Air-Rail 2026Conference and Networking Meeting

Wednesday 7 October 2026 · AHLEX — Brussels Airport Aviation Training Centre

1. 12:30

   Arrival and registration

   At AHLEX, the Brussels Airport Aviation Training Centre.

2. 12:45

   Light lunch

3. 13:15

   Welcome and introduction

   Welcome, followed by an outline of the two-day programme.

4. 13:30

   AHLEX Training Centre visit and introductory keynotes

   Tour of the facility, with an opportunity to view videos and presentations on Brussels Airport's activities and future plans, including the new Intermodal Hub development.

   ahlex.eu

   • The Airline Perspective on intermodal transport

     Maaike Andries — Corporate Development Manager, Brussels Airlines

   • The Rail Operator Perspective

     Sebastian Rieckesmann — Business Manager, Airline and Intermodal Cooperations, DB Fernverkehr

5. 15:30

   Airport visit — landside and airside

   Tour highlighting the future Intermodal Hub and the outcomes of the CEF-funded IMH study.

6. 17:30

   Networking reception and dinner

   Informal “Welcome to Brussels” networking reception and dinner, with bus transfer from the airport.

   Venue to be confirmed — near the airport

Thursday 8 October 2026 · Conference and Meeting Room — Brussels Airport

The day focuses on the strategic issues and opportunities shaping the future of air-rail and intermodal transport, including high-speed rail connections to airports, integrated air-rail systems, new technology, funding and airport development.

1. 08:45

   Arrival, registration and coffee

   Arrival at Brussels Airport Conference and Meeting Room.

2. 09:00

   Opening and welcome

   By IARO and Brussels Airport.

   • The Future of Airport Intermodality: Brussels Airport's vision and the results of the CEF-funded IMH project

3. 09:30

   Session 1 — Major airport connectivity and high-speed rail

   Connectivity of major TEN-T airports by long-distance, including high-speed, rail.

   • Connectivity of major TEN-T airports by long-distance rail

     Marcin Wójcik — Policy Officer, Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport, European Commission

     • The evolution of the European Commission's TEN-T policy on connecting major airports to long-distance, including high-speed, rail services.

   • Strengthening the connectivity of Brussels Airport with long-distance destinations

     Rudi Loontiens — Chief Commercial Officer, Infrabel

     • Optimising capacity within the current constraints of both the airport rail network and the wider European rail system.
     • The role of infrastructure managers such as Infrabel, and other stakeholders, in supporting and shaping this transition.

   • The Airline Perspective on TEN-T regulations

     Maaike Andries — Corporate Development Manager, Brussels Airlines

     • Consumer and passenger rights.
     • Responsibilities of the airline and the rail operator.

   • Air-rail and intermodal developments in Germany

     Sebastian Rieckesmann — Business Manager, Airline and Intermodal Cooperations, DB Fernverkehr

   • Panel discussion and Q&A — the policy, planning and delivery challenges for high-speed and long-distance rail access to major airports

4. 11:00

   Refreshment break

5. 11:30

   Session 2 — Airport development and design

   • Perspective on airport development and design for intermodal connectivity

     Antoinette Nassopoulos-Erickson — Senior Partner, Foster + Partners

   • Airport development and design as part of a masterplan

     Philip Autekie — Masterplanning and Design Management, Brussels Airport

   • Kuala Lumpur: update on in-town flight check-in and sustainability programme

     Noormah Mohd Noor — Chief Executive Officer, Kuala Lumpur Express Rail Link

   • Panel discussion and Q&A — the advantages and disadvantages of greenfield versus brownfield integration of rail infrastructure to airports

6. 13:00

   Lunch

7. 14:15

   Session 3 — Integrating new technology and systems, and managing disruption

   • Results and lessons learned from TravelWise

     Micol Biscotto — Head of Grant Office, Deep Blue

   • Integrating new technologies

     Jérôme Delmeulle — Programme Manager, SESAR 3 Joint Undertaking

   • Integrated management in normal and disruptive mode, through collaboration and technology

     Korijn Defever — Managing Director, Airport Intelligence

   • How integrated air-rail intermodality is evolving from a niche concept into a strategic tool for network optimisation

     Laetitia Beneteau, Accesrail

     • The evolution of integrated air-rail intermodality into a strategic tool for network optimisation.

   • Panel discussion — technology deployment, data sharing, disruption management and cross-industry collaboration. How airports, rail operators and distribution platforms can use air-rail integration to strengthen network performance and passenger choice

8. 15:45

   Closing remarks and next steps

   Summary of key points from the day and opportunities for future IARO collaboration.

9. 16:00

   End of conference sessions

   Refreshment and networking.

10. Evening

    End of conference dinner — Brussels city

    For members still in Brussels in the evening, the event concludes with an informal dinner in the city centre.