The organisers, Quaynote Communications and Area Group, of the debut Future Alternatives for Seaplanes and Amphibious Aviation (FOSAA) are marking its first profitable occasion with proverbial water cannons following the assembly of trade stakeholders in Venice on 20 March. The inaugural occasion confirmed the pent-up demand for an trade convention dedicated to the resurging seaplane and amphibious aviation sector, because it attracted business stakeholders from throughout the trade and the world.
The one-day occasion welcomed delegates from Asia, Europe and the USA, bringing collectively the burgeoning trade beneath one roof in a devoted setting. Clear themes emerged by way of the moderated panels, displays and discussions as sector entrepreneurs and specialists demonstrated a dedication to deliver amphibious aviation out of the aerospace shadows and into the mainstream sector.
With ten potential OEMs within the room, the potential delivered by new propulsion expertise, composite supplies, revolutionary aerospace design and the sustainable crucial was palpable, with a normal settlement that transferring ahead collectively by way of collaboration would generate continuity and longevity. A name for standardization when it comes to international operations, passenger expectations, laws and infrastructure necessities was additionally debated all through the assembly.
Schooling of trade regulators, traders, and mainstream aerospace colleagues was deemed important to vary the mindset that understands the sector to be a distinct segment trade. Representatives from aerial firefighting, commuter, experiential and vacationer operations, medevac, and regional and enterprise aviation have been in attendance, confirming a number of the a number of functions the sector presently serves. The occasion additionally highlighted the alternatives offered by new and rising markets that will optimize the advantages of sustainable amphibious airframes, welcome the related financial stimulation and create as-yet-untapped prospects.
“We realized that amphibious aviation provides an ideal mixture of flexibility, entry, and safe operations that serve first and last-mile sectors, regional wants, and communities in any other case disconnected by massive tracts of water,” says Lorna Titley, Director Quaynote Communications, the convention organizer. “With greater than 70% of the planet coated in water and tens of millions of miles of shoreline and river attracting communities, cities and metropolises, there isn’t a doubt that as we glance to the longer term, this group of execs will add an important new providing to the worldwide air transport community. This occasion gave trade stakeholders the primary alternative they’ve ever needed to come collectively and talk about what’s wanted to progress and fulfil the potential. The suggestions we’ve had has been extremely optimistic.”
The primary occasion was oversubscribed, with delegates demonstrating their enthusiasm and engagement by way of constant panel questions, full of life networking and curiosity within the subsequent outing of FOSAA, because the occasion has been formally named. The seeds for an trade affiliation have been sewn, orders have been introduced, and a brand new annual aviation convention is about to affix the trade calendar with organizers already discussing subsequent yr’s location. “We’re delighted with the response; it’s even higher than we may have hoped, and we’ve already had sponsorship requests, talking and presentation alternatives for 2025. We’re happy to be giving the sector a platform that could be very a lot wanted,” concludes Titley.
This yr’s sponsors included connectivity supplier Satcom Direct, Shinmaywa Industries of Japan, next-generation OEMs JEKTA and Elfly, industrial designer MBVision, and Aeropuerto Nicelli.
To study extra about this yr’s occasion or FOSAA 2025, contact Lorna Titley at lorna@quaynote.com or Jane Stanbury at jane@arenagroupassociates to grow to be a sponsor, speaker, or delegate.
