Welcome to Hamburg — and to one of the most decisive meeting points of the global aerospace industry: the Aviation Forum. What unfolded here was far more than a conference. It was a strategic checkpoint for an industry under transformation. Across two high-energy days, aerospace leaders, OEMs, Tier-1 and Tier-2 suppliers, innovators, and policymakers came together to discuss the realities shaping aviation today — and the decisions defining tomorrow. The focus was clear: resilience, operational excellence, digital transformation, and sustainability — without compromise on performance or safety. One of the standout highlights was a high-level panel on Aero Excellence, expertly moderated by Alex Beer, who led a sharp, practice-driven discussion on industrial maturity, quality standards, and supply-chain robustness. At the center of that conversation was Jörg Schuler, CEO of Diehl, offering unfiltered insights into what aerospace excellence really means in times of pressure, disruption, and rising expectations from OEMs. This panel set the tone for the entire forum: less theory, more execution. It addressed how aerospace companies must move beyond compliance toward true operational excellence — measurable, scalable, and internationally benchmarked. Other highlights included: Strategic discussions on AI-enabled manufacturing and procurement Honest assessments of supply-chain vulnerabilities and recovery paths Concrete roadmaps for sustainable aviation, from SAF to hydrogen and next-generation propulsion Executive-level exchanges on talent, leadership, and cultural change in aerospace organizations What made this Aviation Forum exceptional was not just the quality of the speakers — but the clarity of the message: The future of aviation will be decided by those who collaborate across boundaries, invest in excellence, and act now. This event delivered more than inspiration. It delivered direction.
