Afternoon Plenary

13.45-14.05
Keynote: Delivering on the government’s Jet Zero Strategy
The challenge of aviation decarbonisation within the broader context of the UK's climate and transition agenda
James Richardson, chief analyst, Climate Change Committee

14.05-14.50
Panel: Aviation decarbonisation – confronting the reality
Global air travel continues to grow faster than aviation emissions are falling, raising fundamental questions about the sector’s path to net zero. With sustainable aviation fuel unlikely to scale fast enough on its own, and hydrogen and electric propulsion still years from commercial viability, the panel asks whether it’s time for a more candid discussion about priorities, trade-offs and where investment can deliver the greatest impact. Speakers include:
Panel moderator: Rachel Gardner-Poole, aviation & sustainability advisor
Dan Walker, Technical Director, Sustainable Aviation
Robert Griggs, Policy and Public Affairs Director, Airlines UK
Simon Edsforth, Airspace Efficiency Manager, NATS
Jenny Kavanagh, Director, Green Skies Consulting

14.50-15.20 Networking

15.20-15.40
Keynote: Delivering Bristol Airport’s Next Chapter
David Lees, chief executive, Bristol Airport

15.40-15.55
Airspace modernisation
A high-level view of where UK airspace modernisation is heading, why it matters to the future capacity, resilience and sustainability of UK aviation, and what needs to happen to turn the strategy into delivery.
Chris Norsworthy, Director Transformation Strategy & Development, NATS
Ian Elston, Deputy Director of Airspace, Airport, Resilience and Connectivity, Department for Transport

15.55-16.20
Airspace change Gatwick case study: essential transformation for efficient flight
Gatwick’s airspace change programme provides a practical case study of how modernising airspace can improve flight efficiency, capacity and resilience while supporting the airport’s future growth.
Moderator: Shakir Khaja, global aviation director, Egis
Andy Sinclair, head of aerodrome transformation, Gatwick Airport
Philip Church, aviation director, Egis

16.20-16.40
Closing keynote
Javier Echave, chief operating officer, Heathrow Airport

16.40
Closing reflections
Jane Thompson, deputy chair, BAG

FROM 18.30

BAG Annual Dinner
The Brewery, Central London

AIR is supported by the British Aviation Group (BAG), the leading representative body for British companies involved in aviation and airport development and operations representing over 230 member companies from across the supply chain including world leaders in all aspects of aviation. AIR 2026 is followed by the BAG Annual Dinner, taking place in Central London on Wednesday 30 September 2026.

Already a BAG member? Don’t forget to book to attend the BAG Annual Dinner!

If you are not a BAG member and would like to join our community, enquire now!