Two days. 22 speakers. Seven startup pitches. All framed by three guiding themes: Collaboration, Application, Innovation.

The fourth edition of our flagship event, the ZAL Innovation Days 2026, once again brought together international voices on topics currently defining aviation. The agenda was dense, the discussions focused, the atmosphere open.

What made it special was the mix.OEMs and competitors such as Airbus, Boeing and Embraer presented on the same stage. Established industry leaders and startups side by side. All contributing approaches for change combined visionary transformation with adaptation to current demands. Then there was advice given from experienced top mentors on how to accelerate the development and commercialization of new technologies. Another core discussion was a deep dive into the current status of hydrogen in aviation. Furthermore, we looked at how the passenger experience is evolving, with impulses from the airline side on innovation beyond aircraft technology. Experience was shared about the success of German-Canadian partnerships. And inspiration given in the form of world records in electric aviation that reminded everyone in the room what is technically possible when limits are pushed.

Beyond the main stage, the energy continued: a tech marketplace, guided tours opened doors normally closed to the public, and the Sustainable Aero Lab session became a real highlight. In between all that: conversations. Old contacts renewed, new partnerships sparked, spontaneous debates that ran longer than planned. So much input in such a short time. And more than enough momentum to carry forward.

A warm thank you to our fantastic speakers:

• Isabell Gradert
  Airbus, VP Research & Technology Germany
• Jon Ostrower
  Journalist & Founder of The Air Current
• Bernadette Berger
  Alaska Airlines, Director of Innovation at Alaska Airlines
• Eduardo Carrillo de Albornoz
  Boeing, Managing Director Technology Innovation Europe & Brazil
• Daniel Moczydlower
  Embraer-X, President & CEO. Mentor of Sustainable Aero Lab
• Rosemary Cox-Galhotra
  Breakthrough Energy, Senior Manager of Technology
• Etienne Leclerc-Jolette
  CRIAQ, VP Partnerships & Strategy
• Jarrod Morley
  Espace Aéro, Senior Director – Strategy & Head of Innovation
• Morell Westermann
  E-Aviation Pioneer, Inspire Your Next AG
• Hauke Peer Lüdders
  Airbus, Head of fuel cell propulsion system at ZEROe
• Taras Wankewycz
  H3 Dynamics, Founder & CEO
• Prof. Josef Kallo
  H2FLY, Founder & CEO