The Global Aviation Conference Frankfurt, which combines key topics of the industry, top level networking and dedicated exhibition area will take place on 29-30 September 2026. In this interview, Simonas Juodagalvis explains what visitors can expect from the conference, why lifecycles in aviation are so long, digitalisation, and human aspects.
Q: The Global Aviation Conference Frankfurt covers a broad scope of topics, including aircraft manufacturers, airlines, and airports, among others. What can participants expect during the two day conference?
Over the two days, attendees will hear from senior industry leaders discussing topics ranging from digital transformation and operational excellence to sustainability, workforce development, AI, passenger experience and future of air travel. The conference is designed to encourage cross-sector dialogue and provide practical insights that attendees can take back to their organizations.
Q: Many topics focus on 2040 and beyond. Are lifecycles still so slow that we are forced to consider such a distant future?
In aviation, long-term thinking is not optional. Aircraft, airport infrastructure, air traffic management systems and fleet strategies are investments that often span decades. Decisions being made today will shape operations well into the 2040s and beyond.
At the same time, the pace of technological change is accelerating. Artificial intelligence, digital platforms and sustainability initiatives are already transforming the industry. The challenge for aviation leaders is to balance immediate operational needs with long-term strategic planning. Looking toward 2040 is not about predicting the future with certainty, it is about ensuring that decisions made today remain relevant in a rapidly evolving environment.
Q: Digitalisation and data sharing will be central topics, along with cybersecurity. Everybody in aviation seems to be moving forward, but how is data sharing progressing across organisations?
The industry has made great progress in digitalisation, but there is still a lot of room for improvement when it comes to sharing data between different organisations. All organisations collect valuable information and there is growing recognition that better collaboration can help everyone operate more efficiently.
Better data sharing can improve everything from maintenance planning and operational performance to passenger experience and sustainability. The challenge today is not collecting more data, but finding safe and effective ways to share it.
Q: Human aspects will also be an important topic at the conference. How can aviation attract new talent, when some consider its impact on the environment being too negative?
Young professionals are often attracted by industries that are tackling complex global challenges. Aviation has the opportunity to position itself not only as an industry undergoing transformation, but as one where talented individuals can directly contribute to making that transformation happen. That is exactly what makes aviation such an attractive sector for the next generation.
Q: What is your message to someone considering attending but who has not yet made their decision?
The aviation industry is experiencing one of the most significant periods of change in its history. Whether the topic is sustainability, AI, digitalization, workforce development, passenger expectations or future air travel, the decisions being made today will shape the next steps of aviation for decades to come.
The Global Aviation Conference Frankfurt is designed to bring together the people driving those changes. Over two days, attendees will gain valuable insights from industry leaders, discover the latest technologies and solutions in the exhibition area, and connect with airlines, airports, OEMs, MROs, regulators and technology providers from across the aviation ecosystem.
