Review Aviation-Event 2021 BLQ

This first panel covered the importance of a well-functio-ning industrial ecosystem for the recovery of business travel, supported by seamless travel connectivity, quality services for business travelers and a welcoming hospitality industry. Examples of travel-related cooperation and coordination wit-hin the industrial catchment area delivered tangible win-wins in Emilia Romagna, a land renowned for industrial excellence and strong territorial partnerships.

The panel reinforced the importance of the cooperation bet-ween the public and private sector towards restoring econo-mic activity as the crucial precursor to the resurgence of chal-lenged business travel demand.

Our moderator Andrea Giuricin, CEO of TRA Consulting di-scussed the topics with an elite group of representatives from Italy´s business community, namely Ferrari International, Du-cati, Bonfiglioli Group, Italian National Tourism agency and Presidents of Emilia- Romagna Region and Bologna Welcome.

This panel focused on aviation as a key driver for economic re-covery with a far-reaching catalyst effect on local and regional GDP. The sector´s very own recovery is dependent on factors such as innovation capability, infrastructure development, di-gital transformation, seamless travel enabling technology at airports, health and regulatory aspects amongst many others.

The “new normal” will be dependent on the traveler´s confi-dence in travel safety of Covid-free flying, enabled by efficient and effective airport and aircraft safety measures and applied common standards such as the successful introduction of the ´green pass´.

The panel was moderated by Rüdiger Kiani-Kreß, Aviation Journalist, Wirtschaftswoche. Panelists included senior leaders from SITA Europe, IBAR (Italian Board Airline Representatives), DHL, Salzburg Airport, Member of European Parliament, Gebr. Heinemann and Ryanair.

This panel launched into an interesting reflection on the sustaina-bility agenda in a post-Covid era. It stated the importance for the aviation industry to remain pro-active and in control of its progress while demanding its appropriate involvement in the formulation of future legislation. The panel touched on respective priority aspects such as the increasing importance of enabling efficient intermodal transport networks. Sustainability requires to attract ongoing investment from the private sector while governments need to continue to recognize the importance of aviation with airlines and airports delivering a major direct and catalyst effect

on local and regional economies and jobs. Concerted efforts and master plans are required to foster investor confidence, secure adequate governmental support and restore consumer confi-dence – all of which is required for the industry to rebound and return to pre-Covid growth.

Andrea Giuricin, CEO, TRA Consulting was the moderator for this panel with top representatives from the Transport and Tourism Committee of the European Parliament, Milan Air-port, Luxembourg Airport, Roma Airport and Air Dolomiti.

In the last panel an in-depth discussion was facilitated with a deep-dive into key factors for business model sustainability for the future which also touched on related issues such as infrastructure planning, economic policy and regulatory fra-meworks which strengthen sustainable aviation. This requires a close collaboration with government on the shaping of an adequate framework. to support structural sector transforma-tion. Importantly, business resilience planning must also em-brace highest levels of customer centricity.

The panel emphasized on the importance of a solid and ho-listic post-pandemic assessment to conclude on the learnings to improve business resilience planning and crisis manage-ment for future events. To be effective, these models need to be cross-referenced and aligned across stakeholders.

Karsten Benz of Alix Partners was the moderator for this panel, giving guidance and developing ideas together with senior participants from Lagardère Travel Retail, IOGR Skyexpress, Athens International Airport and the EU Commission.