Aerospace Global News Theatre – Day 5

09:50 – 10:10

Meet the Pilot
Royal Danish Airforce Signing Event

10:30 – 10:50

Keynote: “Weird Ideas Welcome”
Foram Brown, CEO, Executive Search – Aerospace & Defense

“Weird Ideas Welcome” is all about how including different perspectives and embracing unique thoughts can spark the creativity needed to tackle the challenges of a booming industry. This session will discuss why having a team made up of people who have different upbringings and see the world differently is crucial. A vibrant and inclusive team is the best way to come up with unique solutions that can push the space and aerospace sector to new heights. To achieve this, leadership at the highest levels must commit to inclusivity. I will discuss how leaders can foster an inclusive culture that will cascade throughout their organisations, enhancing creativity and driving growth. By instilling inclusive leadership practices, we can ensure that our industry not only expands but also leads globally in innovation and inclusivity.

11:00 – 11:45

Panel: “Autonomy Approaches: Integrating New Technologies to Support a Scalable Aviation Ecosystem”

Moderator: Bryn Lucas, Journalist
Ashley Ferguson, VP of Business Operations, Merlin
David King, Chief Engineer, Vertical Aerospace

As air travel demand continues to rise, the strain on existing pilots is becoming more evident. This panel session explores how a phased approach to autonomous flight solutions can create a more flexible and scalable aviation ecosystem. We’ll discuss the exciting possibilities of human-machine teaming, where pilots and autonomous systems work together to enhance safety and efficiency. Additionally, we’ll delve into the advancements in battery technology that are making electric aircraft a reality and examine the challenges of integrating these new technologies with traditional aircraft designs. Join us to discover the future of flight and how it could change the way we travel.

11:55 – 12:10

Keynote: “Disability Inclusion. Why Bother?”
Harvey Matthewson, Advocacy Manager, The Equal Skies Charter

Disability Inclusion, Why Bother? Will demonstrate that disability inclusion within the sector is a benefit for employers because of the unique skills that disabled people have learnt and practiced during their lifetime.

The talk aims to highlight why disability inclusion is vital for the industry and how the lived disability experience of employees can be utilised to improve the productivity of organisations, whilst also improving the quality of services for customers. Also included will be case studies demonstrating best practice and where disabled people are having a positive impact on the industry and the challenges (real or otherwise) that come with employing people with disabilities. The talk will culminate with discussing the Equal Skies Charter’s work in this area and the groups vision for a more inclusive aviation and aerospace industry.

12:15 – 12:30

Keynote: “The UK Digital Revolution Takes Flight: Gen Z and the Future of UK Aviation”
Mark Crompton, Global Head of Employment Marketing, Airbus

The UK aviation industry is set to be transformed by Generation Z over the next decade, this generation’s tech skills and digital fluency are driving innovation across the sector. As Gen Z enters the workforce, their comfort with technology, particularly AI, and their preference for dynamic, interactive learning experiences are reshaping aviation training and operations. This keynote will explore how Gen Z values personalized, tech-driven training methods, workplace flexibility, and meaningful career development, which the industry must adopt to attract and retain this emerging talent. Additionally, Gen Z’s focus on sustainability and inclusivity will push the aviation sector to prioritize eco-friendly practices and diverse work environments. By leveraging Gen Z’s unique skills and perspectives, the UK aviation industry can ensure a future of innovation, sustainability and growth.

12:40 – 13:30

Panel: “Looking towards a more sustainable future – People, Planet and Responsible Business”

Moderator: Andrew Perkins, BA 777 Captain and Air League Trustee
Jonathon Counsell, Group Sustainability Officer, International Airlines Group
Dipeet Mehta, BA 777 Pilot and Air League Scholar
Melissa Kose, Senior Emerging Talent Manager, British Airways

Taking significant and urgent action to address aviation’s impact on the planet is critical to make our industry much more sustainable in the long term. Join the discussion to shape the future of aviation. This debate will enable you to engage with current leaders from industry. How is the latest technology being used? What is the biggest challenge in terms of sustainability? What careers and jobs are there? How do you become the next Pilot, Engineer, Cabin Crew member, Leader of aviation? This debate will answer those questions and point you in the direction of more information. Led by British Airways, The Air League and McKinsey this is a great opportunity to be involved in the future of aviation.