The EAC25 will be hosted by the Lazarski University based in Warsaw (Poland). The place is well chosen because the main theme of the EAC25 with the title
“Looking East: Aviation Policy, Geopolitics and Business Strategy in Eastern Europe”
will be the aviation markets in the Central and Eastern European countries, also in the context of Asian aviation markets being the most dynamic across the globe.
The aviation sector in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) has recovered from the COVID pandemic faster than Western Europe, driven in particular by the growth of low-cost carriers and despite the many problems created by the war in Ukraine. The situation in CEE is dynamic, to say the least, creating both challenges and opportunities for the aviation industry in the whole of Europe and beyond. This will be the focus of EAC25.
As has become a tradition of EAC conferences, the EAC25 will cover economic, business and legal issues of both passenger and cargo markets. It will bring academic researchers, industry representatives and regulatory agencies together so that they can jointly further the understanding of management, economic, and policy aspects of the aviation industry. The list of confirmed speakers include (selection in random order):
Filip Cornelis (video message), DG MOVE
Damien Meadows, DG Climate
Honorata Hencel, Boeing Global
Brian Pearce, University College London
Volodymyr Bilotkach, Purdue University
Steven Truxal, Leiden University
Guillaume Burghout, Schipohl Airport
Viktoriia Ivannikova, Dublin City University
Anna Midera, Lodsz Airport, Association Regional Airports
Xiaowen Fu, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Marina Efthymiou, Dublin City University
Wouter Dewulf, University of Antwerp
Andrea Papu Carrone, OECD ITF
PRELIMINARY AGENDA
11th Nov 2025: A multi-polar world
| Begin | Session |
|---|---|
| 09:00 | Welcome and opening remarks |
| 09:15 | Scene-setting panel The aviation sector in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) has recovered from the COVID pandemic faster than Western Europe, driven in particular by the growth of low-cost carriers and despite the many problems created by the war in Ukraine. The situation in CEE is dynamic, to say the least, creating both challenges and opportunities for the aviation industry in the whole of Europe and beyond. |
| 11:00 | Health break |
| 11:30 | Impact of the Ukrainian war on European connectivity and competitiveness The war in Ukraine and the associated closure of European and Russian airspace has had a major impact on aviation throughout Europe. This session will focus on two aspects in particular: 1) The increase in European airspace congestion, resulting in flight delays and additional costs. 2) The reduction in the competitiveness of European airlines compared with their Far East competitors. |
| 13:00 | Lunch |
| 14:30 | Martin Kunz lecture: Volodymyr Bilotkach (Purdue University) Dr. Bilotkach’s research covers many economic aspects of the aviation sector. He has published over 35 papers in scholarly journals, and a book titled "Economics of Airlines". He is an Associate Professor at Purdue University and Co-Editor-In-Chief of the Journal of Air Transport Management. He teaches intensive courses for IATA Training, and has advised The Netherlands Competition Authority, the European Commission, Incheon International Airport, and Malaysian Aviation Commission on various policy issues in the aviation sector |
| 15:15 | OECD International Transport Forum Panel |
| 16:00 | Health break |
| 15:15 | The Mike Tretheway Debate on the motion: “Geopolitics will determine the future success of the aviation sector in Central and Eastern Europe” |
| 16:00 | Announcements |
| 15:15 | Gala dinner and honouring the memory of David Gillen |
12th Nov 2025: The way forward
| Begin | Session |
|---|---|
| 09:00 | Opening and review of Day 1 |
| 09:15 | Keynote: Honorata Hencel (Boeing) Honorata Hencel is the Managing Director for Boeing in Poland and Ukraine. She is responsible for integrating Boeing Global commercial and defense activities in the region of 2400 employees and 4 locations. She represents the company’s interests in the government and industry meetings. She serves on the Board of Directors of American Chamber of Commerce in Poland and is a member of the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine. She is also a Board Member at the Łazarski Aviation Academy. |
| 10:00 | The constraints on aviation growth The aviation industry is growing fast. To do this, it has to overcome many concerns. These include environmental effects such as noise and climate, the cost of infrastructure expansion on the ground (airports) and in the air (air traffic control), workforce availability, the willingness for reforms by policy makers, and managing public opinion. |
| 12:00 | Lunch |
| 13:30 | An evolving competitive landscape: what is next for full-service and low-cost carriers in Central and Eastern Europe? The Czech and Hungarian flag carriers went bankrupt. Low-cost carriers took their place. LOT Polish is a remaining flag carrier. Austrian Airlines another. What are the implications for the standing and development of Central and Eastern European aviation markets? |
| 15:00 | Health break |
| 15:30 | Are regional airports the “real” backbones of European aviation markets? Regional airports seem to be an important part of the success of Central and Eastern European aviation markets. What is hindering or helping them contribute to an efficient and dynamic airport network? |
| 17:00 | Reflections and future "flight paths" | 17:30 | Closing |
