The event gathered innovation teams from oneworld member airlines alongside start-ups, scale-ups and investors to assess how new technologies are being deployed across the aviation industry and identify opportunities for collaboration.
“oneworld member airlines are exploring, investing in and deploying innovation that is reshaping aviation, and they are collectively doing so at an industry-leading rate,” said Nat Pieper, chief executive officer of oneworld. “We have a wealth of expertise across our alliance, uniquely positioning us to bring parties together to share best practices and spark new ideas to solve common challenges at scale.”
“Innovation is bigger than one company; if you want to create epic outcomes you need to first connect and then collaborate,” said Michael Augello, CEO of Airbus UpNext, who shared the mission and strategy of UpNext with attendees. “It all starts with open listening and that’s what I have appreciated from my day with the oneworld community. Creating a space to ideate together is a great beginning, I look forward to seeing where it takes us.”
“By combining Breakthrough Energy Ventures’ deep technical and investment capabilities with oneworld’s global aviation expertise, we are getting closer to enabling the technologies that can help deliver cost-effective sustainable aviation fuel at scale” said Max Sabbe, Principal, Breakthrough Energy Ventures. “Collaboration across the aviation and investment communities is essential to accelerate progress and turn promising innovation into lasting impact.”
Accelerating sustainable aviation innovation
Sustainability was a central theme at the summit, reflecting oneworld’s status as the first global airline alliance to commit to net zero carbon emissions by 2050. The alliance highlighted its new USD 150 million joint fund with Breakthrough Energy Ventures to accelerate the development and commercialisation of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) technologies.
Innovation leaders featured at the summit
Several aviation technology leaders presented their latest developments, including:
- JetZero – CEO Tom O’Leary outlined plans for ultra-efficient aircraft design aimed at reducing emissions.
- UP.Labs – Airlines Ventures CEO Vicki Nakata explained how cross-industry collaboration fuels innovation.
- Volantio – CEO Azim Barodawala demonstrated an AI solution improving passenger management during disruption, already used by Alaska Airlines, Japan Airlines and Qantas.
- Loft Dynamics – CEO Fabi Riesen showcased FAA and EASA-approved VR flight simulators designed to reduce training costs and improve safety.
The summit reinforced the increasing importance of strategic innovation partnerships in aviation. For airlines, future competitiveness is expected to be shaped by digitalisation, AI adoption, operational efficiency and sustainability compliance. The event also highlighted how alliances are emerging as platforms for innovation sharing beyond traditional commercial cooperation.
As aviation faces rising pressure to decarbonise and meet evolving passenger expectations, initiatives like the oneworld Innovation Summit illustrate how collaboration is driving industry transformation across markets and technologies.
Tags: Nat Pieper, oneworld.
