On 29-30 September, Global Aviation Conference will convene key decision-makers from across the aviation value chain for two days of high-level discussions, networking and knowledge exchange in Frankfurt.
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Attendees will gain actionable insights into industry trends and strategies, new opportunities for partnerships and collaboration and direct access to business leads and solutions that can advance their organizations. Featuring over 60 speakers, 40 exhibitors, 600 attendees and 11 panel discussions, GAFC serves as a central meeting point for airlines, airports, lessors, MROs, OEMs and aviation service providers. The conference blends strategic discussions with opportunities to explore new technologies, solutions and partnerships across the industry.
Realities facing aviation
A key feature of this year’s program is its broad perspective. Instead of focusing on a single sector, GAFC will address the interconnected challenges facing the industry, including digital transformation, artificial intelligence, aircraft maintenance, airport development, workforce management, financing and geopolitical uncertainty.
The program includes discussions on how airlines can leverage data and AI for operational value, how the aftermarket is addressing parts and engine pressures, and how MRO providers and airlines are maintaining fleet reliability in a challenging environment. Additional sessions will explore the evolving role of airports, crew welfare, customer experience and the long-term future of air travel. The program’s breadth reflects the reality that decisions in one part of the aviation value chain increasingly impact the entire ecosystem.
Strong airline representation
Airline perspectives will be central to the event. The program brings together representatives from major global carriers, including Qatar Airways, United Airlines, Lufthansa Group, Turkish Airlines, Saudi Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Air Europa, Ryanair, Finnair and LATAM, among others.
The opening day will feature a keynote from Joerg Michael Eberhart, CEO of ITA Airways, providing a senior airline perspective on transformation and the industry’s future direction. Thanos Pascalis, CEO of Cyprus Airways, will also present on managing a smaller airline in a challenging environment.
These perspectives will complement discussions across the program on operational performance, digitalization, fleet strategy, customer experience and long-term growth.
Where MRO meets the wider aviation ecosystem
MRO and aircraft lifecycle management are major themes at GAFC 2026. The conference will gather senior representatives from airlines, MRO providers, engine manufacturers and other aftermarket participants.
The program includes perspectives from Lufthansa Technik, Pratt & Whitney, Nayak Aircraft Services, Rolls-Royce, Delta Air Lines, WestJet and other industry leaders, with discussions covering parts availability, engine services, supply chain pressure, maintenance reliability and commercial risk. Lufthansa Technik will also serve as Gold Sponsor, including a presentation on aerodynamic optimization and participating in the conference program.
This strong MRO presence highlights the growing importance of maintenance, reliability and asset optimization as the industry faces increasing fleet complexity and ongoing capacity and resource pressures.
Airports as engines of innovation
Airports will play an equally important role. Leaders from major European airports will discuss how airports are evolving beyond traditional infrastructure to become more digital, commercial and innovation-driven ecosystems.
Senior representatives from Munich Airport, Athens International Airport, Bologna Airport and Zurich Airport International will share perspectives on airport development, innovation and the relationship between airports and airlines.
Discussions will address how airports can improve efficiency, adapt infrastructure, enhance passenger experiences and strengthen relationships across the aviation value chain.
The financial side of the future fleet
Aircraft financing is another critical issue for the industry. As airlines manage fleet renewal, capital requirements, changing interest rates and the shift to more sustainable technologies, financing decisions are becoming increasingly strategic.
GAFC’s fleet financing panel will feature perspectives from major aircraft lessors, including Avolon and SMBC Aviation Capital, to examine leasing, ownership, capital allocation, risk sharing and the future outlook for aircraft demand and asset values.
This discussion underscores that the future fleet is not only an engineering or operational matter, but also a financial one.
Looking beyond today’s aviation landscape
The conference will connect today’s challenges with the industry’s long-term outlook. Discussions will look ahead to 2040, considering technologies, sustainability developments, passenger expectations and geopolitical forces that could reshape air travel.
A dedicated panel on the Global Aviation Outlook will also bring together perspectives from airlines and airports to examine how geopolitical and macroeconomic developments may influence the industry’s direction.
Across the program, the emphasis is on practical industry insight rather than simply predicting the future – understanding what aviation leaders are experiencing today and what those experiences could mean for the years ahead.
A meeting point for the aviation community
Beyond the conference stage, GAFC will offer an exhibition and networking area where companies can showcase technologies, solutions and services while connecting with potential customers, partners and industry peers. The event also provides matchmaking opportunities to facilitate direct business connections.
Ultimately, the Global Aviation Conference Frankfurt 2026 aims to unite the aviation ecosystem in one venue, bringing together airlines, airports, MROs, OEMs, lessors, technology companies and service providers.
With a program featuring 11 panel discussions, keynote perspectives, industry presentations, exhibitions and networking, GAFC 2026 will be where the industry’s current challenges meet the ideas, partnerships and strategies that will shape its next chapter.
Attendees can expect practical takeaways such as proven approaches for managing operational complexity, data-driven strategies for fleet reliability and maintenance, insights on optimizing airport infrastructure and passenger experience and actionable methods for navigating regulatory and financial shifts. Delegates will leave with new tools and actionable insights to drive innovation and address key challenges within their own organizations.
For registration and additional information visit: https://globalaviationconference.com/