Riga Aviation Forum is a high-level aviation business conference that focuses on opportunities and challenges of aviation in the Baltics
Riga Aviation Forum brings together European and Baltic aviation stakeholders, leaders, experts, and scholars from various areas of aviation. The Baltic aviation leaders at RAF discuss the strategic development of the industry in the region, while the leaders of industry’s leading companies outline the solutions offered by the industry to today’s challenges, focusing on the innovation and efficiency on the way to sustainable and climate-neutral aviation.
The conference also focuses on the future innovations of aviation, multimodality, the creation of new urban environment around air hubs and the challenges of urban mobility.
Riga Aviation Forum 2025
Business Continuity: Securing the Future of Baltic Aviation
Venue: ATTA Centre, Krasta street 60, Riga
On 18 September, 2025, Riga will host aviation leaders, policymakers, and industry innovators at the Riga Aviation Forum 2025, a high-level gathering focused on the strategic resilience and future development of the Baltic aviation sector. This year’s theme, “Business Continuity: Securing the Future of Baltic Aviation”, centers on navigating geopolitical, technological, and environmental turbulence through collaborative strategy, innovation, and sustainable growth. From global insights by IATA and ACI Europe to in-depth discussions with highest level Baltic transport stakeholders, the forum will explore aviation’s evolving role in regional security, economic development, digital transformation, and civil-military cooperation. Sessions will spotlight topics such as AI in aviation, green fuel technologies, UAV regulation, and resilience planning under operational pressure. Join us in Riga for a day of thought leadership, cross-sector dialogue, and actionable insight—designed to future-proof aviation in the Baltics and beyond.
Stay tuned for the latest information on the RAF website and on social media of Latvian Aviation Association!
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Riga Aviation Forum 2025 will start in:
Registration to RAF 2025 is open!
PARTICIPATION FEE
| Early Birds | Last Minute | Last Chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual | 50 EUR per person | 100 EUR per person | 150 EUR per person |
| Corporate (3 or more persons per company) | 40 EUR per person | 80 EUR per person | 120 EUR per person |
- To obtain a promo code for purchasing corporate tickets, please contact the RAF organizing team by email at info@laa.aero.
- Early Birds: registration up to September 3rd
- Last Minute: registration from 4th to 14th September
- Last Chance: registration from 15th to 17th September
8:00 - 8:30
- Registration & Welcome Coffee
- Warm-up networking over coffee and light breakfast.
- Powered by
8:30 - 9:45
OPENING PLENARY: Global Signals
- 08:30 – 08:35 Opening address. Mr. Zigmārs Vestfals, CEO at Latvian Aviation Association
- 08:35 – 08:45 Welcome address. Mr. Atis Švinka, Minister of Transport of Latvia
- 08:45 – 09:05 Staying Airborne: Global Trends & Turbulence. Mr. Raimonds Gruntiņš, Director of Regional Affairs Europe at IATA
- 09:05 – 09:25 The Economic and Social Impact of European Airports & Air Connectivity: ACI Europe Study. Mr. Serkan Kaptan, Member of ACI Board, CEO at TAV Airports
- 09:25 - 09:45 Representative from Eurocontrol (tbc)
9:45 - 10:40
SESSION I. Policy Horizons: Aviation as a Pillar of Baltic Regional Development and Security
- 9:45 – 10:00 Research: Impact of Aviation on Latvia’s Economy. Mr. Zigmars Vestfals, CEO at Latvian Aviation Association
- 10:00 – 10:40 HARD TALK: Baltic’s Sky Vision
- In this high-level discussion, top stakeholders from the Ministries of Transport of Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia join leading voices from the aviation industry to explore the future of Baltic airspace. The session will address strategic challenges and opportunities—from regional connectivity and infrastructure development to resilience, innovation, and cooperation in a rapidly changing geopolitical and economic landscape. Expect candid insights, bold perspectives, and a shared vision for a stronger, more integrated Baltic aviation future.
- Moderator:
-
- Richard Maslen, Head of Analysis at CAPA
- Participiants:
- Mr. Atis Švinka, Minister of Transport of Latvia
- Representative of government of of Lithuania (tbc)
- Representative of government of Estonia (tbc)
- Mr. Zigmārs Vestfals, CEO at Latvian Aviation Association
- Mrs. Inga Duglas, CEO at Civil Aviation Association of Lithuania (CAVIA)
- Mr. Aleksandras Nemunaitis, CEO at National Aviation Association of Lithuania (LAVIA)
- Representative of Estonian Aviation Cluster (tbc)
10.40 - 11:10
- Coffee Break
- Refreshing break with coffee and pastries — an ideal moment to recharge and connect with fellow participants.
- Presented by
11:10 - 11:50
SESSION II: Modern Challenges in Non-Aviation Industries
- Supported by
- This panel examines how non-aviation industries are influencing the evolution of airport environments, focusing on innovative approaches to commercial development, public-private partnerships, and infrastructure investment. As terminals become hubs for retail, services, and experience-driven design, the discussion will explore how cross-sector collaboration and modern business models are helping airports diversify revenue, enhance passenger satisfaction, and adapt to changing market demands.
- 11:10 - 11:20 Presentation of Ms. Aude Ferrand, CCO at TAV Airports
- 11:20 - 11:50 PANEL DISCUSSION: The Partnership Puzzle: Global Airport Development Models
- Moderator:
- Mr. Valdis Melderis, Moderator of Riga Aviation Forum
- Participants:
- Ms. Aude Ferrand, CCO at TAV Airports
- Mr. Simonas Bartkus, CEO at Lithuanian Airports
- Mr. Artūrs Saveljevs, CCO at RIX Riga Airport
- Mr. Ersan Arcan, CEO at ATU Duty Free
- Mr. Baha Bulbul, CEO at BTA Food&Services
11:50 - 12:40
SESSION III: Digital Backbone of Aviation
- Supported by
- This panel discussion delves into the rapidly evolving digital landscape of aviation, focusing on how emerging technologies — particularly artificial intelligence and advanced data systems — are reshaping the industry's core functions. From smarter air traffic management to predictive maintenance and personalized passenger services, the conversation will highlight the transformative potential of digital tools in creating a safer, more efficient, and resilient aviation ecosystem. Experts from across the sector will explore practical applications, challenges, and the strategic importance of building a robust digital backbone for the future of air travel.
- 11:50 - 12:00 How AI Algorithms Are Changing the Game in Aviation Technologies. Representative of SITA (tbc)
- 12:00 - 12:10 AI in Airport Traffic Management (ATM). Sebastian Birolini, Assistant Professor at University of Bergamo
- 12:10 - 12:40 PANEL DISCUSSION. From Runway to Cloud: Building a Smarter, Safer Aviation Future with Digitalization and AI
- Moderator:
-
- Mr. Jordi Valls, Director at SITA Innovation Labs
- Participants:
-
- Mr. Evalds Urtans, Dr. sc. ing., Board Member of the Latvian Artificial Intelligence Association
- Mr. Sebastian Birolini, Assistant Professor at University of Bergamo
- Mr. Dainis Bērziņš, Chief Information Officer at airBaltic
- Sylvain Alarie, VP of Engineering at Daedalean AI
- Mr. Christian Alfredo Troche Navarro, IOCC Support and Project Manager at SmartLynx Airlines
12:40 - 13:40
- Lunch
- Enjoy a relaxed lunch break with networking opportunities.
13:40 - 14:40
SESSION IV: Future Proofing Aviation
- This panel explores the technologies and strategies driving aviation toward a more sustainable and resilient future, with a focus on alternative fuels, energy systems, and infrastructure innovations that support long-term environmental and operational goals.
- 13:40 – 13:50 Mr. Juriaan Kellermann, CEO at Fokker Next Gen
- 13:50 – 14:00 Clearing the Skies: Accelerating Aviation’s Net-Zero Flight Path, Mr. Florian Kruse, CEO of Evia Aero
- 14:00 – 14:30 PANEL DISCUSSION: From Molecules to Megawatts – the Technologies Powering Sustainable Airports
- Moderator:
- Ms. Liene Briede, Vice-Rector Innovations, RTU
- Participants:
- Representative of Norwegian Hydrogen Association (tbc)
- Mr. Florian Kruse, CEO of Evia Aero
- Ms. Ilze Kramiņa, Senior Partner at Eversheds Sutherland Bitāns
- Mr. Morgan Tuvgren Fors, Quality and Environment Manager at Växjö Småland Airport
- 14:30 – 14:40 INDUSTRY VIEW. Mrs. Catrin Mattson, Area Manager, Nordic and Baltic at IATA
15:00 - 16:05
SESSION V: Operations That Endure
This panel focuses on strengthening aviation operations through risk management, regulatory adaptation, and business continuity planning, addressing how the industry can remain resilient amid evolving safety, security, and operational challenges.
16:05 - 16:20
- Afternoon Coffee Break
- Take a moment to unwind and connect over coffee and light refreshments.
- Presented by
16:20 - 17:10
SESSION VI. Aviation in an Age of Uncertainty
This panel addresses the growing complexities of aviation in a volatile global environment, examining the impact of geopolitical tensions, cybersecurity threats, GPS interference, and the increasing need for civil-military coordination to ensure secure and adaptable airspace management.
17:10 - 17:20
Closing Remarks
Mr. Zigmars Vestfals, CEO at Latvian Aviation Association
Speakers 2025
European and Baltic aviation stakeholders, leaders, experts.
Take a look at Riga Aviation Forum 2024!
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