WIA-Europe has been invited to participate to the Digital Transformation panel session and networking event in Paris on 21 June 2017, at Club de l’Etoile.

The digital transformation of the global aereospace market is gathering pace. The application of digital technologies promises a fundamental shift in the customer travel experience and exciting new opportunities for both existing and new players in the market. If we are to meet ambitious targets for sustainable growth whilst increasing productivity, accessibility and shrinking our environmental footprint, we must consider how the whole aviation ecosystem (aircraft, airport, airline and airspace) integrates and interacts. Digital technologies should deliver increased resilience, making journeys either shorter or more predictable whilst able to seamlessly adapt to disruptions.

The Paris Airshow showcases many new technologies that will feed into the digital revolution and each panelist has shared their perspective of the future in terms of challenges and opportunities.

WIA-Europe (in the person of the Director of Communication, Annamaria Nassisi) has introduced the association and their mission and highlighted the main transversal topic, such as Cyber Security, Big Data, Artificial Intelligence, in addition to the on board technologies and additing manufactory transformation.

• Cybersecurity is critical in today’s world and it has an impact on satellite activities. Its impact is both on board and ground segments for data protection but also for the C&C of the satellite.
• Big Data applications are strictly related to the exponential growth in volumes of satellite data by taking into account also the phenomena of the small sat constellation. Big Data technologies can contribute also to cybersecurity by identifying atypical behaviors.
• Artificial Intelligence, that use specific algorithms to learn without being explicitly programmed. This self-learning capability makes AI technologies highly strategic.

This transformation has an effect of contamination between space and non space environment (like information technologies).

In Europe these are important issues already under discussion within big programs like COPERNICUS, GALILEO and national programmes.

Sir Peter Gregson, Chief Executive and Vice-Chancellor of Cranfield University, welcomed alumni and friends participating to event at Club de L’Étoile, and he addressed the audience with an optimistic message, saying, “This event is just one example of the way in which we must continue to bring together all parts of the Cranfield University family. We find ourselves in a changing and delicate world, and divisions in society are something a university has a responsibility to break down. Having shared a Cranfield experience with people from all over the world, of every race and religion, our alumni are the best ambassadors we could ask.”

The event began with a panel discussion around the challenges and opportunities within the aereospace sector. Led by Professor Graham Braithwaite, the panel was comprised of Steve Murray, Strategy and Marketing Director at Thales UK; Annamaria Nassisi, Director of Commucations, Women in Aerospace Europe and Strategic Marketing Manager at Thales Alenia Space; Tony Spouncer, Global Director of Safety and Operational Services at Inmarsat; and Professor Iain Gray, Director of Aerospace.

Main feedback collected from the Alumni: “…. thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts on digitalising the aeronautic industry. Brillant challenges are to be overcome by brillant people.”

Below a photo from the event: