Home - Riga Aviation Forum

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 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

AGENDA

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
- Mr. Taivo Linnamägi, Director General at Aviation Department of Ministry of Climate of Estonia
- Mr. Zigmārs Vestfals, CEO at Latvian Aviation Association
- Mr. Artūras Stankevičius, Board Member at Civil Aviation Association of Lithuania (CAVIA)
- Mr. Aleksandras Nemunaitis, CEO at National Aviation Association of Lithuania (LAVIA)
- Representative of government of Lithuania (tbc)
- 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. Mr. Victor Tambone Reyes, Innovation Manager at SITA Innovation Labs & Mr. Jean-Francois Morin, Senior Product Manager at Communication and Data Exchange SITA
12:00 - 12:10 AI in Airport Traffic Management (ATM). Mr. 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.Victor Tambone Reyes, Innovation Partner at SITA LAB
Participants:
- Mr. Ēvalds Urtāns, Dr. sc. ing., Board Member of the Latvian Artificial Intelligence Association
- Mr. Jean-Francois Morin, Senior Product Manager at Communication and Data Exchange SITA
- Mr. Sebastian Birolini, Assistant Professor at University of Bergamo
- Mr. Dainis Bērziņš, Chief Information Officer at airBaltic
- 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 - 14:55

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 Representative of PwC Latvia (tbc)
13:50 - 14:00 Mr. Jānis Kisiels, Board Member at LSEZ NorSAF
14:00 – 14:10 Clearing the Skies: Accelerating Aviation’s Net-Zero Flight Path, Mr. Florian Kruse, CEO at EVIA AERO

14:10 – 14:40 PANEL DISCUSSION: From Molecules to Megawatts – the Technologies Powering Sustainable Airports

Moderator:
- Ms. Liene Briede, Vice-Rector Innovations, RTU
Participants:
- Mr. Jens Berge, CEO at Norwegian Hydrogen AS
- Mr. Florian Kruse, CEO at EVIA AERO
- Ms. Ilze Kramiņa, Senior Partner at Eversheds Sutherland Bitāns
- Mr. Morgan Tuvgren Fors, Quality and Environment Manager at Växjö Småland Airport
- Mr. Jānis Kisiels, Board Member at LSEZ NorSAF

14:40 – 14:55 INDUSTRY VIEW. Mrs. Catrin Mattson, Area Manager for the Nordic and Baltic Region at IATA

14:55 - 16.00

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.

14.55 – 15:05 Mr. Fabian Steinmann, Lecturer in Organisational Resilience and Deputy Course Director at Cranfield University
15:05 - 15:15 UAV Regulation in Latvia: International Standarts, Local Solutions. Mr. Māris Gorodcovs, Director at Civil Aviation Agency of Latvia

15:15 – 15:45 PANEL DISCUSSION: Security Under Pressure: Business Risks and Resilience Planning

Moderator:
- Mr. Fabian Steinmann, Lecturer in Organisational Resilience and Deputy Course Director at Cranfield University
Participants:
- Mr. Richard Dempers, Founder and Director at Rheinberry
- Ms. Laila Odiņa, CEO at RIX Riga Airport & Board Member at ACI Europe
- Mr. Evijs Taube, Board Member at State Radio and Television Center of Latvia
- Ms. Lina Girdauskienė, Director of Kaunas University of Applied Engineering, Board Member at Civil Aviation Association of Lithuania (CAVIA)
- (tbc)

15:45 – 16:00 INDUSTRY VIEW: (tbc)

16:00 - 16:30

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.

16:30 - 16:40 Turbulent Skies: Aviation at the Crossroads of Defense and Geopolitics. Mr. Aivars Pūcītis, Board Member at Latvijas Gaisa satiksme
16:40 - 16:50 Representative of Association “Airports of Ukraine” (tbc)

16.50 - 17:20 PANEL DISCUSSION: Securing the Skies: Civil-Military Collaboration Amid Rising Threats

Moderator:
- Mr. Otto Tabuns, Director and Co-founder of Baltic Security Foundation
Participants:
- Ms. Elīna Egle, CEO at Federation of Security and Defence Industries of Latvia (DAIF Latvia)
- Mr. Artūrs Kokars, Head of Aviation Department at Ministry of Transport of Latvia
- Mr. Jānis Krištops, Captain & Safety Manager at airBaltic
- (tbc)
- (tbc)