The 5th edition of the International Aviation Management Conference (IAMC), held at Emirates Aviation University (EAU), in Dubai, saw more than 300 aviation experts, researchers, and global leaders discuss key trends, innovations, and sustainability efforts.

The conference, which featured more than 40 key presentations, focused on the theme "Aviation Trends: Advancements, Regulations, and Sustainability”, reflecting the sector's evolution and its response to rising challenges.

In his opening address, Professor Dr Ahmad Al Ali, Vice Chancellor of Emirates Aviation University, highlighted the rapid transformation the aviation industry is experiencing.

“Fuelled by demand, advances in sustainable practices, and cutting-edge technology, our industry is on the brink of rapid transformation,” he said.

“By uniting leaders and scholars under one roof, we aim to showcase aviation’s boldest and most imaginative ideas.”

Dr Al Ali also expressed excitement for the future of the conference, anticipating continued growth and evolution in the years to come.

Keynote speakers at the event included, Colonel Engineer Marwan Mohammad Singel, Director of the Dubai Civil Aviation Security Centre at Dubai Police, Mohamed Abubaker Farea, ICAO Middle East Regional Director, Kashif Khalid, Regional Director for OSS Africa and the Middle East at IATA, and notable academics such as Professor Paul D Williams, Professor of Atmospheric Science at the University of Reading, and Professor Bijan Vasigh from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

From the Emirates Group, senior executives including Steve Allen, CEO of dnata, Oliver Grohmann, Executive Vice President of Human Resources, and Kieran Dowd, Vice President of Sourcing Solutions at Emirates Flight Catering, were also among the key contributors.

The conference delved into several key topics affecting the aviation sector, including airline operations and management, air traffic management innovations, AI applications, and aviation safety and security.

Presentations underscored the aviation industry's proactive stance on sustainability, including a bold strategy to achieve zero waste to landfill by 2030. Climate change's impact on flight routes, particularly extreme weather events and shifting wind patterns, was also a major point of discussion.

Innovative technologies and their impact on aviation were explored, with a special focus on AI-driven tools revolutionising human resources functions and the use of drones for aircraft inspections, eliminating the need for scaffolding and reducing both time and labour.

The IAMC also highlighted the aviation industry's ongoing growth trajectory, with International Air Transport Association (IATA) projecting industry revenues to reach $996 billion in 2024.

The event further reinforced Emirates Aviation University's role in fostering collaboration between academia and the aviation industry, positioning the institution as a key player in shaping the future of aviation. -TradeArabia News Service