Incheon International Airport to Discuss 'AI Transformation' with Global Airport Leaders at World Aviation Conference in September

[Financial News] Incheon International Airport Corporation will bring together CEOs of major airports and aviation industry experts from around the world to explore a new airport paradigm powered by artificial intelligence (AI). The company aims to present a blueprint for a global 'aviation AI innovation hub' that goes beyond a traditional air transport base and integrates AI transformation, logistics and security innovation.
Incheon International Airport Corporation said on the 27th that it will host the 'World Aviation Conference 2026 (WAC 2026)' at Paradise City Incheon from Sept. 8 to 10.
Launched in 2016, the event marks its ninth edition this year and will draw about 1,200 participants from industry, academia and research institutions at home and abroad. Under the main theme, 'An Airport Beyond Airports: A Paradigm Shift in the Airport Industry,' this year's conference will focus on practical survival strategies for global airports amid advances in cutting-edge technologies such as generative AI.
The opening session will unveil the future vision and implementation roadmap for Incheon Airport's flagship 'aviation AI innovation hub' initiative. In the following sessions, participants will hear case studies on AI adoption at major airports in different countries and take part in in-depth panel discussions centered on four key areas: customer experience, aviation security, smart logistics and future airport development.
Global aviation leaders will also visit South Korea in large numbers. Speakers will include Justin Erbacci, secretary general of Airports Council International (ACI); Naoki Fuji, president of Narita International Airport; Julian Jäger, president of Vienna Airport; Sasha König, vice president of Frankfurt Airport; Paweena Jariyathitipong, vice president of the Airports of Thailand; and Kiel Klusterziel, head of strategy at Schiphol Airport Group, who will share updates on each airport's AI transformation efforts.
Business matching efforts to help Korean companies expand overseas will also be strengthened. During the conference, the corporation plans to expand the exhibition space showcasing the latest aviation technologies and advanced equipment by about 50% from a year earlier, while significantly increasing the participation of promising domestic tech companies to support global networking and contract opportunities.
Kim Beom-ho, acting president of Incheon International Airport Corporation, said, "This conference will serve as an opportunity to proactively define the future paradigm of the rapidly changing global airport industry, including AI transformation." He added, "We will create a venue for exchange where aviation experts from around the world can come together and share an innovation ecosystem."
[email protected] Kim Dong-ho Reporter