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AEROFORUM 2026 HIGHLIGHTS

 
In partnership with Alton Aviation Consultancy, Aviation Week Network, Bloomberg, FlightGlobal and NexAvian, Singapore Airshow 2026 AeroForum brought together a total of 53 senior leadership and technical experts from 3 to 5 February to examine market dynamics, defence spending trajectories, autonomy and human-machine teaming, cyber resilience, sustainable aviation implementation, advanced air mobility, workforce evolution and the commercialisation race for emerging technologies.

In partnership with Alton Aviation Consultancy

Sustainable Aviation: Charting the Course to Net Zero
aeroforum2026-sustainable-aviation.jpg The aviation industry’s net-zero ambition by 2050 is no longer a distant aspiration – it is a near-term operational challenge. With passenger traffic rebounding and global climate expectations intensifying, the pressure is on to demonstrate credible, scalable pathways to decarbonisation. The solutions on the table such as Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), next-gen propulsion systems, aircraft redesign and operational efficiency however all come with their own challenges.

Curated by Alton Aviation Consultancy, this panel explored the multifaceted roadmap toward sustainable aviation, from near-term levers such as fuel-efficiency programs and SAF, to longer-term innovations like hydrogen propulsion, electric aircraft, and radically new aircraft designs. It also examined the policy, regulatory, and financial frameworks needed to accelerate adoption, scale innovation and foster cross-border collaboration to enable the transformative shift in how we power flight.

Moderator:
Mr. Alan LIM, Director, Alton Aviation Consultancy

Speakers:
Ms. Helene BURGER, SAF & Sustainability Officer, Airbus Asia-Pacific
Mr. Haldane DODD, Executive Director, Air Transport Action Group
Dr. Kimberly CAMRASS, Head of Sustainability, Asia Pacific, Boeing
Mr. Oliver HAAS, Head of Sustainability, Commercial and Innovation, Cathay Pacific
Mr. Mario MIFSUD, Vice President, Renewable Fuels Sales & Trading EMEA & APAC, Neste

Artificial Intelligence in Aviation
aeroforum2026-ai-in-aviation.jpg Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionising aviation — transforming how the industry operates, makes decisions, and delivers value. Once a futuristic vision, AI is now enabling real-world breakthroughs across the entire ecosystem — from airlines and airports to OEMs and MROs. As adoption accelerates, organisations are discovering how to harness AI's power responsibly, balancing innovation with trust, transparency and accountability.

Moderated by Alton Aviation Consultancy, this session brought together industry leaders who are turning AI's promise into operational impact. The session discussed how aviation stakeholders are leveraging intelligent systems to automate complex maintenance processes, optimise flight operations, enhance safety monitoring and elevate the passenger experience.

As aviation navigates this digital transformation, the need for ethical deployment and robust governance has never been greater. The panel explored how the industry is establishing guardrails around data governance, algorithmic bias, cybersecurity, and human oversight — setting new standards for responsible innovation in a highly regulated, safety-critical environment.

Through real-world insights and collaborative perspectives, this discussion will showcase how the aviation ecosystem is building the foundations for safe, scalable and sustainable AI transformation — ensuring that technology enhances, rather than replaces, human expertise.

Moderator:
Mr. Joshua NG, Director, Alton Aviation Consultancy

Speakers:
Ms. Sarah SAMUEL, Head of Airlines, South East Asia, Amadeus
Mr. Sandeep SAKHARKAR, Chief Digital Officer, SATS
Mr. David SO, Senior Vice President Base Maintenance, SIA Engineering Company
Dr. Todd CITRON, Chief Technology Officer, The Boeing Company

Elevating Aviation through Inclusive Innovation: Building a Diverse, Relevant and Future-Ready Industry
aeroforum2026-elevating-aviation.jpg Inclusivity is a critical driver of innovation, resilience, and long-term sustainability in aviation. Diverse teams bring broader perspectives, leading to more innovative, accessible and effective solutions. As the industry serves a global audience, it must reflect that diversity in both its workforce and the systems it designs.

Women remain underrepresented in technical and leadership roles in aviation. Targeted recruitment, inclusive policies, and leadership development programs are essential to closing these gaps. Amplifying female role models and mentorship opportunities will inspire girls and women to pursue and grow in aviation careers.

A diverse and inclusive workforce is not only a solution to current labour shortages—it is an enabler of smarter, safer, and more sustainable aviation systems. When inclusion is embedded in strategy, leadership, and operations, it drives innovation that is both meaningful and impactful.

Moderated by Alton Aviation Consultancy and supported by Women in Aviation Singapore Chapter, this panel explored how the aviation industry can harness the power of diversity and inclusion to shape a more equitable, competitive, and future-ready sector.

Moderator:
Ms. Mabel KWAN, Managing Director, Alton Aviation Consultancy

Speakers:
Mr. Paul COIGNEC, Head of Human Resources, Airbus Asia-Pacific
Ms. Penny BURTT, President, Boeing Southeast Asia
Ms. POH Li San, Senior Vice President, Changi East Systems, Changi Airport Group, Member of Parliament, Sembawang West SMC
COL LEE Mei Yi, Head Joint Training, Singapore Armed Forces
Mr. Kevin CHOW, Executive Vice President and Head, Aerostructures and Systems, Commercial Aerospace, ST Engineering


In partnership with Aviation Week Network

Defence Market Outlook: Asia Spotlight
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Global military spending is growing at its fastest rate since the Cold War as geopolitical tensions rise in Europe, the Middle East and Asia. This session examined the emerging defence spending and military procurement trends and how they are shifting the shape of the global defence market, with a particular focus on developments in Asia.

Speaker:
Ms. Rachel HUTCHISON, Manager, Defence Market Intelligence, Aviation Week Network

Autonomy in Action: Path to Human Machine Teaming
aeroforum2026-autonomy-in-action.jpg Autonomy is reshaping mission effectiveness and operational safety. This session unpacked advances in AI-driven autonomy, ethical considerations and real-world applications in both defence and civil sectors.

Moderator:
Mr. Robert WALL, Executive Editor, Defence & Space, Aviation Week Network

Speakers:
Dr. Jason LEVIN, Senior Vice President, Engineering, Anduril Industries
Mr. Brandon TSENG, President & Co-Founder, Shield AI
Dr. LEE Shiang Long, Group Chief Technology and Digital Officer, ST Engineering
Dr. Bernhard QUENDT, Chief Technical Officer, Thales

Parts, Partners and Production: An Outlook on Aircraft Manufacturing
aeroforum2026-parts-partners-production.jpg Commercial aerospace OEMs are under pressure to scale up faster than ever, putting the supply chain eco-system at a pivotal crossroad amidst persistent constraints. In this session, the industry leaders unpacked the challenges and opportunities of ramping up production, assess supply chain readiness and reveal how lessons from recent crises are driving smarter, more resilient growth.

Moderator:
Mr. Jens FLOTTAU, Executive Editor, Commercial Aviation, Aviation Week Network

Speakers:
Mr. Gerd HEINZELMANN, Managing Director, Liebherr-Aerospace Lindenberg GmbH
Mr. William A. AMPOFO II, Senior Vice President, Parts & Distribution and Supply Chain, Boeing Global Services
Mr. John KELLY, Senior Vice President Customer – APAC, Rolls-Royce

In partnership with BloombergNEF

Aviation in Global Energy Transition
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The scale and source of CO2 emissions in the global transport sector are expected to change markedly over the next 25 years. In road transport, energy demand is projected to peak in 2028 and then decline, driven primarily by electrification. In contrast, fossil fuels are likely to continue dominating energy use in shipping and aviation through 2050, reflecting slower uptake of clean fuels. In 2050, aviation's share of carbon emissions from transport is expected to rise from 13% today to about 25% by mid-century.

Technological advances and deployment of more sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) will reduce the carbon intensity of flying in the future. However, this requires significant policy interventions. This presentation examined how aviation will evolve in the era of global energy transition, the key challenges it faces, and how decarbonization progress in non-aviation sectors may impact aviation.

Speaker:
Mr. Takehiro KAWAHARA, Aviation Specialist, BloombergNEF

In collaboration with Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore and BloombergNEF

Building a Sustainable Air Hub in Asia: Singapore’s Vision for Low-Carbon Aviation
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As one of the world’s most connected aviation hubs, Singapore sits at the crossroads of growth and climate responsibility. In this fireside chat, Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore shared how Singapore is translating ambition in its Sustainable Air Hub Blueprint into actions. The discussion explored Singapore’s in regional as well as global aviation decarbonisation, the balance between environmental goals and competitiveness, passenger levies on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and key roles undertaken by the Asia-Pacific Sustainable Aviation Centre (APSAC). The conversation offered lessons for regulators, airlines, and airports navigating the transition to clean aviation.

Speaker:
Mr. Daniel NG, Chief Sustainability Officer, Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore

Moderator:
Mr. Takehiro KAWAHARA, Aviation Specialist, BloombergNEF


In collaboration with Cyber Security Agency of Singapore and S.Rajaratnam School of International Studies

Strengthening Cyber Resilience in an Interconnected Aviation Ecosystem
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The aviation sector is undergoing significant digital transformation, with increased connectivity, the adoption of AI-enabled systems, and more complex global supply chains. Whilst digital transformation enhances operational efficiency, they also introduce new cybersecurity challenges.

Drawing on recent incidents and ongoing technological trends, the conversation explored key cybersecurity shifts in the aviation sector, highlighting CSA's risk-based approach to addressing emerging risks in an increasingly connected world. There was a discussion on the importance of securing cyber defences across borders and the role of international cooperation. Finally, the session looked ahead to the future of cybersecurity in aviation.

Speaker:
Mr. David KOH, Chief Executive, Cyber Security Agency of Singapore

Moderator:
Mr. Benjamin ANG, Senior Fellow, Head of Centre of Excellence for National Security, and Head of Digital Impact Research, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies


In partnership with FlightGlobal

Airline Performance and Fleet Trends in Asia-Pacific
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This region has long been one of the most dynamic in aviation with some of the best-known and most respected airline brands in the world, but it is also home to fast growing disruptors with new and exciting business models. Drawing on expert insights and data from Airline Business, this session examined the key fleet trends, network developments, and market drivers and looked at who could be the sector’s winners and losers in 2026 and beyond.

Speaker:
Mr. Murdo MORRISON FRAeS, Head of Strategic Content, FlightGlobal

Commercial Aviation Leadership Summit
aeroforum2026-CALS.jpg Five prominent industry leaders joined FlightGlobal’s Murdo Morrison and discussed what would be driving the commercial aviation market across the Asia-Pacific market in 2026 and beyond, including passenger and cargo traffic trends, the fleet requirement pipeline, delivery and supply chain challenges, airport and other infrastructure developments, and the impact of wider geopolitical events.

Moderator:
Mr. Murdo MORRISON FRAeS, Head of Strategic Content, FlightGlobal

Speakers:
Mr. Thomas CHANDLER, Chief Operating Officer, BOC Aviation
Mr. Mike SZÜCS, Chief Executive Officer, Cebu Pacific Air
Mr. Gaël MÉHEUST, President & Chief Executive Officer, CFM International
Mr. Pieter ELBERS, Chief Executive Officer, IndiGo
Mr. Leslie THNG, Chief Executive Officer, Scoot


In partnership with NexAvian

APAC AAM Report for Asia 2025
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The Asia Pacific AAM Report 2025 focuses on passenger carrying eVTOL market in Asia Pacific, with 48 eVTOL models included that are release on or before 2025. As China is a dominant eVTOL market, this report unveils some of China's AAM policy and companies that are active in the field.

Speaker:
Mr. Jersey WU, Director, Avion Pacific

AAM Dual-Use Technologies: Opportunities & Challenges Globally
aeroforum2026-aam-dual-use-tech.jpg This panel brought together key experts working at the intersection of civil aviation, defence operations, and disaster-response technologies. Senior representatives from different regions worldwide discussed how dual-use concepts are shaping the future of advanced air and mobility operations—both in Singapore and globally. The conversation explored how emerging aviation technologies can serve civilian needs while also supporting national defence, emergency response, humanitarian missions, and critical infrastructure resilience.

Moderated by NexAvian, this interactive session provided the audience with the opportunity to engage directly with the speakers, ask questions, and gain practical insights into real-world applications of dual-use aviation solutions across APAC and beyond.

Moderator:
Mr. Daniel SLOAT, Founder & President, Advanced Air Mobility Institute

Speakers:
Dr. Martin DING, Chief Executive Officer, Albatross.ai
Mr. Mark EMERTON, Robotics & Autonomous Systems Lead, Frazer-Nash Consultancy (A KBR Company)
Mr. James DORRIS, Chief Executive Officer, Odys Aviation
Mr. TEONG Soo Soon, Senior Vice President & Head, Unmanned Air Systems, Commercial Aerospace, ST Engineering

Beyond the Horizon: The Global Race to Commercialise Advanced Air Mobility
aeroforum2026-beyond-the-horizon.jpg As the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) sector transitions from technological demonstration to commercial deployment, global leaders are facing a pivotal question: Which market will take flight first in which countries? How long after cargo flights, would passenger flights happen? Curated by NexAvian, this exclusive leadership panel convened three distinguished C-Suite members representing AAM pioneers from different regions in the world. Together, they explored the next frontiers in AAM commercialisation, reflecting diverse regional perspectives, regulatory environments, and market priorities

Moderator:
Mr. Emerson XU, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, NexAvian

Speakers:
Mr. Philip Kelly, Senior Vice President Business Development, New Horizon Aircraft Ltd.
Mr. NG Yon Wui, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, TCab
Mr. Michael CERVENKA, Chief Commercial & Strategy Officer, Vertical Aerospace


Sponsored by Neste

Sustainable Aviation Fuel: Heading in the Right Direction
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A year after the start of the ReFuelEU SAF mandate and expecting the start of Singapore's SAF target later this year, the market for SAF is moving in the right direction. Neste's Mario Mifsud shared his perspective on the developments and what is needed to further accelerate SAF demand and production.

Speaker:
Mr. Mario MIFSUD, Vice President, Renewable Fuels Sales & Trading EMEA & APAC, Neste