Future opportunities for Seaplanes and Amphibious Aviation conference takes off

The Future Opportunities for Seaplanes and Amphibious Aviation (FOSAA) conference makes its debut in Venice, Italy, on 20 March 2024.

Image: Venice has a strong heritage of amphibious flight – image courtesy of Max Pinucci, CEO of MBVision.

Quaynote Communications is organising the first-of-a-kind event in conjunction with Arena Group Associates. It builds on its successful Future Opportunities For… series, which, during the last fifteen years, has covered topics including Superyachts, Business Jets and Aviation Health.

The inaugural one-day event will provide a dedicated platform for the amphibious and seaplane industry to explore, discuss and debate the remarkable potential offered by this burgeoning sector as technological developments serve to make amphibious aircraft and seaplanes attractive, efficient and environmentally friendly air mobility solutions. It will also identify opportunities to further integrate regional and local amphibious operations into the global air transport network.

The conference will interest any professional working, operating or interested in the commercial potential of the amphibious and seaplane sector. An elite set of speakers representing operators, infrastructure, financiers, service providers, and industry experts is already confirmed. Panelists and presenters will debate an array of topics relating to operations, infrastructure needs, sector economics, sustainability and customer experience.

Quaynote director Lorna Titley said: “Seaplanes and flying boats make an understated mark on the global aerospace landscape, yet way before the eVTOL sector began discussing the last mile, these airframes have been flying the last leg in many a voyage whether for tourism, charter, cargo, medevac or many other civil applications. We want the conference to provide an environment where existing and future stakeholders can share knowledge, challenges and successes and build frameworks that optimise the potential for the industry's future. So far, the feedback has been more positive than we could have imagined, and there is clearly demand for an event like this.”

With the advent of electric propulsion, new materials, the sustainable imperative, and operator demand for new airframe types, amphibious aviation is poised for a resurgence that could reshape the sector’s possibilities. The diverse range of sponsors reflects the potential. Regional zero emission OEM Jekta and electric seaplane developers Elfly are sponsoring alongside keynote presenter Max Pinucci, CEO of MBVision, the aviation design studio, author and aviation professor, who will present the amphibious sector’s heritage.

Stacey Giglio, VP of Marketing for Satcom Direct, one of the lead sponsors, adds, “Keeping customers connected is what we’re all about. This event addresses the connectivity issues that face those living around water by exploring how amphibious aviation can add another vital link to the global air transport network. We’re excited to be a part of such an innovative event.”