Aviation Twin Transition Cluster Event: Keynote Speeches

Below you will find the abstracts and full videos of the keynote speeches at the Aviation Twin Transition Cluster Event held in Athens on July 29-30. To see all of the different panels held, click here.

EU Policy for a sector in transition

Speaker: Ioanna Katsarou, Policy Officer at European Commission, DG MOVE

Abstract

This keynote speech will outline European Union’s strategic for aviation, focusing on ATM, sustainability, competitiveness, and innovation. Recent challenges, such as pandemic disruptions, airspace limitations due to geopolitical tensions, and environmental concerns, highlight the urgent need for reform in European air traffic management.

The Single European Sky 2+ (SES2+) regulation marks a new era for European air navigation, promoting streamlined, sustainable practices through technology. It aims to boost operational efficiency and integrate drone services.

Technological advancement is key, with initiatives like the SESAR project spearheading progress in air traffic management. The European Commission is urging stakeholders to engage in research and development to drive digital and automated solutions for the future.

Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) are central to our environmental strategy, as outlined in the ReFuelEU Aviation, aiming for increased SAF uptake to support Europe's energy diversification and economic growth. Sustainable Transport Investment Plan (STIP) will address barriers to boost eSAF production, creating leadership opportunities.

The European Commission is committed to maintaining global aviation leadership by fostering modernization and sustainability. Collaboration and innovation will enhance Europe’s connectivity and competitiveness, aligning with our 2050 climate neutrality goals.

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Local Digital Twins: The aerial advantage for sustainable urban futures

Speaker: Ignacio Garcia Vega, IGAVE Innovations, Flying Forward 2020

Abstract

The European Union's strong commitment to Net Zero Cities is inherently linked with the advancement of Local Digital Twins. This presentation will explore the synergistic relationship between these initiatives, focusing on two key opportunities for the aviation sector, particularly with the integration of Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS).

Firstly, we'll establish UAS as an indispensable data engine for Local Digital Twins. Drones are vital for generating highly accurate 3D representations of urban and peri-urban environments and provide continuous, real-time data monitoring through advanced sensors. This expanded role represents a significant market opportunity for increasing drone utilization by public administrations, enabling comprehensive spatial and environmental data input crucial for sustainable urban planning and infrastructure management. This data also facilitates the integration of various transport modes within the digital twin, allowing for holistic urban analysis.

Secondly, Local Digital Twins empower public authorities to make evidence-based decisions through sophisticated simulations. These digital environments can be utilized to model and optimize future urban services, including those that might leverage advanced aerial operations. Simulations can assess environmental impacts, optimize operational efficiencies, and support regulatory compliance, aiding in the strategic planning and potential procurement of innovative urban solutions. The H2020 Flying Forward 2020 (FF2020) project directly demonstrated the practical application of drones for 3D digital twin representation and the simulation of regulatory compliance. Furthermore, recognizing procurement as a complex step for public administrations, insights from FF2020 on streamlining these processes will be referenced.

This presentation directly addresses the ATT Athens Clustering Event by showcasing "digital leadership in aviation" through tangible applications that support Net Zero Cities initiatives. It offers clear pathways to navigate "regulatory challenges and/or opportunities in digitising and greening aviation", with a specific highlight on the contribution of drone technology to greener urban environments.

Main messages:

UAS are essential data engines for Local Digital Twins, a key enabler for achieving Net Zero Cities.

Local Digital Twins empower evidence-based decision-making and streamline public sector procurement for sustainable urban development and transport.

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ImAFUSA is a founding member of the Aviation Twin Transition (ATT) Cluster alongside the Refmap Project. The ATT Cluster Event took place on 29 and 30 July, 2025, in Athens, Greece bringing together experts, industry leaders, researchers, and policymakers to discuss challenges and opportunities in the green and digital transitions in aviation and urban air mobility.

To see all the panels held during the event click here.

For more about the Aviation Twin Transition Cluster, click here.