficiency.

Net Zero by 2050 — Pathways and Challenges

The drive toward Net Zero by 2050 continues to dominate the sustainability agenda. Discussions led by ATAG, Xelerated Fifty, and Sustainable Aero Lab explored ways to finance and scale Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production.

According to Nichola Bates, CEO of Xelerated Fifty, progress is being held back by cultural inertia rather than technology. “The aviation sector needs financial mechanisms and collaboration from governments, financial institutions, and other stakeholders to accelerate change.”

Lukas Kaestner, Co-founder of Sustainable Aero Lab, highlighted the regulatory and investment challenges of SAF innovation, noting that “visionary investors” are key to progress. Despite obstacles, Haldane Dod, Executive Director at ATAG, expressed optimism: “Governments are reaching common goals, and most institutions now have SAF experts on their teams. We are in a strong position to reach Net Zero by 2050.”

New Developments Announced

Day one also saw several notable announcements:

• DerbySoft launched its Global Data Network (GDN), a decentralised, API-first flight distribution model, with AirAsia Group as its first airline partner.
• eSIM GO introduced the Breeze Global Travel Pass, designed to enhance loyalty programme engagement and cross-sell ancillary services.
• Accelya revealed a multi-year strategic collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to advance open, modern airline retailing solutions.

Looking Ahead

The festival continues tomorrow with a welcome address by Miguel Pinto Luz, Portugal’s Minister for Infrastructure and Housing. A key highlight will be an interview with Willie Walsh, Director General of IATA, who will join Luis Rodrigues (CEO, TAP Air Portugal) and Luis Gallego (CEO, IAG) in a panel on navigating uncertainty in airline operations.