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Military Airlift and Air-to-Air Refuelling
9 December - 11 December 2025
Military Airlift and Air-to-Air Refuelling

SAE Media Group are delighted to announce the return of the 26th annual Military Airlift and Air-to-Air Refuelling conference, taking place from 9-10 December 2025, with the annual site visit taking place on 11 December 2025.

Building on our acclaimed 2024 edition, the conference remains the preeminent forum for the international air mobility and airlift community – providing critical perspectives from heavy and tactical airlift, rotary wing and AAR industries.

The only international event with a dedicated focus on Military Airlift and Air-to-Air Refuelling

New for 2025:

  • Emphasis on operational learnings and development of the next generation of airlift and air-to-air refuelling assets
  • Take advantage of our unique platform which after 26 years is firmly established as the natural meeting point for European and global air forces
  • Hear about the latest trends, programmes, products and strategies of airlift & AAR technology and witness how this dynamic military field underpins global defence operations

FEATURED SPEAKERS

Colonel Alfredo Pietrolucci

Colonel Alfredo Pietrolucci

14th Wing Commander, Italian Air Force
Colonel Harry Oostema

Colonel Harry Oostema

Commander, Heavy Airlift Wing
Colonel Paulo Martins

Colonel Paulo Martins

Operations Division Chief, Portuguese Air Force
Major General Joao Nogueira

Major General Joao Nogueira

Director of the Engineering and Programs Directorate, Portuguese Air Force
Major Marco Bozzi Sentieri

Major Marco Bozzi Sentieri

Chief of Operation Section Next 14th Wing Commander, Italian Air Force

Alex Defazio

Aerospace Capabilities Section, NATO IS-DI (Defence Investment division)
Alex Defazio

A graduate of the United States Air Force Academy with a degree in International Affairs, Alex DeFazio also has a Masters of Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and won the Commandants Trophy for the top international student at the Royal Belgian Defence College.
Currently, Alex works in the Defence Investment Division of the NATO Headquarters International Staff after having served as a Branch Head in the International Military Staff and as the Strategy Planner for the United States Military Delegation to the NATO Military Committee.
He is NATO’s Capability Area Facilitator for Airborne Electronic Attack, Suppression of Enemy Air Defences, and Air to Air Refueling and the Secretary for the NATO Air Force Armaments Group.
As a former F-15E Weapon Systems Officer, US Air Force Weapons School Instructor, and Squadron Commander, he is a recognized expert in the planning and execution of air operations. He was the Top Academic Graduate of his Weapons School class and the recipient of the Chennault Award as the Air Warfare Center’s top tactician.
Born in New York City, Alex is a retired Colonel in the US Air Force with over 100 combat sorties and over a decade of experience working with NATO Allies and Partners in the areas of military cooperation, capability development, standardization, interoperability, and policy formulation.
 

Andre van Nispen

MMF Programme Manager, NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA)
Andre van Nispen

André van Nispen took up the position of Programme Manager for the Multinational MRTT Fleet within the NATO Support and Procurement Agency on
January 2nd 2023. In this post he is responsible for the acquisition and life cycle management of 10 Airbus A-330 Multirole Tanker and Transport (MRTT) Aircraft for six cooperating countries (Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway and Czech Republic), as well as the IT and Security support of the Multinational
MRTT Unit.
André van Nispen started his career in the Royal Netherlands Air Force in 1989 at the Royal Military Academy in Breda. After completing his Aeronautical Engineering study in 1993 he was appointed officer and fulfilled various positions at Airbase Volkel in the field of Maintenance and Logistics for F16 aircraft. After earning his Master of Science Degree in Aerospace Engineering at the Delft Technical University in 2002, he worked on the F-16 Replacement Project both at the Defence Materiel Organisation in The Hague and at the Joint Strike Fighter Program Office in Washington, D.C.Upon return to the Netherlands, André van Nispen served a tour in the Royal Netherlands Air Force Headquarters in Breda, being responsible for the logistics support for all fixed wing fighter, trainer and transport aircraft of the Netherlands Air Force. After a tour as Deputy Base Commander for Maintenance and Logistics at Airbase Volkel he fulfilled the position of Chief of the Fixed Wing Aircraft Division at the Defence Materiel Organisation, where he was weapon system manager and
mandated type certificate holder for all fixed wing and unmanned aircraft of the Netherlands Defence Forces.
From July 2017, André van Nispen was the National Deputy for the Netherlands in the Joint Strike Fighter Program Office in Washington, D.C, where he was responsible for representing the military, political and industrial interests of the Netherlands in the F-35 program. Before joining NSPA in his current position, he fulfilled the role of Project Manager for the Acquisition of the F-35 Air System for the Netherlands Defence Materiel Organisation, being responsible for the acquisition of this 5th gen fighter including infrastructure, training systems, spares, ICT equipment, ground support equipment and pilot furnished equipment.
André van Nispen is married to Jolanda Krol. They have a son, Koen, and a daughter, Anouk. In his spare time, he likes to run marathons

Colonel Alfredo Pietrolucci

14th Wing Commander, Italian Air Force
Colonel Alfredo Pietrolucci

Col. PIETROLUCCI was born in RIETI, on the 03rd of Apr. 1977.
He joined the Air Force Academy in 1996 and concluded the Aeronautical Pilot Course in 2002.
In October 2002 he was assigned at the 46th Air Brigade in Pisa.
Between 2002 and 2003, he attended the Operational Conversion in the C-130J.
From 2002 to 2014, he was stationed at 2nd Tactical Transport Squadron of the 46th Air Brigade, where he carried out several duties such as flight instructor, planning officer and standardisation and evaluation officer. He has flown almost 3000 hours in the C-130J.
In 2009 he attended the Normal Staff Course at the ISMA in Florence.
In May 2014 he was Commander of the Tactical Transport Squadron “Albatros” in Herat (Afghanistan) within the framework of ISAF mission.
Between October 2014 and May 2015, he attended the Instructor Conversion Course at the 61st Air Wing in Lecce and became an instructor pilot on MB-339. He was assigned at the 213th Squadron of the 61st Wing, where he hold the office of Operation Chief in 2016 and Squadron Commander in 2017. He flew more than 1000 hour as instructor pilot.
Between September 2017 and August 2018 he attended the 21st Advanced Command and Staff Course at Defense Academy of United Kingdom in Shrivenham (UK).
Between 2018 and 2021 he has been assigned at the General Planning Office of the 3rd Div. of the Italian General Staff.
Between 2021 and 2024 he held the position of Deputy Chief of the Italian Air Force Space Department.
Since September 2024 he is the 14th Wing Commander.
Col. PIETROLUCCI flew more than 4000 hours in different types of aircraft. On his service sheet are recorded several praises and medals. Col. PIETROLUCCI is married and has two children.
 

Colonel Andy Bowser

Commander 8 Wing, Royal Canadian Air Force
Colonel Andy Bowser

Colonel Andy Bowser grew up in Ottawa, Ontario and enrolled as a pilot in the Canadian Armed Forces in 2001. After studying Mechanical Engineering at the Royal Military College of Canada, Col Bowser earned his pilot wings in 2007.

After receiving his wings, Col Bowser was posted to 436 Squadron from 2007 to 2015 (holding the ranks of Lieutenant to Major) where he flew operational missions on the CC130E/H and CC130J. Upon returning from his second deployment in support of Operation ATHENA, he completed his C-130J training in Little Rock, Arkansas in 2010. In 2012, Col Bowser deployed to Sigonella, Sicily in support of Operation LOBE. Promoted to Major in 2013, he assumed the duties of Squadron Standards Officer.

In addition to his operational flying duties, Col Bowser served as Executive Assistant to the Commander 1 Canadian Air Division (1 CAD) and Senior Staff Officer – Air Mobility for 1 CAD’s Director Fleet Readiness before being promoted to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel in 2017. He was appointed as Commanding Officer of 436 Squadron between 2018-2020. In 2021, Col Bowser deployed in support of Operation FOUNDATION and the US Central Command's 609th Combined Air Operations Centre in Al Udeid as Deputy Director of the Combat Operations Division.

Promoted to his current rank in 2021, Col Bowser served as Director Air Plans then Director Aerospace Readiness on the Air Staff in Ottawa prior to being posted to the Canadian Forces College as National Security Programme student in 2023.

He holds a Bachelor of Engineering and Masters of Defence Studies from the Royal Military College of Canada, and is a graduate of the Canadian Forces College’s Joint Command and Staff Programme and National Security Programme.
 

Colonel Carlos Herraiz Linares

Commandant, European Tactical Airlift Centre (ETAC)
Colonel Carlos Herraiz Linares

Colonel Harry Oostema

Commander, Heavy Airlift Wing
Colonel Harry Oostema

Colonel Harry K. Oostema is the Vice Commander of the Strategic Airlift Capability (SAC) Program’s Heavy Airlift Wing (HAW) on HDF 47th Air Base, Pápa, Hungary. The HAW is the only multinational airlift unit in existence today executing a shared flight hour program by 12 nations operating C-17 aircraft. The HAW supports airlift missions for the 12
SAC nations for national, NATO, EU, humanitarian assistance, airdrop and other national requirements. Members of the SAC Program include
Bulgaria, Estonia, Finland, Hungary, Lithuania, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, Sweden, and the United States. Colonel Oostema was born in Zeist, The Netherlands, and is married and has two children. After serving as a conscript officer, he stayed in the Royal Netherlands Air Force to become a pilot and completed his
training in 1988 at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas. Since then, Col Oostema has served as an operational pilot in the NF-5 and F-16 and was a Flight Instructor and Examiner in the T-38 and F-16. He has flown combat sorties during Operations ALLIED FORCE, KFOR JOINT GUARDIAN and was the Commander of the 2nd NLD F-16 Deployment supporting Combined Joint Task Force INHERENT RESOLVE. Col Oostema has held a broad variety of positions at base, headquarters and joint level including several Commander’s positions at both squadron and group level. On his last assignment, Col Oostema was the Deputy Head of the Ops Division in the European Air Transport Command at Eindhoven Air Base in The Netherlands.

Colonel Paulo Martins

Operations Division Chief, Portuguese Air Force
Colonel Paulo Martins

Colonel Paulo Martins was born in Esposende on 6 April 1979. He holds a Master’s Degree in Military and Aeronautical Sciences from the Portuguese Air Force Academy and has completed a range of advanced national and international training programs, including courses in Electronic Warfare, Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Protection, Combat Survival and Recovery, Crew Resource Management, and Command and Leadership.
Between 2004 and 2006, he served at Air Base No. 1 (BA1) in Sintra, where he completed the Multiengine Aircraft Pilot Course and was assigned to the now-deactivated Squadron 401 “Cientistas.” During this period, he held the positions of Flight Safety Officer, Chief of the Publications Section, and Chief of the Intelligence Section, and qualified as a Command Pilot on the C212 Aviocar.
From 2006 to 2008, he served as Unit Flight Safety Officer and subsequently completed the Basic Command Course at the Air Force Academy’s Center for Advanced Studies. He was then assigned to Squadron 502 “Elefantes,” where he became one of the first pilots qualified on the C295M aircraft, serving as both Command and Instructor Pilot.
Between 2011 and 2014, he was assigned to NATO’s Airborne Early Warning & Control Force in Geilenkirchen, Germany, where he served as an E-3A AWACS pilot. He obtained qualifications as Aircraft Commander, Instructor Pilot, and Evaluator Pilot, and held the position of Chief Pilot of Squadron No. 2.
Upon returning to Portugal, he rejoined Squadron 502 and later attended the Senior Officer Promotion Course at the Institute of Higher Military Studies (IESM) during the 2015–2016 academic year. He was subsequently assigned to Squadron 501 “Bisontes,” where he served as Operations Officer and, from July 2017 to December 2019, as Squadron Commander. During this period, he qualified as Command Pilot, Instructor Pilot, and Test Flight Pilot on the C130H.
On 6 December 2019, he was graduated to Lieutenant Colonel and appointed Commander of Operational Group 61, a position he held until September 2021. He then joined the KC-390 Program, becoming part of the first qualified crew and contributing to the aircraft’s operational implementation.
From September 2022 to September 2024, he commanded Operational Group 111 in Beja, overseeing the integration of the KC-390 into the Portuguese Air Force. Since September 2024, he has served as Chief of the Operations Division of the Air Force General Staff.
Colonel Martins has accumulated over 5,000 flight hours and has participated in several international missions, including MINUSMA (Mali), ISAF (Afghanistan), and numerous multinational exercises such as TLP, Red Flag Alaska, Real Thaw, Morsa, and Lusíada.
He has been awarded multiple commendations and decorations, including the Military Order of Aviz (Officer), the National Defense Medal, two Distinguished Service Medals (Silver), Military Merit Medals (2nd and 3rd Class), the Aeronautical Merit Medal (2nd Class), and the Exemplary Behavior Medal (Silver).
 

Laurent Donnet

Managing Director, Avidonn Consulting
Laurent Donnet

Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Gerd Schwiedessen

Former Project Officer Aviation, European Defence Agency and Military Aviation Expert
Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Gerd Schwiedessen

PROJECT OFFICER, EUROPEAN DEFENCE AGENCY — 2016 TO 2024
Preparation, moderation and managment European military airlift platform development cooperation and diplomatic clearance / border crossing arrangements. Moderation and management of the European cooperation in defence aviation research and technology portfolio.
STAFF OFFICER, GERMAN AIR FORCE — 1997 TO 2016
German Air Force jet pilot career. Milestones include the function as operational pilot and flight instructor, as well as the positions of Head of Aviation Safety and the Head of Deployments and Exercises. Retired in the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
 

Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Hardy

Commander, 100th Operations Support Squadron 100th OSS, RAF Mildenhall
Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Hardy

Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Hardy is the Commander, 100th Operations Support Squadron, Royal Air Force Mildenhall, United Kingdom. He leads 135 personnel responsible for aircrew support, mission planning and execution for 15 KC-135 assigned aircraft. Additionally, he manages and maintains the airfield supporting 2 tenant wings and over 5,000 transient aircraft per year executing the United States Air Force’s global mission. Lt Col. Hardy received his commission through ROTC from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2007. He is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Weapons School and a Joint All Domain Operational Strategist. He served on the Joint Staff (J7) as a Deputy Division Chief, Joint Force Development Strategist, and Special Access Program Coordinator as well as Headquarters Air Force (A5/7) as the Chief of Tanker Integration and Executive Officer to the Deputy Chief of Staff. Prior to his current position, Lt Col. Hardy served as the Chief of Safety, Royal Air Force Mildenhall, U.K. He is a command pilot with more than 3,000 flight hours and over 240 combat missions in operations Enduring Freedom, Freedom’s Sentinel, Inherent Resolve, Oaken Steel, and Juniper Micron. Lt Col. Hardy was born in Milwaukee, WI and currently resides in Beck Row, England with his wife Rachael from Spokane, WA and their children Micah (8), Hannah (6), Silas (4), and Emily (1).

Lieutenant Colonel Andrius Stuknys

Commander, Maintenance Depot, Lithuanian Air Force
Lieutenant Colonel Andrius Stuknys

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

2003 06 26 - 2004 09 30 Air Force I Aviation Base technical group, aircraft maintenance and periodic work, the head of radio-electronic equipment repair and periodic maintenance section
2004 10 01 - 2007 10 27 LAF Armament and Equipment Repair Depot, avionics repair works and periodic maintenance department, the chief of radio-electronic equipment section
2009 08 01 - 2012 09 30 LAF Armament and Equipment Repair Depot, Quality Control Department, engineer of radio-electronic equipment
2012 10 01 - 2014 10 26 LAF Armament and Equipment Repair Depot Technic repair and maintenance squadron commander
2014 10 27 - 2018 09 17 Deputy Commander of LAF Armament and Equipment Repair Depot
2018 09 17 - 2019 08 12 LAF Engineering service, senior engineer for radio communication and navigation
2020 07 10 - 2024 08 12 Commander of LAF Armament and Equipment Repair Depot

2024 08 12 LAF Chief of Engineering Service

 

Lieutenant Colonel Jay Marrin

Senior Staff Officer, Canadian Air Division Headquarters
Lieutenant Colonel Jay Marrin

LCol Jay Marrin grew up in Toronto, Ontario and joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 2010 under the Regular Officer Training Plan. After earning Pilot wings in 2015, he was posted to 436 Transport Squadron in Trenton, Ontario.

He completed the CC130J Combat Ready Course in December 2015 and was able to participate in numerous worldwide operations including four deployments in support of Op IMPACT in the Middle East, Op LENTUS supporting domestic humanitarian efforts, three deployments on Op PRESENCE supporting UN Airlift for MONUSCO and UNMISS, and three deployments supporting Op REASSURANCE and the Air Task Force in Prestwick.

His time at 436 (T) Squadron concluded as the Chief of Staff and has recently moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba as the Senior Staff Officer Air Mobility working within the Fleet Readiness Section of 1 Canadian Air Division.
 

Lieutenant Colonel Olin Johnson

Division Head, Airlift Coordination Center ALCC, NATO Deployable Air Command & Control Centre
Lieutenant Colonel Olin Johnson

Command's Airlift Coordination Centre (ALCC). He is responsible for the planning and execution of air transportation operations during NATO exercises and operations.
Lt Col Johnson was commissioned in 2005, graduating from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill with a Bachelor’s in Peace, War, and Defense. He is a C-130E/H Combat Systems Officer with flying assignments at Little Rock AFB, Arkansas and Yokota AB, Japan. He then spent three years in Taipei, Taiwan as an Olmsted Scholar, studying East Asian Studies at National Cheng Chi University. Prior to his current position he was commander of the 621st Air Mobility Operations Squadron at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey

Lieutenant Colonel Paul Menon-Bertheux

Head Quarters Officer in Charge of Future Airlift Programs and Capabilities, French Air and Space Force
Lieutenant Colonel Paul Menon-Bertheux

Lieutenant Colonel Ryan Peters

436 Transport Squadron Commanding Officer, Royal Canadian Air Force
Lieutenant Colonel Ryan Peters

LCol Ryan Peters was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta and enrolled as a pilot in 1998 after completing a diploma in Aviation at Mount Royal College. He earned his pilot wings in 2002.

LCol Peters has spent the majority of his 22-year career at CFB Trenton where he enjoyed tours at 429(T) Squadron, 426(T) Squadron, and 436(T) Squadron flying both the CC130E/H and the CC130J. During this period, he completed multiple deployments in support of Operation ATHENA, Operation APOLLO, and as the Air Mobility Detachment Commander with Operation IMPACT.

LCol Peters also had the opportunity to complete a three-year United States Airforce exchange posting with the 41st Airlift Squadron, Little Rock, Arkansas where he deployed with the 772nd Expeditionary Airlift Squadron to Kandahar, Afghanistan in support of OEF. Most recently he completed three years as the Commanding Officer of Canadian Detachment Tyndall within the Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region focused on homeland defense.
 

Major General Joao Nogueira

Director of the Engineering and Programs Directorate, Portuguese Air Force
Major General Joao Nogueira

Major General João Rui Ramos Nogueira was born in Fafe on 24 July 1970. He has a degree in Aeronautical Military Sciences - Aeronautical Engineering from the Air Force Academy and a postgraduate degree in Peace and War Studies from the Autonomous University of Lisbon.
Between 1997 and 2007 he held various engineering positions, specializing in aircraft structures and engines, and was a member of the Air Force Central Accident Investigation Commission.
From 2007 to 2010 he was a lecturer at the Institute of Higher Military Studies in the areas of Organization Management, Peace Operations, and Communication and Information.
From 2010 to 2013 he was a staff officer in the Logistics Division of NATO Allied Air Command Izmir, Turkey, and Operational Planner for the Logistics Area. In 2011 he was part of the Air Component planning group for NATO Operation Unified Protector in Libya, and was subsequently head of the Combined Forces Air Command Logistics cell for that operation.
From May 2013 to May 2016, he was head of the Logistics Division of the Air Force General Staff's Resources Division.
From May 2016 to November 2018, he was head of the Weapons Systems Maintenance Directorate Department responsible for maintenance management of the C-130H, P-3C, C-295M and Falcon 50 aircraft. At the same time, he was manager of the C-295M program and the C-130H and Falcon 50 modernization programs.
From December 2018 to October 2020, he was Deputy Director of the Weapons Systems Maintenance Directorate.
Since 2015 he has participated in the KC-390 aircraft acquisition program and since November 2019 he has been formally appointed as a member of the KC-390 Program Monitoring and Supervision Mission (MAF), as Program Manager and later, in November 2022, as Chairman of the MAF.
From October 2020 to July 2021, he attended the General Officer Promotion Course at the Military University Institute.
From January 2022 to 10 March 2024, as a Brigadier General, he was Director of the Engineering and Programs Directorate.
On 11 March 2024, he took office as Director of the Weapons Systems Maintenance Directorate and was promoted to his current rank on 7 October 2024.
He has several commendations and decorations, including the Military Order of Avis, in the rank of Commander, Gold and Silver Distinguished Service Medal, 1st and 2nd Class Military Merit Medal, 1st and 2nd Class Aeronautical Merit Medal, Gold Exemplary Behavior Medal and the NATO Non-Article 5 Medal.
 

Major Marco Bozzi Sentieri

Chief of Operation Section Next 14th Wing Commander, Italian Air Force
Major Marco Bozzi Sentieri

Major BOZZI SENTIERI was born in GENOVA on the 1st of Dec. 1986. He joined the Air Force Academy in 2005 and concluded the Aeronautical Military Pilot Course in 2011, completing the Euro NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training course at Sheppard AFB, Texas, on T-6A Texan II and T-38C aircraft.
In August 2011, he was assigned to the 14th Wing – Pratica di Mare Air Base. In 2011, he attended the Operational Conversion Course on the G-222 aircraft, both in transport configuration and Special Version, operating electronic intelligence missions and Electronic Warfare operations.
In 2012, he attended the Initial Qualification Course at Boeing-Seattle, obtaining certification on the Boeing 767 aircraft, followed by military transition on the KC-767A. In 2020, he attended the Instructor Course on the KC-767A, followed by Weapon Instructor qualification the same year.
In 2020, he attended the Normal Staff Course at the ISMA in Florence.
From 2014 to 2023, he participated in multiple missions and deployments in Kuwait and Qatar within the framework of Operation Inherent Resolve, serving six times as the Commander of the Tactical Air Refuelling Squadron "Breus", whose purpose is to conduct aerial refuelling operations for coalition aircraft in Iraq and Kuwait.
Since September 2025, he has been the 8th Squadron Commander.
Major BOZZI SENTIERI has flown more than 5,400 hours in different types of aircraft, with more than 1,300 in combat operations. His service record includes several commendations and medals.
 

Michael Sylla

Project Officer Aviation / Air Transport, European Defence Agency
Michael Sylla

Are you interested in Sponsoring Military Airlift and Air-to-Air Refuelling 2025?

We offer sponsorship, exhibition, advertising and branding packages, uniquely tailored to complement your company’s marketing strategy.

Should you wish to join the increasing number of companies benefiting from sponsoring our conferences please contact:
Ash Khan | Commercial Partnerships | ash.khan@saemediagroup.com | +44 (0) 20 7827 6110 |


 

sponsors

Conference agenda

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8:00

Registration & Coffee

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8:50

Chair's Opening Remarks

Laurent Donnet

Laurent Donnet, Managing Director, Avidonn Consulting

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9:00

Host Nation Keynote Address: Ensuring Operational Airlift Capability

Major General Joao Nogueira, Director of the Engineering and Programs Directorate, Portuguese Air Force

  • Experience and lessons learnt from the 506 ‘Rhinos’ Squadron in operating the C/KC-390 since 2023
  • Aligning maintenance training with the European Military Airworthiness Requirements (EMAR) framework to ensure interoperability
  • Training C/KC-390 operators in the Full Flight Mission Simulator (FFMS)
  • Update on the progress of introducing air-to-air refuelling capabilities into the Portuguese Air Force
  • Potential future collaboration with fellow C/KC-390 NATO operating members to share costs and ensure interoperability
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    9:30

    Supporting International Operations Through the Heavy Airlift Wing

    Colonel Harry Oostema, Commander, Heavy Airlift Wing

  • Overview of current operations under the Strategic Airlift Capability (SAC) program
  • Integrating 12 member nations to deliver rapid global airlift with C-17 aircraft
  • Supporting NATO, EU, and UN missions across both operational and humanitarian domains
  • The use of effective multinational pooling to address heavy airlift shortfalls
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    10:00

    Session Reserved for Sponsor

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    10:30

    Morning Coffee

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    11:00

    Heavy Airlift Wing Panel Disucssion

    Colonel Harry Oostema, Commander, Heavy Airlift Wing

  • Overview of current landscape
  • Challenges and opportunities
  • Looking ahead: Future priorities
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    11:30

    Session Reserved for Sponsor

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    12:00

    Sustaining Strategic Readiness: Programme Updates From the

    Andre van Nispen, MMF Programme Manager, NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA)

  • Ongoing expansion of MMF operational capacity across member nation, with the recent formal accession of Sweden and Denmark
  • Enhancing European defence cooperation and strategic autonomy
  • The procurement two additional A330 MRTT aircraft
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    12:30

    Session Reserved for Sponsor

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    13:00

    Networking Lunch

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    14:00

    Joint Collaboration and Enhanced Airlift Training Through the European Tactical Airlift Centre (ETAC)

    Colonel Carlos Herraiz Linares

    Colonel Carlos Herraiz Linares, Commandant, European Tactical Airlift Centre (ETAC)

  •  Priorities, plans, and challenges of the European Tactical Airlift Program
  • Improving European transport airlift capabilities for crisis management by effectively pooling resources and sharing expertise
  • 2025 focus: The challenges in advanced tactical training for military transport crews and improving the ability to operate under threat
     
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    14:30

    Session Reserved for Sponsor

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    15:00

    Integrating Air Transportation Organisations across Europe

    Lieutenant Colonel Olin Johnson, Division Head, Airlift Coordination Center ALCC, NATO Deployable Air Command & Control Centre

  • An update on the collaboration and integration between ALCC and The European Air Transportation Command (EATC)
  • Lessons learned from Exercise STEADFAST DUEL 2025
  • Current technological requirements such as the need to integrate  different mission planning and logistics software
  • Observations from NATO’s Euro Atlantic Disaster Response Coordination Centre’s exercise in Sofia, Bulgaria
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    15:30

    Afternoon Tea

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    16:00

    Royal Canadian Air Force Modernisation and Air Mobility

    Colonel Andy Bowser , Commander 8 Wing, Royal Canadian Air Force

  • Current Fleet Modernisation Projects
  • Challenges and Constraints
  • Air Mobility in 2035
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    16:10

    RCAF Air Task Force – Prestwick: Airlift Support to Ukraine

    Lieutenant Colonel Jay Marrin, Senior Staff Officer, Canadian Air Division Headquarters

  • Background on the Task Force and its Evolution
  • Supported Operations
  • Task Force Construct and Focus on Flexibility
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    16:20

    436 Transport Squadron - Canucks Unlimited

    Lieutenant Colonel Ryan Peters, 436 Transport Squadron Commanding Officer, Royal Canadian Air Force

  • History of the Squadron
  • Current Operations and Capabilities
  • Future Challenges
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    16:30

    Joint Q&A Session

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    16:45

    Evolving Agile Combat Employment Capabilities in Aerial Refuelling, 100th Operations Support Squadron (100th OSS), RAF Mildenhall: A 2025 Update

    Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Hardy, Commander, 100th Operations Support Squadron 100th OSS, RAF Mildenhall

  • Coordinating planning, intelligence, and execution support for USAFE operations
  • Facilitating aerial refuelling across multi-service, allied, and coalition training and missions
  • Evaluating global challenges to shape the future of Agile AAR employment
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    17:15

    Chair’s Closing Remarks and Close of Day One

    Laurent Donnet

    Laurent Donnet, Managing Director, Avidonn Consulting

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    8:00

    Registration & Coffee

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    8:50

    Chair's Opening Remarks

    Laurent Donnet

    Laurent Donnet, Managing Director, Avidonn Consulting

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    9:00

    Operational Transformation and Strategic Airlift: The Portuguese Air Force Perspective

    Colonel Paulo Martins, Operations Division Chief, Portuguese Air Force

  • Evolution of operational Airlift Capabilities in the Portuguese Air Force
  • Implementation and operationalization of Aerial Refueling (AAR) capabilities in the Portuguese Air Force
  • Enhancing NATO interoperability through joint operations and shared platforms
  • Future Outlook & Strategic Vision
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    9:30

    Evolving Capabilities of the 14th Wing: A 2025 Update

  • Lessons Learned from Exercises 2023/2024: Analysis of operational insights and their application to the requirements for the new generation tanker
  • Integration of New Capabilities: Establishing advanced operational capacities, such as strategic evacuation (Stratevac), in alignment with the new aircraft configuration scheduled to be ready by the end of the year, making this conference an excellent opportunity to showcase these developments
  • Colonel Alfredo Pietrolucci, 14th Wing Commander, Italian Air Force

    Major Marco Bozzi Sentieri, Chief of Operation Section Next 14th Wing Commander, Italian Air Force

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    10:00

    Session Reserved for Sponsor

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    10:30

    Morning Coffee

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    11:00

    French Airlift Updates 2025

    Lieutenant Colonel Paul Menon-Bertheux

    Lieutenant Colonel Paul Menon-Bertheux, Head Quarters Officer in Charge of Future Airlift Programs and Capabilities, French Air and Space Force

  • Showcasing current and future capabilities in projection and aerial refuelling, including operational scale-up
  • Addressing demands facing French air and Space Force transport missions
  • Tackling maintenance and readiness challenges impacting fleet technical availability
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    11:30

    Session Reserved for Sponsor

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    12:00

    Advancing Lithuanian Air Force Airlift Capabilities

    Lieutenant Colonel Andrius Stuknys, Commander, Maintenance Depot, Lithuanian Air Force

  • Updates on operating and maintaining the C-27J Spartan for tactical airlift missions
  • Participating in EDA-led multinational exercises to enhance interoperability and crew proficiency
  • 2025 Priorities and Areas for development
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    12:30

    Session Reserved for Sponsor

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    13:00

    Networking Lunch

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    14:00

    European Tactical and Strategic Airlift from a Capability Development Perspective

    Michael Sylla

    Michael Sylla, Project Officer Aviation / Air Transport, European Defence Agency

  • Air mobility is a tactically and strategically essential domain for military operations, enabling rapid deployment, sustainment, and readiness of armed forces across diverse missions in Europe
  • The European Defence Agency (EDA) Air Domain Unit supports collaborative initiatives aimed at developing and harmonizing airlift capabilities to meet evolving operational needs
  • This includes enhancing transport capacity for oversized cargo, improving tactical cargo and multirole solutions, and advancing aerial refuelling technologies, including unmanned systems
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    14:30

    Session Reserved for Sponsor

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    15:00

    Enhancing Strategic and Tactical Airlift Capabilities Across the Alliance

    Alex Defazio, Aerospace Capabilities Section, NATO IS-DI (Defence Investment division)

  • Joint planning for airlift and refuelling operations
  • Fleet modernisation for global readiness
  • Improved AAR training and allied interoperability
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    15:30

    Afternoon Tea

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    16:00

    Session Reserved for Sponsor

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    16:30

    Next Level Cooperation Opportunities for Outsized Cargo Air Transport

    Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Gerd Schwiedessen, Former Project Officer Aviation, European Defence Agency and Military Aviation Expert

  • Traditional solutions // reasons, pros and cons, management of capacities and availability
  • Developments // political and technical limits
  • Emerging opportunities // how to influence, how to harness
  • Optimising the choice // balancing investment and dependencies
  •  

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    17:00

    Chair’s Closing Remarks and Close of Day Two

    Laurent Donnet

    Laurent Donnet, Managing Director, Avidonn Consulting

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    9:30

    ARRIVAL AT BEJA AIR BASE

    Beja Air Base

    Beja Air Base, , Portuguese Air Force

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    9:45

    KC390 PROGRAMME PRESENTATION

    Beja Air Base

    Beja Air Base, , Portuguese Air Force

    Delegates to receive briefing on the KC390 programme from members of the Portuguese Air Force

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    10:15

    NETWORKING BREAK

    Beja Air Base

    Beja Air Base, , Portuguese Air Force

    Delegates will be provided with morning coffee and refreshments

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    10:45

    VISIT TO FACILITIES

    Beja Air Base

    Beja Air Base, , Portuguese Air Force

    An opportunity for Delegates to see the facilities of the Air Base

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    12:00

    END OF SITE VISIT

    Delegates to depart from Beja Air Base and return to the hotel


    Aerospace Capabilities Section
    NATO IS-DI (Defence Investment division)
    MMF Programme Manager
    NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA)
    14th Wing Commander
    Italian Air Force
    Commander 8 Wing
    Royal Canadian Air Force
    Commandant
    European Tactical Airlift Centre (ETAC)
    Commander
    Heavy Airlift Wing
    Operations Division Chief
    Portuguese Air Force
    Managing Director
    Avidonn Consulting
    Former Project Officer Aviation
    European Defence Agency and Military Aviation Expert
    Commander, 100th Operations Support Squadron 100th OSS
    RAF Mildenhall
    Commander, Maintenance Depot
    Lithuanian Air Force
    Senior Staff Officer
    Canadian Air Division Headquarters
    Division Head, Airlift Coordination Center ALCC
    NATO Deployable Air Command & Control Centre
    Head Quarters Officer in Charge of Future Airlift Programs and Capabilities
    French Air and Space Force
    436 Transport Squadron Commanding Officer
    Royal Canadian Air Force
    Director of the Engineering and Programs Directorate
    Portuguese Air Force
    Chief of Operation Section Next 14th Wing Commander
    Italian Air Force
    Project Officer Aviation / Air Transport
    European Defence Agency

    Exhibitors

    Official Media Partner

    VENUE

    SANA Malhoa

    Av. José Malhoa 8, 1099-089, Lisbon, Portugal

    A number of our clients have been approached by third party organisations offering to book hotel rooms. We would advise that you do not book through them as they are not representing SMi Group Trading As SAE Media Group. SMi Group Trading As SAE Media Group books all hotel rooms directly. If you are approached by a third-party organisation then please contact us before making any bookings. If you have already booked a hotel room using a third-party organisation, we would highly recommend contacting the hotel you were booked into to ensure a booking has been made for you. We would also advise you to please check the terms and conditions of the booking carefully.
    HOTEL BOOKING FORM

    Past Presentation - RAF Mildenhall

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    Past Presentation - Heavy Airlift Wing

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    Past Presentation - MMU

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    Past Presentation - European Defence Agency

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    Past Presentation - Brazilian Air Force

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    Past Presentation - Strategic Airlift Coordination Cell (SALCC)

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    Exhibitors


    Glasgow Prestwick Airport

    Exhibitors
    http:/www.glasgowprestwick.com/military

    Located on the west coast of Scotland, at the half way point on the Great Circle Route between the United States and Middle East, Glasgow Prestwick Airport has been providing aviation services to the military for almost 80 years. The airport is a major crew rest, fuel stop and training location for forces from across the globe. It offers two runways (2,987m and 1,905m) and is able to handle aircraft of all sizes. The airport is operational 24/7 and has no slot restrictions or prior permission requirements. The airport has favourable weather conditions and take-off and landing over sea and countryside. Military customers have exclusive access to discrete aprons, hangarage and secure self-manoeuvring parking ramps. Glasgow Prestwick offers the full suite of ground handling services – including steps, ground power unit, towing, de-icing and baggage, cargo and dangerous goods handling. It also specialises in quick turnaround fuel stops for military missions – offering JETA1 and AVGAS 100LL at any time day or night. The dedicated FBO facilities, which include rest areas, washrooms, lounge, briefing/planning spaces, refreshments, computer access and wifi as well as games facilities are located within a few meters of the apron. In addition to the ideal location on the Great Circle Route, the airport also has a fantastic location within Scotland. It is surrounded by world class hotels, whisky distilleries, eateries and golf courses – including Prestwick the birthplace of the Open Championship. Scotland’s largest city – Glasgow - is within 35 minutes’ drive via motorway. The airport team are able to organise accommodation and other hospitality as required. A major benefit of working with Glasgow Prestwick Airport is that all services are managed in-house – giving you a single point of contact for everything you need for your RON, fuel stop or training.


    port city air

    Exhibitors
    https://www.portcityair.com/

    Port City Air is located at the Portsmouth International Airport KPSM along the beautiful New Hampshire coastline. Over the past 20-years Port City Air has developed a quiet reputation for exceeding expectations. Growing its wide and robust variety of ground support equipment, and 200,000-gallon (90,9218 liters) fuel capacity, refueling fleet as well as investment in employee training and retention that’s resulted in unmatched experience, unrivaled capabilities and extremely high service levels.

    Based at a FAA Part 139 Airport with nonstop airport operations and a 11,321’ X 150’ (3450.6 x 45.7-meter) runway and unlimited weight bearing capacity for all GA, commercial, cargo and military aircraft. Also having continuous ATC and ARFF/CFR and 24/7 U.S. Customs Port of Entry. Port City Air also has high-capacity passenger clearance in our newly renovated passenger terminal with two jet bridge operations. We have a full-service cargo operation available to support any operational needs. With Forklifts up to 30K pounds, a Commander 30i Main Deck Loader and a Lantis Belly Loader we can support any aircraft anytime.

    Experienced airport winter operations team supported by large fleet of modern GPS tracked snow removal equipment that can clear all 11,321' of runway and main taxiways in under 20 minutes.

    More than just an FBO, Port City Air has an extensive fleet of ground handling vehicles. Including Four De-Ice trucks Type I & IV with reach to tail of B74 and 10 Jet A fuel trucks. With multiple fuel farms and top-of the-line, reliable ground support giving us built in redundancy ensuring we always have what is needed when its needed. Add to this, a dedicated core of highly trained line service technicians and exceptionally attentive customer service teams we are Ready, Willing and Able to support any flight operation 24/7/365.

    Welcome to Port City Air, expect the unexpected!


    Media Partners


    Armada International

    Official Media Partner
    http://armadainternational.com

    ARMADA INTERNATIONAL is leading defence magazine which reports on and analyses defence systems, equipment and technology. Together with its Compendium supplements, ARMADA provides defence planners in the militaries, in government, in procurement and in the defence industry itself with the information they need to plan their strategies.


    Defence Industry Europe

    Official Media Partner
    https://defence-industry.eu/

    Defence Industry Europe is a professional website focusing on the defence industry in Europe and worldwide. Our coverage focuses on the modernization of European armed forces, exploring advancements in defense technology, industry developments, and the evolution of defense businesses and their key players. Additionally, we provide insightful reports on political events at both the European and national levels that significantly impact the defence sector.


    Defense Advancement

    Official Media Partner
    https://www.defenseadvancement.com/

    DefenseAdvancement.com (DA) is a defense marketing and supplier sourcing platform, showcasing supplier capabilities across aerospace, land, naval and security domains. Operated by the team behind UnmannedSystemsTechnology.com, DA connects governments, armed forces and the entire defense and security supply chain, giving suppliers an online platform to showcase their technologies and capabilities.

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    SANA Malhoa

    Av. José Malhoa 8
    1099-089
    Lisbon
    Portugal

    SANA Malhoa

    HOTEL BOOKING FORM

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    WHAT IS CPD?

    CPD stands for Continuing Professional Development’. It is essentially a philosophy, which maintains that in order to be effective, learning should be organised and structured. The most common definition is:

    ‘A commitment to structured skills and knowledge enhancement for Personal or Professional competence’

    CPD is a common requirement of individual membership with professional bodies and Institutes. Increasingly, employers also expect their staff to undertake regular CPD activities.

    Undertaken over a period of time, CPD ensures that educational qualifications do not become obsolete, and allows for best practice and professional standards to be upheld.

    CPD can be undertaken through a variety of learning activities including instructor led training courses, seminars and conferences, e:learning modules or structured reading.

    CPD AND PROFESSIONAL INSTITUTES

    There are approximately 470 institutes in the UK across all industry sectors, with a collective membership of circa 4 million professionals, and they all expect their members to undertake CPD.

    For some institutes undertaking CPD is mandatory e.g. accountancy and law, and linked to a licence to practice, for others it’s obligatory. By ensuring that their members undertake CPD, the professional bodies seek to ensure that professional standards, legislative awareness and ethical practices are maintained.

    CPD Schemes often run over the period of a year and the institutes generally provide online tools for their members to record and reflect on their CPD activities.

    TYPICAL CPD SCHEMES AND RECORDING OF CPD (CPD points and hours)

    Professional bodies and Institutes CPD schemes are either structured as ‘Input’ or ‘Output’ based.

    ‘Input’ based schemes list a precise number of CPD hours that individuals must achieve within a given time period. These schemes can also use different ‘currencies’ such as points, merits, units or credits, where an individual must accumulate the number required. These currencies are usually based on time i.e. 1 CPD point = 1 hour of learning.

    ‘Output’ based schemes are learner centred. They require individuals to set learning goals that align to professional competencies, or personal development objectives. These schemes also list different ways to achieve the learning goals e.g. training courses, seminars or e:learning, which enables an individual to complete their CPD through their preferred mode of learning.

    The majority of Input and Output based schemes actively encourage individuals to seek appropriate CPD activities independently.

    As a formal provider of CPD certified activities, SAE Media Group can provide an indication of the learning benefit gained and the typical completion. However, it is ultimately the responsibility of the delegate to evaluate their learning, and record it correctly in line with their professional body’s or employers requirements.

    GLOBAL CPD

    Increasingly, international and emerging markets are ‘professionalising’ their workforces and looking to the UK to benchmark educational standards. The undertaking of CPD is now increasingly expected of any individual employed within today’s global marketplace.

    CPD Certificates

    We can provide a certificate for all our accredited events. To request a CPD certificate for a conference , workshop, master classes you have attended please email events@saemediagroup.com

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