Estonian Aviation Seminar

Aviation Seminar 2025 “Where is Estonian aviation heading and with whose money?” takes place on 21 November at the Estonian Aviation Academy. 

Legendary afterparty starts from 19 at Club Gutenberg in Tartu. 

Program

09.30–10.00 Gathering and coffee

10.00-10.10 Opening words - Koit Kaskel (Estonian Aviation Academy) and Georg Mäll (Estonian Aviation Cluster)

"Estonian Aviation Today: Value Proposition, Business Models, and Financing”

10.10-10.25 Airline Business Models in Estonian Aviation: The Case of Marabu – Allan Suimets (Marabu Airlines OÜ)

10.25-10.40 Behind the Scenes of Route Network Planning at Tallinn Airport – Eero Pärgmäe (Tallinna Lennujaam AS)

10.40-10.55 Cost-Benefit Perspective of Safety as Strategic Investment – TBC

10.55-11.10 Coffee break

11.10-11.25 From Coalition Agreement to Action: The First Steps of Estonia’s Aviation Strategy – Timo Suslov (Member of Parliament and Vice-Chair of the Aviation Support Group)

11.25-12.10 Debate: Does Estonia’s Economic Environment Support or Hinder Aviation Entrepreneurship? 
Moderator: Urmas Vaino and Panelists: Minister of Infrastructure Kuldar Leis (Ministry of Climate), Timo Suslov (Parliament), Eduard Vainu (Meridein Grupp OÜ), Ken Koort (Diamond Sky OÜ)

12:10–13:10 Lunch

“Innovation in Aviation: Ongoing Projects and Future Directions in Estonia and Europe”

13.10-13.25 Research Groups at the Estonian Aviation Academy: Nano fuels, Drone Swarms, AI and Aerodynamics – Karl-Eerik Unt (Estonian Aviation Academy)

13.25-13.45 Integrating AI and Innovation into Aviation – David Solar (EASA)

13.45-14.00  Future Air Traffic Management and New Development Directions – Kalmer Sütt (EANS)

14.00-14.25 Coffee break

14.25-14.40 MRO Digital Transformation Journey: From Automation to AI – Manfred Markus Tikenberg (Magnetic MRO AS)

14.40-14.55  The Current State and Future of Unmanned Aviation in Estonia – Ott Tahk (Estonian Aviation Academy)

14.55-15.55 Panel Discussion: What Are the Opportunities for Collaboration Between Military and Civil Aviation?
Moderator: Urmas Vaino
Panelists: Riivo Valge (Estonian Air Force), Arbo Probal (Estonian Defence Forces), Üllar Salumäe (Transport Administration), Taivo Linnamägi (Ministry of Climate), Julia Berdnikova (Estonian Aviation Academy)

15.55-16.00 Recognition

16.00-16.25 Announcement of the winners of the “Deed of the Year in Estonian Aviation” competition

16.25–17.15 Opportunity to try out the new flight simulator and explore new aircraft used for flight training (more detailed information will be sent to registered participants before the event)

The seminar day will be moderated by Urmas Vaino.

Participation fees  

• Free cancellation until 14.11. After that, the issued invoice must be paid. 
  
  

Hotels

The tradition of seminars organized by Estonian Aviation Academy began in November 1995 with a seminar-meeting of executives from Estonian national airlines, initiated by the then Tartu Aviation College at the Pärnu Beach Hotel. Over the years, the seminar has grown into a traditional annual event in the Estonian aviation sector.

An integral part of the Aviation Seminar is also the announcement of the recipients of the recognition “Deed of the Year in Estonian Aviation” The aim of the competition is to acknowledge the annual achievements and contributions of Estonian aviation companies or organizations to the development of our aviation sector.

Deed of the Year 2024

Both the Grand Prize awarded by the jury and the Audience Choice title were given this time to Estonian Aviation Academy.

Estonian Aviation Academy – Successful Launch of Student Projects: The Case of Blue Sparrow