FLOAT 2024: Empowering Future Leaders in Aviation and Tourism at the Arab Aviation Summit
In an industry facing rapid decarbonization, digital disruption, and talent shortages, engaging the next generation isn't optional, it's essential for long-term resilience. FLOAT 2024: the Future Leaders of Aviation and Tourism youth initiative, launched as a dedicated platform to connect young professionals, entrepreneurs, and innovators with global aviation stakeholders.
Held on February 27, 2024, in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, as part of the Arab Aviation Summit (and in partnership with Airbus and the World Sustainable Development Fund), FLOAT featured interactive sessions, expert panels, and networking opportunities focused on:
Held on February 27, 2024, in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, as part of the Arab Aviation Summit (and in partnership with Airbus and the World Sustainable Development Fund), FLOAT featured interactive sessions, expert panels, and networking opportunities focused on:
- Career pathways and skills development in a transforming sector
- Digital innovation and sustainable technologies (e.g., sustainable aviation fuels, advanced air mobility)
- Cross-sector collaboration for inclusive, resilient growth in aviation and tourism
By amplifying youth voices and fostering actionable collaborations, FLOAT contributes to broader goals of green transition, economic competitiveness, and human capital development across the Middle East and beyond.
Unlike conventional youth forums, FLOAT embedded participants directly into a high-level industry summit, enabling real intergenerational dialogue and practical network-building with decision-makers from airlines, manufacturers, regulators, and investors.
The initiative underscores a growing recognition that sustainable economic progress in aviation, a sector critical to global trade, tourism, and connectivity, depends on diverse, skilled talent pipelines. By amplifying youth voices and fostering actionable collaborations, FLOAT contributes to broader goals of green transition, economic competitiveness, and human capital development across the Middle East and beyond.
With follow-on activities already underway (including senior roundtables in 2025), FLOAT signals momentum toward more inclusive innovation ecosystems in one of the world's most strategic industries.
The initiative underscores a growing recognition that sustainable economic progress in aviation, a sector critical to global trade, tourism, and connectivity, depends on diverse, skilled talent pipelines. By amplifying youth voices and fostering actionable collaborations, FLOAT contributes to broader goals of green transition, economic competitiveness, and human capital development across the Middle East and beyond.
With follow-on activities already underway (including senior roundtables in 2025), FLOAT signals momentum toward more inclusive innovation ecosystems in one of the world's most strategic industries.
