Portugal joins the US, UAE, Ireland, UK, and Vietnam in projecting its aviation industry at World Aviation Festival 2025 in Lisbon. This event, held from October 7-9, is a major gathering for global aviation leaders. With groundbreaking talks on artificial intelligence (AI) and sustainability, Portugal is taking a prominent role in shaping the future of aviation.
The World Aviation Festival serves as a platform for countries like the US, UAE, Ireland, UK, Vietnam, and Portugal to showcase their innovations and strategies. The event brings together aviation professionals from across the globe, providing valuable insights into the latest advancements in AI, sustainability, and the future of air travel. As the aviation industry continues to evolve, Portugal’s participation highlights its commitment to innovation and sustainability, reinforcing the country’s importance in the global aviation sector.
The World Aviation Festival 2025 has officially opened in Lisbon, Portugal, and it’s set to be a game-changer for the aviation industry. From October 7-9, over 4,500 leaders from the global aviation sector will come together at the Feira Internacional de Lisboa. The event promises to be a hub of innovation, transformation, and strategy, with more than 600 speakers, including C-level executives, sharing insights on the future of aviation. The festival’s exhibition area will also showcase the latest developments from over 400 travel tech companies. As the industry moves forward, the festival’s first day highlighted key themes like artificial intelligence (AI), sustainability, digital transformation, cybersecurity, and more.
Exhibitors from Around the World
At the World Aviation Festival, exhibitors include well-known companies from many countries. Some of the big names participating are FLYR, PROS, Amadeus, Microsoft, and Viasat. These companies represent different regions, highlighting the international appeal of the event. The festival also hosts a Startup Village with more than 80 emerging companies, further emphasising the diverse representation from various countries in the aviation sector. The festival’s global reach is evident, as it attracts professionals from over 100 countries.
Why It Matters for the Aviation Industry
The World Aviation Festival is a key event for the aviation industry, as it offers a platform for companies from around the world to present their latest technologies and ideas. It allows businesses to connect, share expertise, and discuss ways to improve air travel. The event also serves as a space for collaboration, helping the industry to overcome challenges such as sustainability, innovation, and digital transformation.
AI’s Accelerating Role in Aviation Transformation
Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to be the most transformative technology in the aviation sector, and its influence is growing rapidly. On the first day of World Aviation Festival, David Rowan, editor of Wired UK, highlighted how AI is changing the game at an unprecedented pace. “AI is the fastest ever adopted technology,” Rowan said, stressing that businesses must not assume past industry norms will continue to apply. AI is no longer a future possibility; it’s here and driving rapid transformation.
Experts at the festival, including Faith Taylor from Kyndryl, explained how AI could significantly improve aviation operations. AI allows for better decision-making, operational efficiency, and system optimisations. However, Taylor warned that companies must consider where their data centres are located and the type of energy they use before fully migrating to AI-driven systems. This consideration is crucial for ensuring that AI adoption aligns with sustainability goals.
Ben Dias, Chief AI Scientist at International Airlines Group (IAG), discussed the role of sustainability in AI. IAG is focusing on making its engine maintenance schedules more efficient through AI, ensuring that technology does not just meet operational needs but also supports the company’s environmental goals. This combination of AI and sustainability was a focal point at the event, with several airlines showcasing AI projects that also aim to reduce their carbon footprint.
Net Zero by 2050: A Common Goal for the Aviation Sector
The goal of achieving Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050 remains central to the aviation industry’s future plans. The replacement of fossil fuels with Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is a key driver in this effort. At the World Aviation Festival, a panel featuring experts from ATAG, Xelerated Fifty, and Sustainable Aero Lab delved into how companies can finance and scale SAF production. According to Nichola Bates, CEO of Xelerated Fifty, the primary barrier to progress in SAF development is not technology but cultural factors. The aviation sector needs stronger financial mechanisms to push for change, alongside greater collaboration between governments, financial institutions, and other stakeholders.
Lukas Kaestner of Sustainable Aero Lab pointed out the complexity of regulations that impact the development of SAF, alongside the significant investment required to bring new products to market. However, Haldane Dod from ATAG remains optimistic, stating that governments around the world are aligning on the issue and are making strides in the push for decarbonisation. While there are still challenges ahead, the global consensus around SAF shows that the aviation industry is moving in the right direction.
New Innovations Unveiled at World Aviation Festival 2025
The first day of the World Aviation Festival also saw some exciting new developments that will shape the future of the aviation industry. DerbySoft, a company dedicated to accelerating travel commerce, announced the launch of its Global Data Network (GDN). This innovative distribution model will move flight distribution from centralised systems to a decentralised, API-first network. The first airline to join this new solution will be AirAsia Group, which is already on the path to modernising its technology.
Additionally, eSIM GO, a digital connectivity company, introduced its Breeze Global Travel Pass, a product designed to drive loyalty programme participation and the cross-selling of ancillary products for airlines, airports, and other B2B aviation partners. This is a crucial step towards enhancing customer engagement and offering value-added services that will increase revenue for aviation companies.
Another key announcement came from Accelya, a global leader in airline software, which revealed its multi-year strategic collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS). This partnership will help power open and modern airline retailing, bringing innovation to the way airlines sell their products and services.
Keynote Speeches and Panels Focused on Uncertainty and Innovation
The World Aviation Festival’s first day also featured insightful keynote speeches and panels that explored how the industry can navigate uncertainty. Miguel Pinto Luz, Portugal’s Minister for Infrastructure and Housing, welcomed delegates with a speech on the importance of infrastructure development in advancing the aviation sector. His address set the tone for the festival, emphasising how the industry can build resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges.
One of the most anticipated sessions was an interview with Willy Walsh, Director General of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), who discussed how airlines can respond to ongoing uncertainties in the global aviation market. Walsh’s views on operational risks, passenger safety, and regulatory changes offered valuable insights into how the industry must evolve to meet the demands of the future.
Also contributing to the dialogue was TAP Air Portugal CEO Luis Rodrigues, who shared his thoughts on managing disruption in airline operations. Rodrigues and Walsh, alongside IAG CEO Luis Gallego, engaged in a panel discussing how to navigate challenges and ensure that airlines remain competitive, sustainable, and innovative in a rapidly changing market.
The Future of Aviation: What’s Next?
As the World Aviation Festival continues, one thing is clear: the aviation industry is on the cusp of major transformation. With AI driving operational efficiency, SAF leading the charge in sustainability, and new digital solutions like DerbySoft’s GDN and eSIM GO’s travel pass revolutionising how airlines interact with customers, the future of aviation is looking brighter than ever.
As the industry works towards its Net Zero by 2050 goal, collaboration between governments, airlines, tech companies, and other stakeholders will be key to overcoming the hurdles that still remain. The World Aviation Festival is helping to set the stage for this collaboration, with its focus on bringing industry leaders together to share insights and drive progress.
The World Aviation Festival’s Role in Shaping the Future
The World Aviation Festival 2025 is proving to be a pivotal moment for the aviation industry. With over 4,500 leaders in attendance, the event is highlighting the key trends and innovations that will shape the future of air travel. From AI and sustainability to new retail models and customer loyalty programmes, the festival is a testament to the industry’s resilience and its ability to adapt to new challenges. As the event continues, it will undoubtedly provide more groundbreaking insights and solutions that will drive the aviation sector forward.
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