ERA Regional Airline Conference 2026

Adriatic rooms

Moderator: Kait Bolongaro, Managing Editor, Europe, MLex

Speakers include:

·   André Américo, Director of Revenue Management and Network Planning, Azul Brazilian Airlines

Transforming airline operations with AI

From revenue management to network planning and maintenance, a practical overview of how Azul Brazilian Airlines has leveraged AI with incredible results.

More speakers to be announced.

# restricted attendance to ERA airline CEOs, airport CEOs and ERA Board members.

Welcome by Jesper Rungholm, President, ERA

Introduction by Montserrat Barriga, Director General, ERA

Keynote by Serbian Government representative

Presentation by EXPO 2027

Airline roundtable: Air connectivity as the engine of regional development
Regional air connectivity is a catalyst for prosperity, linking communities to essential services, jobs, education and enabling tourism, while plugging local businesses into wider value chains. This scene setting roundtable brings ERA airline leaders together to share the economic, social and environmental value their networks deliver, and demonstrate how that value can be communicated more powerfully to local communities and policymakers. Expect real world case studies showcasing resilience, partnership and community support.

This session will be moderated by Kait Bolongaro, Managing Editor, Europe, MLex and will include contributions from:
·   David Curmi, Executive Chairman, KM Malta Airlines
·   Pierre Muracciole, CEO, Air Corsica
·   Sandro Raposo, COO, SATA Air Açores
·   More speakers to be announced.

Keynote by Maja Marciniak, Senior Economist Policy Analysis, Sustainability and Economics, IATA

Supporting development in a changing European aviation landscape

This keynote will examine the forces reshaping connectivity across Europe. From competitiveness challenges and sustainability impacts to ATM performance and regulatory demands, it will explore differences in tourism markets across the continent and how demand is evolving amid geopolitical uncertainty.

Panel session: Unlocking Europe’s tourism potential and the essential role of regional aviation

Tourism is a powerful lever for boosting the growth of regional economies. This session will explore how Europe can unlock its full tourism potential while ensuring long term environmental and social sustainability. How can governments, tourism bodies, airlines, airports and regulators work together on policies and infrastructure to create high-quality, year-round tourism that supports local economies without overwhelming them? Panellists will discuss practical pathways to delivering sustainable tourism that is resilient, inclusive and supports Europe’s regions.

This session will be moderated by Victoire Totah, Director of Strategy and Development, Edeis Concessions and will include contributions from:
·   Marie Audren, Director General, HOTREC
·   More speakers to be announced.

Building a fleet fit for the future of Air Serbia: partnerships with Airbus, ATR and Embraer

In this session we will hear the story of how Air Serbia has evolved into one of Europe’s most dynamic and rapidly expanding regional carriers with the support of aircraft manufacturers. Jiri Marek, CEO of Air Serbia, will outline the airline’s priorities and future trajectory. Leaders from Airbus, ATR and Embraer will then join the CEO for a deeper look at their partnerships. The discussion will explore how close OEM–airline collaboration informs fleet strategy, enhances operational efficiency and supports the development of regional destinations.

This session will be moderated by Kurt Hoffmann, Senior Aviation Editor, Air Transport World/Aviation Week and will include contributions from:
·   Jiri Marek, CEO, Air Serbia
·   Guillaume Huertas, Head of Region EMEA, ATR
·   TBC, Airbus
·   Jurjan Knol, VP Marketing EMEA, Embraer

Inspirational session: Regional airlines supporting their communities

As well as supporting local economies, regional airlines are deeply rooted in and committed to the places they serve, making a unique, important contribution to their local communities. This inspirational session will showcase how meaningful engagement and creative social responsibility initiatives are strengthening regional development in Serbia. From efforts that promote inclusion and opportunity, to innovative circular economy projects, we will hear from charity partners about the real difference regional airlines can make.