WORKING AGENDA DAY 1
April 11, 2025 [Friday]
1st INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON AVIATION LAW
Programme accurate as on 02 April 2025
09:00 – 10:00
Registration & Tea
10:00 – 11:15
Auditorium
Opening Ceremony
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Inaugural Address:
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Prof. (Dr.) G.S. Bajpai, Vice Chancellor, National Law University Delhi
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Chief Guest Address:​
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Shri. Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu*, Hon'ble Minister of Civil Aviation
Special Address:​
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Shri. Andy Kotwani, Chairman, Aviakul Group of Companies
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Shri. Vaibhav Varun, Managing Director, Aviakul Group of Companies
11:15 – 12:15
Auditorium
[PA-01] Panel Discussion
Regulatory Challenges in Aviation – Challenges and Opportunities
The panel discussion on Regulatory Landscape of Aviation – Challenges and Opportunities will delve into the evolving regulatory framework of aviation, addressing the complexities of compliance while fostering industry growth and innovation. As aviation undergoes rapid transformation driven by the sustainability mandates, AI, drones, and electric aircraft, regulatory frameworks must adapt to emerging challenges like - cybersecurity threats, antitrust concerns, and consumer protection laws. Global regulatory inconsistencies further complicate operations, while sustainability initiatives like CORSIA and SAF adoption require a balance between compliance and cost-effectiveness.
The Panel will address key concerns: How can regulators harmonize the global aviation laws to reduce operational barriers? How do regulators respond to the shifting consumer preferences? How can regulators and industry stakeholders collaborate to create adaptive policies that encourage innovation while maintaining safety and compliance? This session aims to explore the future of aviation regulations that can balance industry growth with stringent safety and sustainability standards.
Moderator:
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Shri. Ajay Kumar, Managing Partner, KLA Legal Advocates and Solicitors
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Panellists:
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Shri. Ajay Kharbanda, Chief Legal Officer, GMR Airports Limited (North and West Sector)
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Prof (Dr.) G. S. Sachdeva, Professor Emeritus, NALSAR University of Law
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Prof. (Dr.) Sandeepa Bhatt, Professor of Law and Director of Centre for Aviation and Space Laws, National University of Juridical Sciences, Kolkata
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Shri. Subhash Bhutoria, Lawyer, Arbitrator and IP Attorney, Founder and Principal, Law SB
12:15 – 13:15
Auditorium
[PA-02] Panel Discussion
India 2047: A Global Aviation Leasing Hub
The panel discussion on India 2047: A Global Aviation Leasing Hub will explore India’s vision to establish itself as a leading player in aircraft leasing, with GIFT City’s IFSC in Gujarat at the forefront. Significant progress has been made in Indian aviation ecosystem, with over 33 leasing entities established, India’s first bank-led aircraft financing deal, and the enactment of the Protection of Interests in Aircraft Objects (PIAO) Bill. However, challenges such as taxation complexities, legal enforcement issues, and limited financing access persist. With India’s fleet expected to grow to 1,500 aircraft by 2030, a structured leasing framework is essential.
The panel will explore critical issues, including: Which tax reforms and incentives are needed to attract investors? How can legal enforcement be strengthened to protect lessors? What role should Indian banks play in mitigating financial risks in leasing? What global best practices can India adopt? This session aims to provide actionable insights and a strategic roadmap for positioning India as a dominant force in global aircraft leasing by 2047.
Moderator:
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Shri. Vinamra Longani, Vice President Commercial, SGI Aviation
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Panellists:
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Dr. Akhil Prasad, Board Member, Group General Counsel, Company Secretary, Boeing India
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Smt. Ankita Kumar, Partner, Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co.
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Shri. Bejoy Padamadan, VP, Head IFSC Banking Unit, The Federal Bank Ltd, GIFT City
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Prof. Paul Ng, Partner and Head- Aviation Practice, Rajah & Tann LLP Asia; Adjunct Professor, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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Shri. Rishiraj Baruah, Senior Associate, AZB and Partners
13:15 – 14:30
LUNCH
14:30 – 15:30
Auditorium
[PA-03] Panel Discussion
Gendered Skies: Addressing Gender Disparity in Aviation [In collaboration with Women’s Collective Forum]
The Panel Discussion on Gendered Skies will explore the persistent gender disparity in aviation despite global diversity initiatives. Though efforts like IATA’s “25 by 2025” initiative and DGCA’s advisory circular seek to improve gender diversity. Legal frameworks like ILO Convention No. 190 and ICAO’s Gender Equality Programme offer policy mechanisms, while Airlines implement gender-neutral uniforms, and women-only seating. However, reports indicate that, Globally, women hold less than 20% of aviation roles, with only 4% of pilots being female, while 86% of cabin crew positions are occupied by women, highlighting a stark imbalance, which is largely due to gaps in policy retention and enforcement.
The panel will address key concerns: How effectively are existing legal frameworks enforced to ensure gender equality in aviation? Which policies can better support women in technical and leadership roles? How can the regulators hold airlines accountable for gender diversity targets? This session aims to spark actionable discussions on closing the gender gap and creating a truly inclusive aviation industry.
Moderator:
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Smt. Richa Sharma, Chief Community Officer, Women’s Collective Forum
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Panellists:
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Dr. Andrea Trimarchi, Aviation Lawyer and Consultant, Research Fellow, Aviation, Space and Transportation Law, University of Bologna, Italy
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Smt. Manjishtha Chaudhury, Associate General Counsel, Akasa Air
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Smt. Sunita Dutta, Indian Women Pilots' Association, Delhi Chapter, Advocate, Supreme Court of India
15:30 – 16:30
Auditorium
[Parallel]
[SS-01] Speaker Session & Paper Presentation
Gendered Skies: Addressing Gender Disparity in Aviation
Sustainable Aviation: Legal and Regulatory Pathways to a Greener Future
The Speaker Session & Paper Presentation: Sustainable Aviation – Legal and Regulatory Pathways to a Greener Future will explore the evolving regulatory landscape aiming at reducing aviation’s environmental impact. With the industry contributing 2-3% of global COâ‚‚ emissions and passenger traffic expected to reach 8.2 billion by 2037, robust legal frameworks are essential for a sustainable transition. The speaker will examine global initiatives such as ICAO’s CORSIA, the EU’s ReFuelEU Aviation Initiative, and India’s National Policy on Biofuels.
The speakers will address key concerns: How can global regulators unify SAF certification and emission reporting? What legal mechanisms ensure transparency in the carbon offsetting? Which incentives can accelerate hydrogen and electric propulsion investments? How can India enhance aviation sustainability while addressing infrastructure and economic constraints? The session aims to explore legal and regulatory pathways for achieving sustainable aviation through policy innovation, enforcement mechanisms, and industry collaboration.
15:30 – 16:30
Seminar Hall
[Parallel]
[SS-02] Speaker Session & Paper Presentation
Speakers:
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Shri. Adithya Variath, Elizabeth Moir Scholar at the Oxford India Centre for Sustainable Development, University of Oxford, Research Fellow, ISLC, University of Milan, Italy
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Smt. Rachitha Somashekar, Legal Aviation Consultant and Legal Officer, To70, The Hague, Netherlands
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Dr. Siddharth Singh, Assistant Professor, School of Law, Bennett University
International Arbitration in Aviation: Legal Frameworks and Competencies
The Speaker Session & Paper Presentation on International Arbitration in Aviation will focus on arbitration as a crucial tool for resolving aviation disputes in an industry defined by cross-border operations and complex regulations. The international arbitration in aviation is often faced with jurisdictional challenges, and enforcement issues. The discussion will highlight the role of institutions like the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in shaping arbitration practices.
The speakers will examine critical aspects: How effective are arbitration frameworks like the New York Convention in aviation disputes? Which are the primary jurisdictional challenges, and how can they be mitigated? Which competencies should arbitrators possess for handling aviation disputes? How can technology enhance arbitration processes and enforcement mechanisms? The session aims to provide insights into strengthening international arbitration frameworks to enhance efficiency, enforcement, and dispute resolution in aviation.
16:30 – 17:30
Auditorium
[Parallel]
[SS-03] Speaker Session & Paper Presentation
Speakers:
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Shri. Ashutosh Agarwal, Associate, RNC Legal (Rajinder Narain & Co.), Solicitors & Advocates
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Smt. Divisha Mehta, Senior Manager & Legal Counsel, Akasa Air
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Dr. Jing Bian, Senior Lecturer, Financial Law; Postgraduate Hub Lead, University of Greenwich, United Kingdom
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Shri. Vishok Mansingh, Chief Operating Officer, Vman Aviation Resources Management LLP
Future Of Air Law: Domestic And Global Landscape
The Speaker Session & Paper Presentation on Future of Aviation Law will explore how emerging aviation technologies intersect with evolving legal frameworks. As the industry embraces sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), hydrogen propulsion, AI-driven operations, and autonomous aircraft, regulatory bodies worldwide face challenges in adapting laws to these innovations. The session will examine the Cape Town Convention’s role in harmonizing global regulations, India’s Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam 2024, and the impact of digital transformation on compliance.
The speakers will address key concerns of the industry: How should liability be assigned in AI-controlled or autonomous aircraft accidents? Which legal reforms are needed to standardize drone and UAV regulations globally? How can regulators address cybersecurity threats in digital aviation infrastructure? How can aviation law evolve to support sustainable technologies like SAF and hydrogen propulsion? The session aims to explore legal and regulatory adaptations necessary to support emerging aviation technologies while ensuring safety, compliance, and sustainability.
16:30 – 17:30
Seminar Hall
[Parallel]
[SS-04] Speaker Session & Paper Presentation
Speakers:
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Dr. Masrur Salekin, Additional Metropolitan Sessions Judge, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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Shri. Vikrant Pachnanda, Advocate of Record, Supreme Court of India