Navigating the Skift Aviation Forum Agenda: Your Guide to Sessions and Speakers

Skift Take

Skift Aviation Forum in Dallas on November 12 will bring together top aviation leaders and industry experts for a day of discussions on trends, innovations, and challenges shaping the future of aviation, featuring keynote sessions, networking opportunities, and a celebration of Airline Weekly’s 20th anniversary.

Becca Smith

Get ready for an inspiring journey at the Skift Aviation Forum in Dallas on November 12, 2024. This event gathers industry leaders and visionaries to illuminate the latest trends and transformative developments shaping the future of aviation. 

In collaboration with Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and American Airlines, and backed by Skift Airline Weekly’s editorial expertise, this forum promises insightful analyses and meaningful conversations that will chart the course ahead.

Curious what’s in store for the event? Here’s your sneak peek into the agenda:

9:00 – 9:10 am: Conference Welcome
Sarah Kopit, Editor-in-Chief of Skift, opens the conference by setting the stage for an inspiring day filled with discussions on the future of aviation.

9:10 – 9:40 am: Charting the Future: Leading Through Industry Change
Robert Isom, CEO of American Airlines, shares his vision for navigating the evolving aviation landscape, delving into strategic leadership and adaptability in response to industry shifts, in a discussion moderated by Gordon Smith, Airlines Editor at Skift.

9:40 – 10:05 am: Balancing Legacy and Innovation: Guiding the Path to Airport Modernization
Join Sean Donohue, CEO of DFW International Airport, as he reflects on DFW’s 50-year history and the valuable lessons learned that continue to shape the future of aviation. Together with moderator Sarah Kopit, they will consider how DFW balances its rich legacy with the need for modernization, highlighting innovative projects aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and improving traveler experiences.

10:20 – 10:45 am: How Are Airlines Transforming Their Relationship with Travelers?
Marty St. George, President of JetBlue, examines customer-centric strategies in aviation, moderated by Brian Sumers, Founder and Editor of The Airline Observer, showcasing innovative approaches that prioritize passenger experience and loyalty in a competitive market.

10:45 – 11:15 am: Networking and Coffee Break

11:15 – 11:40 am: Reshaping the Industry’s Approach to Labor
In a session moderated by Sarah Kopit, Sara Nelson, International President of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, discusses the evolving labor relations in aviation and their critical role in developing workforce strategies that contribute to a resilient sector.

11:40 – 11:55 am: Next-Gen Personalization: Engaging Customers Beyond the Flight
Victoria Platt, Partner at Kyndryl, Mark Weaver, Managing Director at Microsoft, and Darren Frei, Senior Editor Branded Content at SkiftX examine innovative technologies and strategies airlines can leverage to deepen customer engagement and satisfaction.

11:55 am – 12:20 pm: Loyalty: The Power of Data and Personalization
Benjamin Lipsey, SVP Customer Loyalty and President of Flying Blue at Air France-KLM and Brian Sumers assess how airlines can harness data to enhance loyalty programs and build meaningful connections with their customers.

12:20 – 12:45 pm: Modernizing Fleets for Cost Efficiency and Sustainability
Join Robin Hayes, Chairman & CEO of Airbus in North America, and Vik Krishnan, Senior Partner at McKinsey & Company, as they engage in a dynamic discussion with Gordon Smith about the pressing supply chain challenges, the drive for sustainability, the role of digitalization, and strategies for fleet optimization in the aviation industry.

12:45 pm: Networking Lunch Break

1:45 – 1:55 pm: Skift Research: The Future of Ultra-Low Cost Carriers in the US
Ashab Rizvi, Research Analyst at Skift, presents insights on the evolving landscape of ultra-low-cost carriers in the U.S., covering key trends, challenges, and opportunities that will shape this market segment’s future.

1:55 – 2:20 pm: Reevaluating the Low-Cost Carrier Model: Necessity or Opportunity?
Matt Klein, EVP & Chief Commercial Officer at Spirit Airlines, and Drew Wells, Chief Commercial Officer at Allegiant, join Meghna Maharishi, Airlines Reporter at Skift, to delve into current trends in the evolving low-cost carrier model, examining whether these developments represent a necessity for survival or a strategic opportunity for growth within the competitive aviation landscape.

2:20 – 2:40 pm: Building Resiliency and Efficiency Through Tech Innovation
Ganesh Jayaram, Chief Digital and Information Officer at American Airlines, and Darren Frei consider how technology can enhance resiliency and operational efficiency in aviation, covering innovative tech solutions that are reshaping the industry’s future and driving operational improvements.

2:40 – 3:05 pm: Transforming Traveler Experience with Evolving Trends
Kevin Jackson, President of Porter Airlines, Angela Vargo, VP Marketing and Communications at Breeze Airways, and Gordon Smith, talk about innovative approaches airlines are adopting to enhance passenger satisfaction and engagement.

3:05 – 3:30 pm: Navigating Today’s Volatile Path to Profit
Jude Bricker, CEO of Sun Country Airlines, examines the challenges and strategies airlines face in today’s unpredictable market with Meghna Maharishi, offering valuable insights into achieving profitability amid volatility and evolving industry dynamics.

3:30 – 4:00 pm: Networking and Coffee Break

4:00 – 4:25 pm: Redefining Aviation to Deliver More for Customers 
Mark Nasr, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Digital at Air Canada, joins Brian Sumers, to discuss the pressing challenges airlines face today. From maintaining operational stability to navigating consolidation and advancing digital transformation, this session will analyze how airlines can leverage technology to improve efficiency and customer satisfaction in an evolving industry.

4:25 – 4:50 pm: Strategic Growth and Innovation in Latin America
Joe Mohan, Chief Commercial Officer at Abra Group, and Sarah Kopit talk about strategic growth opportunities in Latin America, highlighting key trends and strategies for airlines to capitalize on emerging opportunities.

4:50 – 5:20 pm: Embracing Opportunities in a Changing Landscape
Bob Jordan, CEO of Southwest Airlines and Brian Sumers explore the myriad opportunities in today’s evolving aviation landscape, offering observations on navigating challenges and capitalizing on new possibilities.

5:20 – 5:45 pm: A Broad View on the Future of Global Aviation
Willie Walsh, Director General of IATA, shares perspectives on the future of global aviation, offering a comprehensive perspective on the trends and challenges shaping the industry’s trajectory, with Gordon Smith moderating.

5:45 pm: Conference Closing
Sarah Kopit wraps up the day’s discoveries, reflecting on the key topics shared throughout the forum.

5:50 pm: Airline Weekly 20th Year Anniversary Reception
Join us in celebrating the 20th anniversary of Airline Weekly as we conclude the forum!

Don’t miss this pivotal aviation event in Dallas—register now to secure your spot and save $100 before the last chance price ends! Join us on November 12, 2024, to elevate your knowledge and discover the modern era of aviation.