World Aviation Festival Announces Visionary Keynote Speakers to Inspire the Future of Aviation

The World Aviation Festival (WAF) proudly presents a selection of its keynote speakers for this year’s event, promising transformative insights and forward-thinking discussions that will reshape the future of the aviation industry. These industry leaders will explore critical topics ranging from accessibility and digital platforms to sustainability and innovation.

The Keynote CEO Panel titled “Mitigating Geopolitics, Adopting Gen AI, Building More Efficiency, and Managing Supply Chain Issues – What’s the State of Play?” will feature top industry leaders addressing these critical issues. Panelists include Willie Walsh, Director General of IATA; David Neeleman, CEO of Breeze Airways; Marjan Rintel, CEO of KLM; and Theo Panagiotoulias, CEO of Star Alliance. Moderated by Henry Harteveldt, Travel Industry Analyst at Atmosphere Research Group, this panel will provide crucial insights into the current and future state of the aviation sector.

Michael Swiatek, Chief Strategy Officer at Abra Group, will deliver a keynote on “Accessibility in Aviation: What Should Change Look Like?” Focused on improving travel for people with disabilities, especially those who are legally blind or have low vision, Michael’s commitment to inclusivity makes him a key advocate for change in the industry.

John Mangelaars, CEO of Skyscanner, will explore the “Evolution of Metasearch and the Future of Distribution.” With over 30 years of leadership in online and software businesses, including Microsoft and Travix International, John will offer insights on the future of digital aviation platforms.

Oliver Haas, Head of Sustainability at Cathay Pacific Airways, will discuss “Cathay’s Ambitious Climate Goals” and how the airline is pioneering sustainability initiatives. His passion for customer engagement in green aviation makes him a leader in the industry’s sustainability movement.

A Fireside Chat titled “What Challenges are Hindering Widespread Sustainability Efforts in Aviation, and How Can We Overcome Them?” will feature Charlotte Lollar, Director of Sustainability, SAF at Delta Air Lines, discussing solutions to drive meaningful progress in sustainability. The session will be moderated by Glenn Morgan, Partner at Clear Sky.

A spokesperson from the World Aviation Festival said “We are thrilled to have such an outstanding lineup of visionary leaders at this year’s World Aviation Festival. Each of these keynote speakers brings a unique perspective and wealth of experience that will challenge and inspire our attendees to rethink the future of aviation.

These trailblazers join a growing lineup of key speakers at this year’s World Aviation Festival, which continues to be a premier platform for discussing the latest advancements, innovations, and trends in the aviation industry.