2026 Summer Aviation Forum

Dr Kostas Iatrou opened the 2026 Summer Aviation Forum in Skiathos by highlighting the event’s tradition of being hosted in unique summer destinations across Greece. He recalled that the forum, first launched in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, was the only physical global aviation event held that year. While the industry has moved beyond the health crisis, he noted that it now faces new geopolitical challenges that are reshaping aviation and tourism. He also thanked the sponsors and partners whose support made the event possible and emphasized Greece’s remarkable resilience and recovery in air transport.

Representing Fraport Greece, Ioannis Zermas, Head of Airport Operations, Cluster B, Fraport Greece stressed that Greece has repeatedly demonstrated its ability to overcome crises, from the economic recession to the pandemic, emerging stronger each time. He highlighted the close relationship between aviation and tourism and noted that Fraport Greece has invested nearly €2 billion in upgrading regional airport infrastructure over the past nine years. He emphasized that sustainable connectivity depends on cooperation between airports, airlines, local communities, and destinations, with airports serving not only as transport infrastructure but also as gateways that help unlock the tourism and economic potential of each region.

The presentation by Josselin Preschoux, Europe Airline Marketing Manager, Embraer highlighted the strong growth prospects for the sub-150-seat aircraft market, forecasting demand for nearly 11,000 aircraft over the next 20 years. Europe is expected to account for around 20% of this demand, with small narrow-body aircraft representing almost 60% of deliveries. According to Embraer, four key trends are driving this market: geopolitical fragmentation and shifting traffic flows, growing demand for secondary and less congested destinations, increasing passenger preference for premium travel experiences, and airlines’ focus on matching capacity more closely with demand. The company also announced that the E2 programme had surpassed 500 firm orders, reflecting increasing momentum for regional and small narrow-body aircraft. 

The presentation emphasized the importance of smaller aircraft in supporting sustainable growth, particularly in markets with high seasonality such as Greece. Embraer argued that aircraft like the E2 can bridge the capacity gap between turboprops and larger narrow-body aircraft, enabling airlines to open new routes, increase frequencies, and better balance demand throughout the year. Using the Athens–Chania route as an example, the presentation showed that current aircraft sizes can either be too small or too large for demand patterns, creating an opportunity for aircraft in the 110–146 seat segment. Embraer further highlighted the E2’s advantages, including around 20% lower trip costs than larger narrow-body aircraft, high operational reliability, and an enhanced passenger experience through its spacious two-by-two cabin configuration. 

Dr Kostas Iatrou presented the MATBA Aviation MBA as an innovative postgraduate programme specifically designed for aviation professionals seeking to advance their careers while continuing to work. Delivered through a blended format—one week of in-person studies at the University of the Aegean in Chios and the remainder online—the programme launched successfully with 22 students in its first year. Developed in partnership with Athens International Airport and Hermes – Air Transport Organisation, and supported by an industry board comprising leading figures from across the aviation ecosystem, the MBA aims to develop the next generation of aviation leaders by providing recognised academic qualifications, industry engagement, and enhanced career opportunities within and beyond the aviation sector.

Michael Harrington, President of the Airlines International Representation in Europe (AIRE), in his keynote address highlighted the growing gap between expert policy recommendations and political decision-making in Brussels. He welcomed the leadership of European Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas in finally advancing the revision of the EU passenger rights regulation (EC261) after more than two decades. While acknowledging that stronger passenger rights are necessary, he argued that the new proposals lack balance and fail to address how the additional costs will be financed. He criticized certain provisions, such as treating bird strikes as events within airlines’ control, warning that these measures will significantly increase costs, legal disputes, and ultimately airfares. He stressed that airlines support passenger rights but called for regulations that combine consumer protection with operational and economic realities. 

Harrington also raised concerns about excessive regulation and policy fragmentation in European aviation. He pointed to bureaucratic obstacles, including restrictions on wet-leasing aircraft within the EU, which limit airlines’ ability to mitigate delays and serve passengers effectively. On sustainability, he criticized the use of billions of euros generated through aviation carbon taxes, arguing that most of the revenues have not been reinvested in aviation decarbonisation. He also highlighted shortcomings in the implementation of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) policies, which can unintentionally increase fuel consumption due to inconsistent regulations across airports. Finally, he emphasized the need for greater investment in training, education, and talent retention, warning that the industry faces a significant loss of experience and skills following the pandemic and must do more to attract and retain younger generations in aviation careers. 

The leaders panel discussion emphasized that aviation is a complex ecosystem in which airlines, airports, ground handlers, technology providers, and training organizations are all interdependent. Speakers stressed that no organization can succeed alone and that trust, cooperation, and long-term partnerships are essential for creating efficient and resilient aviation systems. Successful airports and hubs are those where all stakeholders collaborate closely, share common objectives, and invest together in the future of aviation. 

Training and human capital emerged as major themes throughout the discussion. Participants highlighted the growing shortage of pilots, engineers, and other aviation professionals and warned that cost-cutting in training can undermine safety and operational performance. They argued that training should be viewed as an investment rather than an expense, noting that inadequate preparation has contributed to past aviation accidents and operational shortcomings. Ground handling professionals also stressed the need for better recognition, structured education, and specialized training to improve service quality and safety across airport operations. 

The discussion also focused on technological transformation and the rapid development of artificial intelligence. Technology providers demonstrated how AI can improve passenger rebooking, baggage tracing, fraud detection, and operational decision-making, while acknowledging the challenges of governance, confidentiality, and data security. Despite the opportunities created by automation, speakers agreed that the human factor will remain essential in aviation. The panel concluded that resilience, continuous learning, and close cooperation among all stakeholders are critical for successfully navigating crises, embracing technological change, and ensuring the sustainable development of the aviation industry. 

The 2026 Aviation and Tourism Awards recognized organizations and leaders that have made significant contributions to global aviation connectivity, resilience, and industry development. The Connectivity Award was presented to Ethiopian Airlines in recognition of its 80 years of growth and its critical role in connecting Africa and supporting aviation development across the continent through investments and partnerships. Accepting the award, the airline’s leadership thanked the organizers and highlighted the importance of collaboration across airlines, airports, ground handling, and training sectors, while noting the operational challenges faced by airlines in Europe. 

The Corporate Award was presented to Emirates for its outstanding financial performance, customer-centric strategy, and remarkable resilience during recent industry disruptions. The Organization Award was given to ASE Group for its contributions to aviation services and workforce development through ground handling operations and training initiatives across several countries. Finally, the Leader Award was presented to Michael Harrington, President of the Airlines International Representation in Europe (AIRE), in recognition of his extensive contributions to aviation policy, accessibility for passengers with disabilities, and representation of the industry in European decision-making forums. In accepting the award, Harrington emphasized the importance of events that enable industry professionals to exchange experiences and continuously learn from one another in an ever-evolving sector. 

In his closing remarks, Dr Kostas Iatrou reflecting on the discussions throughout the day, he emphasized that resilience remains a defining characteristic of the aviation industry, which continues to adapt and recover despite successive global challenges. He also highlighted the importance of greater cooperation among industry stakeholders, acknowledging that significant gaps still exist and that stronger collaboration is essential for future progress.

Dr Iatrou further stressed that aviation must become more effective in promoting its achievements and communicating its value to society. Referring to the Aviation4All Declaration, which has received broad international support, he called for greater efforts to raise awareness of aviation’s contribution to connectivity and development. Finally, he underlined that education and talent development are critical priorities for ensuring the long-term sustainability and success of the aviation industry, before officially concluding the forum.