Future-focused panels and industry awards mark Day 1 of Aerospace Tech Week Europe

Aerospace Tech Week (ATW) Europe, the premier event dedicated to aerospace technology, kicked off yesterday in Munich – bringing together 1500+ attendees from sectors including Avionics, Connectivity, MRO IT, and Advanced Air Mobility.

From AI to net-zero aviation, the first day set the tone with high-level discussions and technological deep dives that reflected both urgency and ambition in the sector. Today’s agenda builds on this momentum, with speakers including Grzegorz Ombach of Airbus, Sophie Lane of the Aerospace Technology Institute, and Nichola Bates from Boeing Aerospace Xelerated.

Below are the highlights from the first day of Aerospace Tech Week Europe 2025.

Turning AI into real-world results

In a panel titled ‘Leading the future: strategic priorities shaping aerospace in the next decade,’ executives from Ryanair, Aer Lingus, and Lufthansa Systems discussed the role of data, efficiency, and infrastructure in shaping the next phase of aviation. Stefanie Neumann, CEO of Lufthansa Systems, pointed to the growing role of AI in making operational decisions during disruption. “AI now supports us to handle tons of data and come up with alternatives to manage situations and calculate the best move,” she said, while cautioning that new tools must deliver real-world value, not just headlines.

Joseph Ryan, Director of Engineering at Aer Lingus, described practical applications of AI in predictive maintenance, warning that delays in adoption can carry a heavy price tag – while Ryanair COO Neal McMahon emphasised the importance of aligning technology with tangible outcomes. “Self-service kiosks are a practical example of where technology and customer service meet… I’d rather do things that will make the customer experience better and lower our costs – because we have to do both,” he argued.

Sustainability demands action, not perfection

A dedicated sustainability panel brought sharp insight and clear calls for a shift in mindset around regulation and responsibility. KLM’s Program Manager of Zero Emission Aviation, Jolanda Stevens, called on the industry to stop waiting for perfect conditions. “Start small and do it,” she said. Anna von Groote, Director General of EUROCAE, highlighted that progress depends on tighter integration between innovators and rulemakers: “The industry needs to see standards and regulations as enablers that ensure innovative solutions are deployable at scale.”

Regina Pouzolz, Director of Sustainable Flight at Deutsche Aircraft, pushed back against doubts around 100% Non-Drop-In SAFs (sustainable aviation fuels), calling them viable today – not tomorrow. Meanwhile, Martin Nagelsmit, Head of Sustainability at the Netherlands Aerospace Centre, cut to the core trade-off facing the industry: “If we’re not willing to pay a little bit more for the more sustainable flight, or invest in SAF, then the only solution is flying less. And I don’t think that’s what we want.”

Celebrating innovation and impact

Announced on site, the first-ever Aerospace Tech Review (ATR) Awards recognised individuals and companies for their outstanding contributions to the aerospace industry in 2024.

The 2025 ATR Award winners are:

• Top innovator: Maxime Meijers, Co-Founder and CEO of Estuaire
• Most disruptive start up: AIXI
• Best sustainability initiative: Iberia Maintenance
• Most creative product applying AI: Kquika’s Trakt System
• Collaboration of the year: Airbus and Telefónica

Following the ceremony, Natalie England, Project Director of Aerospace Tech Week, commented: “This is the first year of the ATR Awards and we are thrilled to celebrate some of the remarkable people and products that are pushing the boundaries of what is possible in this dynamic industry.”

ATW Europe brings together key players in the industry ecosystem to catalyse innovation, spark creativity, and nurture collaborative relationships. The rapidly growing event features cutting-edge exhibitions, insightful conferences, and 1-2-1 networking opportunities.