Given the growth of ISTAT as a whole, it came as no surprise when ISTAT Europe 2016 once again reached an all-time high in attendance numbers, hosting more than 1,300 industry members at the Hotel Arts Barcelona. Held 25-27 September, ISTAT Europe 2016 drew some of the biggest names in the aviation industry, including top airline executives to relatively new members of the industry. 

 

"ISTAT is a by members, for members association, and we are so thrilled about the growth we’ve seen since ISTAT Europe 2015," ISTAT President Marc S. Allinson said during Opening Remarks. With the addition of such events as the ISTAT Foundation Cycling Tour and a winery tour, members were able to connect on a more social level on the day before the sessions started.

 

Highlights included the Economists Panel, the Engine Trading panel, the Large Aircraft Manufacturers session, the Airline panel and the various networking events. During Adam Pilarski's Keynote Address, he argued that the U.S. presidential election and the future of globalization and rational thinking were the two biggest factors that could impact the aviation industry as a whole over the next few years. 

 

"There’s a move from experts to the will of the people," Pilarski said. "Overall there’s a worldwide movement from globalization and a worldwide movement toward simple solutions." Despite reservations of the industry's future, the conference's general mood was one of positivity, with many members happy to exchange pleasantries and business cards and conduct business.

 

Look for more ISTAT Europe coverage in the winter edition of Jetrader.

 

Presentations and photos from ISTAT Europe are now available via the ISTAT mobile app and the ISTAT website.