Istanbul Aviation Forum 2027 Reveals Its First Speakers

Aviation professionals from around the world will meet in Istanbul on 27-28 April 2027 for the Istanbul Aviation Forum, and registration has now opened. The first speakers are confirmed. Over two days, the forum will host people from airlines, airports, MROs, manufacturers, lessors, technology and service providers. The organizers expect more than 800 attendees from across the world, along with over 70 speakers, more than 50 exhibitors and 10 panel discussions.

Who will take the stage

Gabriel Hanot of GH Aviation Consulting will chair the forum. The first speakers announced represent Turkish aviation companies as well as airlines and airports from other countries:

• Müjgan Özkaya, Group Head of Flight Operations and Crew Solutions at Pegasus Airlines
• Fatih Rüştü Altunok, SVP Crew Training at Turkish Airlines
• Davut Yılmaz, SVP Digital Transformation and Advanced Technologies at Turkish Technic
• Jürgen Deischl, CEO of Fraport Slovenija
• Giovanni Russo, COO and Accountable Manager at Geneva Airport
• Nishanth Kumar Pathi, Director of Cyber Security & Governance at Gulf Air
• Mark Ansems, Head of Operations Steering at Swiss International Air Lines
• Juan Carlos Almanza, Director of Ground Operations at Aeromexico

What the first names tell us

Even at this early stage, the speakers represent many different parts of the industry: flight and ground operations, crew training, airport management, digital transformation in maintenance, and cybersecurity. This is exactly what the forum is meant to do, which is to bring the whole aviation value chain together and let those who face the challenges each day discuss them with one another.

Ten panels, many topics

The programme is built around ten panel discussions. Topics include digital aviation, AI moving from trials into everyday practice, and the next generation of MRO, with automation, robotics and smart hangars. Other panels focus on engine availability and turnaround times, the airports of tomorrow, the passenger experience, the aviation workforce, and safety and compliance. Another asks how aviation might look beyond 2040. In “Biggest Win, Biggest Mistake,” industry leaders will talk about what their own careers have taught them.

Meetings, networking and awards

Delegates will have plenty of chances to connect. Companies will present their products and solutions in the exhibition area, and a matchmaking app will be used to set up meetings during the event. Networking breaks are planned, lunch, snacks and drinks are included, and participants are invited to the cocktail party.

Nominations are open for ten awards, among them Crew & Workforce Innovation, Passenger Experience Innovation, Aviation AI Innovation and MRO & Aftermarket Excellence. They will be presented at the end of day two.

The forum is organized by Aviovis Group.

To register or find out more information, visit https://istanbulaviationforum.com/

Stay tuned to Avionyz for speaker announcements, agenda updates, exclusive interviews and complete coverage before and throughout the Istanbul Aviation Forum 2027.