IIM Bangalore Executive Education, in partnership with TBS Education, will host the ninth edition of the International Conference on Future of Aviation and Aerospace (FOAA) on April 18, 2026, at Taj Westend, Bengaluru. The one-day global summit will bring together industry leaders, policymakers, researchers, and academicians to deliberate on key trends shaping the aviation and aerospace sectors.
The conference, scheduled from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm (IST), is part of an ongoing collaboration between IIM Bangalore and TBS Education, under which both institutions jointly deliver the General Management Programme for Aviation and Aerospace Executives. The initiative aims to address the growing demand for skilled managerial talent in the rapidly evolving aviation ecosystem.
FOAA 2026 will feature keynote sessions and panel discussions led by senior industry experts and academic leaders. The inaugural address will be delivered by Annett Baessler, Deputy Consul General at the German Consulate General in Bengaluru. Opening remarks will be presented by Prof G Shainesh and Prof S Raghunath from IIM Bangalore, along with Prof Christophe Benaroya, Director – Global Executive MBA at TBS Education.
The conference will host a series of focused discussions on critical themes impacting the sector. A panel on “Market Potential for Aviation & Aerospace in India” will bring together Belson Coutinho, COO of Akasa Air; Vasudevan S from ICF; and Sunil Bhaskaran from Air India Aviation Academy. Another session on “Design and Manufacture in India for Global Aerospace and Aviation Market” will feature Dr Srinivasan Dwarakanath of the Aerospace India Association.
Industry veterans will also share insights during a session on “Make in India – The Achievements of Indian Companies,” including Dr Kota Harinarayana, former Programme Director and Chief Designer of the HAL Tejas, and Biju Nanukuttan, Founder of AeroEdison. Discussions on the “Future of Airports and Aviation Infrastructure” will include Prof G Raghuram, former Director of IIM Bangalore; Amber Dubey, CEO of Adani Airport Holdings; and Satyaki Raghunath, former COO of Bangalore International Airport Limited.
The conference will also address talent development challenges, with participation from industry HR leaders and global academic experts, as well as explore the role of artificial intelligence and analytics in shaping the future of aviation. By convening global perspectives and fostering dialogue across stakeholders, FOAA 2026 aims to provide actionable insights into the opportunities and challenges facing the aviation and aerospace sectors, particularly in high-growth markets such as India.
