The city of Ponte de Sor is gearing up to host the Portugal Air Summit 2024, the largest aviation and aerospace event in the Iberian Peninsula, from October 10 to 12. Under the theme “Flying 4 Change,” this edition will serve as a dynamic platform for debate and innovation, bringing together experts, decision-makers, and enthusiasts to discuss key industry trends. Several government officials have also confirmed their participation.
Topics such as sustainability, digital transition, strategic vision and investments, regulation, and future leaders will be at the forefront of the two conference days, October 10 and 11. The third day will feature an airshow and various family activities, ranging from sports to music.
“The Portugal Air Summit has established itself as a global reference event, positioning Ponte de Sor on the map of aeronautical and aerospace innovation. This year, we are particularly focused on discussing the challenges of sustainability and digital transition, aligned with global priorities. The future of aviation will be greener, more connected, and more strategic, and our event is the ideal platform to discuss these topics with the industry’s top experts,” says Hugo Hilário, Mayor of Ponte de Sor.
Held since 2017, and from 2018 in partnership with the Municipality of Ponte de Sor and the event promoter ACIPS – the Commercial and Industrial Association of Ponte de Sor, the Portugal Air Summit integrates a strategy of positioning, promotion, and sector development both regionally and nationally. The summit has already contributed to attracting investment, generating employment, and boosting economic activity, while helping to retain families in the area, reversing the trend of regional depopulation.
With a diverse and multidisciplinary program, the event has stood out for its ability to bring together experts from various fields, promote knowledge, and foster strategic partnerships. Key topics for the region and the country will be discussed, including panels such as “Lisbon’s New Airport: Regional Economic Multiplier Effect” and “AERO.NEXT Portugal: Products and Perspectives,” along with a panel on renewable energy investments in aviation. This 7th edition also offers exclusive networking areas and workshops focused on the industry’s hot topics.
Over the course of three days, participants can attend a series of conferences, which will also be live-streamed via the Portugal Air Summit website. They can visit the exhibition pavilion, attend talks at the Ponte de Sor stage on strategic topics, enjoy B2B networking opportunities, and engage in various recreational activities. The Portugal Air Summit 2024 program is free and open to the public, with activities for the entire family. On Saturday, October 12, an airshow promises aerobatics, entertainment, and color in the skies above this Alentejo city.
The airshow will feature various performances and guest pilots, including former Red Bull Air Race pilots Juan Vellarde, Nicolas Ivanoff, Martin Sonka, Mika Brageot, and Petr Kopfstein, who will be preparing for the upcoming World Air Race Championship. Additionally, there will be aerobatic pilots, a TAP Flyby, and a KC390 from the Portuguese Air Force. Spectators can also enjoy F16 flyovers, model aircraft demonstrations, paramotors, and a captive hot air balloon flight, among many other aerial activities.
The morning of the event’s final day will kick off with the Portugal Air Summit Race at 9:00 a.m., starting at Campo da Restauração, passing through the village of Tramaga, and finishing at the Municipal Aerodrome’s runway. This is a unique opportunity to run on an airstrip, alongside airplanes and pilots, with a privileged view. The Portugal Air Summit Race 2024 is part of the event program and is included in the Athletics Circuit of the Portalegre District Association, also serving as the 2023/2024 District Championship race.
