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The EAC25 will be hosted by the Lazarski University based in Warsaw (Poland). Check their website for useful information about travel, accommodation and other information: https://eac.lazarski.pl/en/.
Lazarski University and Poland 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.
PRELIMINARY AGENDA
11th Nov 2025: A multi-polar world
| Begin | Session |
|---|---|
| 09:00 |
Welcome and opening remarks
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| 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. Moderator: Achim I. Czerny (The Hong Kong Polytechnic University) Confirmed panelists:
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| 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:
Confirmed panelists:
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| 13:00 | Lunch |
| 14:30 |
OECD ITF Panel: "Decarbonising Aviation: Update 2025" Aviation is one of the most challenging transport sectors to decarbonise. Clear policy frameworks and strong international coordination are essential to rapidly scale up alternative low-carbon fuels, alongside efficiency and operational improvements. Ambitious measures to align aviation with global climate objectives will inevitably increase costs, potentially affecting demand growth. Ensuring a just transition—supporting workers, maintaining connectivity, and safeguarding regions reliant on tourism—is equally critical to achieve a fair and effective decarbonisation. Moderator: Marina Efthymiou (Dublin City University) Confirmed panelists:
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| 15:30 |
The constraints on aviation growth The aviation industry is growing fast. To do this, it must overcome many concerns. These include 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 in addition to environmental effects such as noise and climate. Moderator: Jagoda Egeland (OECD), TBC Confirmed panellists:
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| 16:30 | Health break |
| 17:00 |
The Mike Tretheway Debate on the following motion: “Geopolitics will determine the future success of the aviation sector in Central and Eastern Europe” Moderator: Ian Kinkaid (InterVISTAS) Confirmed debaters:
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| 17:45 | Announcements |
| 19:00 | Gala dinner, invitation EAC26, honouring the memory of David Gillen |
12th Nov 2025: The way forward
| Begin | Session |
|---|---|
| 09:00 |
Opening and review of Day 1
Speakers:
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| 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 government and industry meetings. She serves on the Board of Directors of the 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. Moderator: Anna Konert (Lazarski University) |
| 10:00 | Health break |
| 10:30 |
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? Moderator: Sonia Huderek-Glapska (Poznan University) Confirmed Panellists:
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| 12:00 | Lunch |
| 13:30 |
MARTIN KUNZ LECTURE Confirmed Keynote Speaker: 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. Moderator: William Morrison (Wilfrid Laurier University) |
| 14:15 | Health break |
| 14:30 |
Are regional airports the “real” backbones of European aviation markets? Central and Eastern European aviation markets are growing fast! What is the secret? Is it the regional airports? They seem to be an important part of the success of Central and Eastern European aviation markets. What is hindering or helping them to contribute to an efficient and dynamic airport network? Are they complements or subsbtitutes for larger international airports? Will they be strengthened or weakened by current expansion projects? How to exploit complementarities so to make the best use of existing and new infrastructure investments in large and small airports! Moderator: Frances Kremarik (The University of Westminster) Confirmed panellists:
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| 16:00 | Health break |
| 16:15 |
Keynote Speaker: TBA
Moderator: Dan Elliot (Frontier Economics) |
| 17:00 |
Reflections and future flight paths Our expert panellists will reflect on two days of discussion to highlight points of agreement and disagreement, to acknowledge the contributions that have furthered our understanding of the issues, and to highlight the knowledge gaps that remain. The panel will also be charged with proposing a future agenda of action items implied by our conference discussions. Moderator: Margaret Arblaster (RMIT University) Confirmed panellists:
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| 17:45 | Closing |