The IIM-Bangalore in partnership with TBS Education, will host the ninth edition of the International Conference on Future of Aviation and Aerospace (FOAA) on April 18, bringing together global industry leaders, researchers and academicians to deliberate on the sector’s evolving landscape.

The day-long conference is part of a broader collaboration between the two institutions to deliver the General Management Programme for Aviation and Aerospace Executives, aimed at addressing the growing demand for managerial talent in the sector, the IIM-B said in a statement.

The organisers said the conference will “bring together industry experts, researchers and academic experts to deepen understanding of the current and future state of the sector.”

Annett Baessler, Deputy Consul General at the German Consulate General in Bengaluru, will deliver the inaugural address, while opening remarks will be made by Professor G Shainesh and Professor S Raghunath of IIM-B, along with Prof Christophe Benaroya of TBS Education.

A panel on ‘Market Potential for Aviation & Aerospace in India’ will feature Belson Coutinho of Akasa Air, Vasudevan S of ICF, and Sunil Bhaskaran of Air India Aviation Academy, with Prof G Shainesh as chair.

Srinivasan Dwarakanath of the Aerospace India Association will participate in a session on design and manufacturing for the global aerospace market, while discussions on ‘Make-in-India’ will include Kota Harinarayana, former programme director and chief designer of the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft, and Biju Nanukuttan, founder of AeroEdison.

Sessions on airport infrastructure and talent development will see participation from industry leaders, including Amber Dubey of Adani Airport Holdings Ltd, alongside experts from IndiGo and TBS Education.

The concluding session on ‘Future of AI and Analytics in Aerospace and Aviation’, to be chaired by Professor Raghunath, will feature speakers from GE Aerospace and Fortinet.

The conference will conclude with a GMAE Alumni Networking Event.