In 1999, after 21 attempts, Bertrand Piccard finally set the record for the first non-stop circumnavigation of the earth in a balloon - thus also captaining the longest flight in terms of duration and distance in the history of aviation. Then, in 2003 he launched the Solar Impulse project whose object is to fly round the world in a solar aircraft, without fuel or polluting emissions - testing of the aircraft began in 2009 with the flight planned for 2011.

Gordon earned worldwide acclaim at Continental Airlines for spearheading one of the most dramatic corporate turnarounds in United States history. His sterling success in rescuing the financially troubled carrier from a seemingly irreversible tailspin, has made him a legend in commercial aviation.. Rated the best speaker at last year's event, he is back by popular demand, with his views on airlines' current strategies for meeting the challenges being faced in these tough markets.

The CEBR provides analysis and forecasts advice to companies of all sizes, and public bodies. They work with clients across a wide range of businesses including airlines and airports, banks and other financial institutions. Since 1992, the CEBR has been at the forefront of research, pioneering some innovative forecasting techniques for combining economic information with business data. Douglas has advised many organisations, including Siemens, Vodafone, Mercedes, Canary Wharf Group.

Having previously worked for GE Capital and Kidder Peabody, Norman Liu joined GECAS in 1995 and assumed his current position in 1996. He was named a Corporate Vice President of GE Capital in 1992 and was appointed a Corporate Vice President of GE in 2002. He is also on the Board of Global Infrastructure Partners, a joint venture between GE Infrastructure and Credit Suisse.

Marc started his career in Air Inter as planning manager and later as ground handling manager. He headed the corporate finance department of Air France until 2005, in charge of long term financing of Air France, closing numerous deals (secured financings, syndicated loans, securitization, convertible bond,). He was in charge of the subsidiaries and investments between 2005 and 2007, controlling their financial performance, the investments and seating at various boards.

After 17 year as an economist with Douglas Aircraft Company, Dr. Pilarski joined AVITAS to oversee AVITAS's valuation and consulting services. He is also responsible for supporting customers with studies including traffic forecasts, economic forecasts, statistical analyses, strategic planning and airline industry issues. His last position at Douglas Aircraft Company was Chief Economist and Director of Strategic Planning.

Consulting to numerous airlines, airports, banks and governments, Doganis is also a Non-Executive Director of Hyderabad Airport and of easyJet Plc. He was also previously a non-executive director of South African Airways and headed Air Transport at Cranfield University. Serving as Chairman and CEO at Olympic Airways in Athens from February 1995 to April 1996 he successfully conducted major restructuring which produced Olympic's first profit in 18 years.

David is a Member of the Executive Committee, Chief Financial Officer and Head of Administration of Cargolux, the all-cargo airline based in Luxembourg. He joined Cargolux in October 1998 as Senior Vice-President, Finance and Administration, heading a division of 80 people, and member of the Executive Committee. Prior to Cargolux, David was a Member of the Management of Banque Generale du Luxembourg (now Fortis Banque Luxembourg) in Luxembourg from 1994 to 1998.

An economist with over 20 years of international experience in several industries, Brian was formerly Head of Global Economic Research at UBS Warburg and Chief Economist at Ernst & Young. Prior to joining IATA, Brian was Director of Forum for the Future's Centre for Sustainable Investment, where he was extensively involved in the UK Air Transport White Paper consultation and wider discussions on environmental policy related to aviation.

Julian specialises in global oil market analysis. He also writes for the CGES on a wide range of subjects including the political and economic problems faced by major oil producers in the Middle East, OPEC issues, the demand for aviation fuel and the impact of technological advances on the costs of finding and producing oil. Julian is also responsible for the CGES' publication, ‘Oil Market Prospects'