Shaping the Next Era of Ground Operations

 

The Ground Ops Innovation Track looks at the next phase of ground operations as airports, airlines and handlers adopt more digital, autonomous and sustainable systems. Sessions explore how AI, automation, robotics and real-time operational insight are reshaping turnarounds, ramp operations, baggage flow and maintenance - and what it takes to apply these tools in complex, high-pressure airport environments.

We’ll examine the operational impact of electrification across the airside ecosystem, the shift toward autonomous and semi-autonomous equipment, and how digital twins, predictive tools and shared situational awareness enable more resilient day-of-operations decision-making.

Across the day, airlines, airports and technology partners will share practical progress and lessons learned as ground operations move toward safer, more efficient and lower-emission models. 

Speaking on Ground Ops

 
Panos Nicolaidis
Chief Ground Operations Officer
Aegean Airlines
Panos Nicolaidis is speaking at World Aviation Festival
Jani Ceder
Head of Airport Operations Center
Finavia
Jani Ceder is speaking at World Aviation Festival
Laurie Keita
Head of Baggage & Logistics
British Airways
Laurie Keita is speaking at World Aviation Festival
Phillip Müller
Vice President Global Operations
Swissport
Phillip Müller is speaking at World Aviation Festival
Kristen Berndt
Director, Below-the-Wing Strategy & Innovation
United Airlines
Kristen Berndt is speaking at World Aviation Festival
Zahra Merchant
Chapter Lead Robotics – Innovator
Royal Schiphol Group
Zahra Merchant is speaking at World Aviation Festival
Timos Korosis
Ground Operations Product Manager
Aegean Airlines
Timos Korosis is speaking at World Aviation Festival
Hugo Oliveira
Training & Checking Director
Portugalia Airlines
Hugo Oliveira is speaking at World Aviation Festival
 

Topics We're Covering

Turnaround Optimization
Robotics & Automation
Workforce & Training
Collaboration Models
Predictive Operations
Electrification
Digital Twins
Baggage