Venice will host the first annual Future Opportunities for Seaplanes & Amphibious Aviation conference on March 20. Joint organizers Quaynote Communications and Arena Group selected the historic trading port on Italy’s Adriatic Sea coast as a focal point for innovators looking to tap the potential for water-based air transportation.
The gathering is expected to attract around 200 participants, including aircraft manufacturers, operators, airports, and other stakeholders. The conference agenda will focus on the case for a new generation of amphibious aircraft and how these can be brought into commercial service, with expert contributors on topics such as integrated air transportation, infrastructure, finance, electric propulsion, and sustainability.
Among the speakers confirmed so far are representatives of electric seaplane developers Jekta, Elfly, Mallard Enterprises, Tidal Flight, and Ocean Aircraft. Other speakers include Cate Brancart, GAMA’s director for European Safety & Sustainability Development, as well as leaders from insurance company Skyrisks, communications technology provider Satcom Direct, and leasing group Monte. Aircraft operators participating include Gayo Aviation, Scandinavian Seaplanes, and Seaplane Asia.
In the 1920s, Venice was one of several venues used for the Schneider Trophy seaplane races.