Sustainable Regional Aviation Forum 2024

European Affairs Advisor, AURA AERO         
Net zero – an inevitable path         
 

Statement         
In the panel, I will reflect on the upcoming opportunities and challenges ahead of OEMs in the industrialization of low-carbon aviation solutions, such as hybrid electric. I will mention both the market opportunities, how this should reshape and vitalize regional connectivity, and what barriers we need to overcome to make this aviation a reality. Aura Aero is a steering committee member of the Zero Emission Aircraft Alliance in Brussels, launched by Commissioner Breton, so I will also address how we can make greener flights for regional aviation in the EU.

Biography         
Antoine Toulemont has an engineering background, specializing in Air Operations and maintenance, in aviation industry traineeship and at EASA. He started his career in the French Civil Aviation Administration (DGAC) in the European and International Safety Cooperation and then joined the European Commission in the Aviation Safety unit to handle EASA work and, from January 2020, manage the COVID-19 crisis in aviation. In July 2020, he joined the Transport Ministry cabinet in Paris and became an adviser to the General Director of French CAA, a short but rich experience.

He rejoined the European Commission in 2021, still focusing on COVID-19 and its relationship with ICAO on Facilitation matters. Nowadays, he is a European Affairs adviser at Aura Aero and a Sustainability and Policy adviser for the European Regions Airline Association.

Executive Director and Legal Advisor at RENA        
Panel discussion 1: Social sustainability – ensuring citizens’ freedom of movement        
 

Statement         
I'm delighted to be taking part in this year's Sustainable Regional Aviation Forum in Ponta Delgada, where we'll be discussing topics that are very relevant to the aviation sector and the community in general, with a special focus on the challenges that sustainability requirements pose to the movement of people and goods.

Biography         
António Moura Portugal is a Partner at the law firm DLA Piper ABBC and has been the Executive Director of RENA - Association of Airlines in Portugal for over 15 years.

As a partner at DLA Piper ABBC, he has devoted most of his time to the aviation sector, particularly by representing airlines, handling companies, and other air transport operators.

António Moura Portugal is also a guest lecturer at the Católica Global School of Law. He was previously an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Law of the University of Lisbon, the Universidade Europeia, and IDEFF. He is the author of several books and articles on aviation and a regular speaker at events dedicated to this sector.

Member of the European Parliament        
Panel discussion 1: Social sustainability – ensuring citizens’ freedom of movement         
 

Statement         
Promoting sustainable air travel ensures global connectivity, fosters the mobility of the citizens, and promotes a sustainable tourism while preserving our planet for future generations.

Biography         
Cláudia Monteiro de Aguiar is from Madeira Island. She holds a graduate in Sociology from Minho University, a postgraduate in marketing and communication, and an executive master's in management in digital transformation at Católica Lisbon Business & Economics University.

Her professional career started at Crescer sem Risco, an association of social solidarity — IPSS — as a sociologist from 2006 until 2008, then moved to Portobay Hotels & Resorts as a communication and marketing consultant from 2008 until 2011.

A member of the Portuguese National Assembly from 2011 until 2014, she was a member of the Committees of Economy and Public Works and European Affairs.

She is presently serving her second term as a Member of the European Parliament (2014-2019 and 2019-2024). She was awarded in 2016 the price of Best MEP of the Year in Tourism (out of 705 MEPs).

Additionally, she is the Coordinator from the Group of the European People's Party (EPP) of the Steering Group of the Tourism Task Force at TRAN Committee, leading tourism and travel-related issues. Moreover, she is Vice-President of the Working Group on Tourism at SME Europe, a European association supporting SMEs in Europe, and Vice-President of the Working Party for Outermost Regions in SEArica, a dedicated intergroup supporting seas, rivers, islands, and coastal areas.

Partner sustainability and climate change, PWC        
Net zero – an inevitable path        
 

Statement        
Companies in various sectors, sizes, and geographies should seek to understand their current context, the risks and opportunities associated with Climate Change and the Net Zero path for their field so that they can integrate this knowledge into their strategies. This is the necessary path to Net Zero.

Biography        
Cláudia Coelho is the partner responsible for the Sustainability and Climate Change area at PwC Portugal. She holds a degree in Environmental Engineering from IST and a post-graduate degree in Environmental Management Systems from ISQ and AESE's Business Management Program. She has twenty years of professional experience in industry and as a consultant in the environmental and sustainability area. 

Furthermore, she joined PwC's sustainability team in 2006 and is currently Head of the area, coordinating environmental projects, sustainability strategy, investors and sustainability ratings response, and non-financial reporting. 

With extensive experience in different activity sectors, such as energy, banking, and retail, among others, she also participates regularly with several educational institutions in seminars on sustainability in various courses (management, communication, etc.).

Head of Business Development H2 & Renewable Fuels at GALP         
Panel discussion 3: Challenges and opportunities for Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs)        
 

Statement         
Aviation is expected to keep growing in the coming decades, bringing people and goods together. The decarbonization of the sector is a core requirement for its sustainable development, and Galp, as a reference producer and supplier of aviation fuel in Portugal, is fully committed to promoting this transition.

Biography        
Diogo Almeida holds a master’s in chemical engineering and 20 years of experience at Galp within the energy ecosystem, taking different roles on the oil value chain and corporate strategy, and heading H2 & Renewable Fuels Business Development since June 2021, pushing forward for a strong energy transition commitment through the development of opportunities and new projects in the green hydrogen and low carbon fuels value chain.

Head of External Affairs & Marketing ZeroAvia         
Panel discussion 2: Economic sustainability – delivering cost-effective mobility         
 

Statement         
There is a misconception that cleaner flights will come with a higher price tag, but, ultimately, the transition will mean improved economics, with hydrogen cheaper than kerosene and electric propulsion systems, meaning lower maintenance expenses.

Biography         
Dominic heads up ZeroAvia's marketing, communications, and policy work globally, seeking to ensure awareness, interest, and adoption of the company's revolutionary hydrogen-electric powertrains for commercial aviation. With 20 years of experience in brand communications and policy for disruptors and established companies on clean technology and sustainability initiatives, his career has been split equally between the U.K. and the U.S.

Before joining ZeroAvia, Dominic headed up the technology practice at strategic communications consultancy Madano.         
 

DG MOVE, European Commission         
Panel discussion 2: Economic sustainability – delivering cost-effective mobility         
 

Statement         
Air transport is an enabler and backbone of the integration and identity of the internal and European markets. Over the last three decades, the sector has well-embraced market liberalization, which materialized in increased air connectivity and affordability of travel. In the upcoming three decades, it will need to tackle new challenges stemming from the transition to clean energy. In this journey, environmental sustainability will have to go hand-in-hand with socioeconomic sustainability so that European air transport remains strong globally and continues to meet societal expectations.

Biography         
Ewa holds a double major in finance and international economic law and nearly 15 years of professional experience in European policymaking.

She is a Team Leader in charge of sustainable aviation in the European Commission, Directorate General for Mobility and Transport (DG MOVE), Aviation Policy Unit, and deals with energy transition in aviation, investments, and strategy.

Before joining aviation, she worked in industrial competitiveness and raw materials.

Before joining the European Commission, she worked in management consulting at PwC.         
 

Head of Sustainable Aviation and Technical Assistance at Repsol         
Panel discussion 3: Challenges and opportunities for Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs)         
 

Statement         
The decarbonization of the aviation sector is an ambitious and global challenge. Tourism, and especially those territories in which logistics is critical, such as islands, will be very sensitive to this decarbonization process, which is why it will be necessary for them to receive special attention from the entire value chain, including regulatory bodies. It is possible to achieve a goal of zero emissions in 2050, in which the use of SAF will be pivotal. In the coming weeks, Repsol will inaugurate in Cartagena (Spain) a plant of 100% SAF HEFA route, which will be capable of producing more than 200,000 tons of advanced biofuel. Likewise, with the recent acquisition of the RSB Book and Claim certificate, it will be able to meet the environmental demand of those most critical areas in which the physical supply is more complex.

Biography         
Francisco Jose Lucas Ochoa is Head of Sustainable Aviation and International Aviation Technical Assistance at Repsol. He is a civil engineer, has a master's degree in business administration and management, and has belonged to the Repsol company for 20 years. During his professional life, he has been closely linked to the transportation sector, representing Repsol at the highest level in national and international organizations and events.

Board Member, Binter         
Panel discussion 3: Challenges and opportunities for Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs)         
 

Statement        
Years ago, flying was a luxury, limited to wealthy people. Gradually, it became more economical and popular. Now, more passengers than ever can choose between flying low-cost or in airlines that offer better services at affordable prices.

There is no longer a debate about whether the airline industry should be decarbonized. Now, the question is how to do it without hurting our passengers' pockets too much.

Because what is clear is that decarbonizing will be expensive, but we want citizens to be able to continue traveling, as it has become an essential service.

Biography        
Juan Ramsden is currently Director of Binter, the brand with 16 companies offering regional air transport in the Canary Islands, since 2011.

He has extensive experience in the field of transportation. He was first in his class at the University, and at the beginning of his career, he held various management positions in national and international shipping companies.

Since 1994, he participated in the communications functioning in the Canary Islands, managing some major transport companies in the islands, first in the maritime field and, since November 2011, in Binter.

Since joining Binter, the airline has experienced significant growth and currently has more than 2,300 employees, becoming an international leader in regional aviation by being elected Airline of the Year by the European Association of Regional Airlines in 2016, the sixth time it has received this organization's highest award.

The Canarian company has consolidated its international expansion recently, reaching a schedule that allows direct connections between the archipelago and 48 destinations to mainland Spain and third countries abroad in Europe and Africa. In addition, as of February 1st, it will offer a new service between the Canary Islands and Madrid with eight daily return flights.

President of GRACE, Partner VdA        
Panel discussion 1: Social sustainability – ensuring citizens’ freedom of movement        
 

Statement        
“In this panel, we will discuss the (so often forgotten) critical role of air travel for social sustainability: it is essential to connect people, it is instrumental to the social development that tourism may represent to islands and other underserved regions, it may help in disaster response and emergency services in remote areas, it serves local communities, ensuring overall connectivity. Being a contributor to social sustainability, how can air transportation become more environmentally sustainable? How can we integrate the communities’ insights and concerns? What could we do to optimize the support provided by aviation infrastructure? What is the role of affordability for social sustainability?”

Biography        
Margarida has a Law degree and a Post-graduation in European Studies from Faculdade de Direito da Universidade Católica de Lisboa.

She is a founding partner of Vieira de Almeida & Associados (VdA), a law firm she joined in 1988, where she currently is the Head Partner of the Social Economy & Human Rights practice area with vast experience in all matters related to this sector.

Margarida is the CEO of the Vasco Vieira de Almeida Foundation and is also the Partner responsible for the Sustainability Program, chairing the firm's Pro Bono Committee. She frequently does volunteer work and is involved in the governing bodies of non-profit organizations, being the President of GRACE since January 2018.

Margarida Couto is also Secretary of the Board of BCSD Portugal - Business Council for Sustainable Development and the Oceano Forum - Association of the Sea Economy.

Director General, European Regions Airline Association (ERA)         
Introduction: regional aviation and the different facets of sustainability         
Closing remarks, Q&A, wrap up and conclusions         
 

Statement        
The Sustainable Regional Aviation Forum aims to promote regional aviation's wider sustainability initiatives, particularly its progress towards carbon-neutral aviation, focussing on Portugal and from the perspective of an outermost region such as the Azores.

Biography        
Montserrat Barriga has been ERA (European Regions Airline Association) Director General since November 2017. She is responsible to ERA's board for the delivery and implementation of ERA's strategy, as well as the association's advocacy work on policy and technical matters. Under her leadership, ERA is highlighting the aviation sector's vital contribution to Europe's future economic prosperity, particularly in the regions of Europe.

Before being appointed ERA Director General, Montserrat worked at ERA member airline Binter as Director of International Development and Industry Affairs, focussing on the airline's regulatory needs and international development. Before this, Barriga headed up strategy development at Pullmantur Group, which included a cruise line, tour operators, retail travel agencies, and a charter airline.

Strategy Consultant for Aviation, Tourism and Airports, SkyExpert        
Panel discussion 2: Economic sustainability – delivering cost-effective mobility        
 

Statement         
Have you ever thought the electric car is here to save the car industry, not the planet?

How do you navigate away from one of the most significant pitfalls encapsulated in "Nemo iudex in causa sua"?

The intriguing connection between all these elements and our industry is what precisely I'll be unraveling in my panel intervention.

Biography         
Pedro's 25+ journey in the travel industry has seen him excel in pivotal roles across airlines, airports, and tourism companies. His extensive experience encompasses several areas, such as business development, contracting, revenue optimization, alliance management, sales strategy, and loyalty.

Pedro Castro is an alumnus of Universidade de Lisboa and Université Robert Schumann, where he earned his B.Sc. degree in Law. He further shares his knowledge by teaching the Transportation Systems unit in Tourism Management at ISCE. Having lived in different countries for 18 years, Pedro converses fluently in six languages.

In addition to his professional commitments, Pedro Castro is a columnist, contributing insightful pieces on airports, airlines, and tourism for a diverse range of regional, financial, and international newspapers, magazines, TV, and radio.

Partner, KPMG         
Panel discussion 2: Economic sustainability – delivering cost-effective mobility         
 

Statement        
The ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) agenda poses significant challenges for companies, which, in addition to the growing and challenging requirement to report on their impact on our planet and society, will be pressured to change their purpose, their products, how they produce and transport their products, or how they provide their services.

The ESG factors' inclusion in strategy has become critical to the success of companies and businesses in all sectors. Customers, employees, shareholders, suppliers and financiers, rating agencies, and regulators demand that companies consider the impact of their business on the world, their contribution to society, and their conduct.

ESG is no longer a choice. As our latest Global CEO Outlook shows, where climate change topped the “threats to growth” identified by CEOs, it is imperative. Market leaders are adopting a strategic response to ESG, changing their products and services, processes, operations, and distribution and production chains.

The aviation industry is no exception, especially given its impact on CO₂ emissions.

Biography         
Partner in KPMG's Audit & Assurance area with over 20 years of experience in audit, assurance, and sustainability projects.

Statutory Auditor

Responsible for the Assurance area at KPMG Portugal.

ESG Coordinator Partner at KPMG Portugal, i.e., responsible for coordinating KPMG's ESG teams and for product and market strategy

Professor at Nova school of Business and Economics and nominated Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum in 2017        
Panel discussion 2: Economic sustainability – delivering cost-effective mobility        
 

Statement        
"If global aviation was a country, it would be a top 10 emitter according to the European Commission. The aviation sector must step up and play its part in emissions reduction as outlined in the European Green Deal. But the burning question is: How can we make this happen without compromising economic viability?

Can the aviation industry effectively monitor emissions on all international routes? Are operational measures in place to significantly reduce emissions? And what about offsetting emissions – is the sector ready to take that on? The time has also come to ask whether regional aviation should adhere to the same rules as international aviation giants. And how to harmonize European climate neutrality targets with global practices. It's time for the aviation industry to soar to new heights of environmental responsibility."

Biography         
Rodrigo Tavares (Lisbon, 1978) is an Adjunct Professor at NOVA School of Business and Economics (Nova SBE), where he teaches postgraduate and executive courses and conducts research on finance and sustainability issues.

He is also the Founder and CEO of the London-based Granito Group, which advances the sustainable economy through strategy consulting, financial advisory, and policy & research. The Group has collaborated with multiple financial organizations (institutional investors, asset managers, family offices, regulators) in Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and North America to enable their transition to a sustainable economy.

He holds over 15 years of experience in government and international organizations, working with foreign affairs and economic cooperation. In 2008-2010, he was invited by the UN Secretariat to write Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's annual reports on Africa's development. From 2011 to 2014, he served as Head of the Office of Foreign Affairs of the state government of São Paulo, Brazil.

His academic path includes the universities of Harvard (Senior Research Fellow), Columbia (Research Fellow on a postdoc grant), Gothenburg (Ph.D.), and California, Berkeley (Visiting Research Fellow). He was also an Adjunct Professor at Getúlio Vargas Foundation (FGV) in Brazil (2013-2018), where he was awarded a teaching prize in 2017 for ranking the highest in students' evaluations. Rodrigo is the author of 4 books on international relations and economic development (published by Oxford University Press, Routledge, and Lynne Rienner) and multiple book chapters and peer-reviewed articles. He has taken executive courses at Harvard University on negotiation (2006) and on global leadership (2021), at Princeton University on energy transition (2022), and at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology on Artificial Intelligence (2023).

He was nominated Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum (2017), selected as Startup Portugal Ambassador (2018), and Young Leader by the Government of Quebec in Canada (2011). Furthermore, he is an op-ed columnist for Folha de S. Paulo (Brazil) and Expresso (Portugal) on topics like finance, economics, and sustainability. He also regularly writes on these issues for the World Economic Forum website and Quartz.

Rodrigo has been featured in the press as “one of the world's leading experts on sustainable finance” (Globo).

CEO, SATA Azores Airlines        
Panel discussion 1: Social sustainability – ensuring citizens’ freedom of movement        
 

Statement        
Aviation is pivotal for the world, linking people, ideas, and growth. Dialogue fosters sustainability and progress. Collaboration among stakeholders is vital for our shared goals in this industry.

Biography        
Teresa was appointed SATA Group Chief Executive Officer in April 2023. Before this, was, since January 2020, SATA Group Executive Board Member and Chief Financial Officer. Previously, Teresa was the Director for the Promotion of Competition in the Mobility and Transport Authority. Before joining this Authority, Teresa held various roles as Director of M&A, Finance, and Business Development in the biggest telecommunications company in Portugal (PT – Portugal Telecom), leading several M&A projects and also responsible for all the business development in Africa, Asia, and Brazil.

Teresa has over twenty years of experience in financial services. Before joining PT, she worked as a strategic business consultant at Cap Gemini Ernst & Young.

Teresa holds a Graduate degree in Finance from Nova School of Business and Economics, a Graduate degree in Competition and Regulation from the University of Lisbon School of Law, and a Bachelor’s degree from Católica Lisbon School of Business and Economics. 

President of the Board of Directors, Impact on sustainable aviation        
Panel discussion 3: Challenges and opportunities for Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs)        
 

Statement        
SAF - aviation’s lifeline to achieve Net Zero 2050! What are the prerequisites to make sufficient volumes a reality? Which stakeholders must collaborate to create the fertile ground? And, what are the challenges & opportunities for airlines in outermost regions?

Biography        
Ulrike Ziegler, a seasoned expert with over 20 years in aviation, is the President of IMPACT on Sustainable Aviation e.V., a non-profit association founded by leading aviation financiers. Previously, she held senior positions at UniCredit as Global Head of Aircraft Finance and at ING Germany as Head of Aviation.

IMPACT e.V., a global platform, promotes effective emissions reporting standards for translation into loan and lease agreements; it is equally dedicated to enabling the scale-up of decarbonization technologies (e.g., SAF), which are a crucial lever to reach Net Zero 2050.