Summary

Dr. Jaiwon Shin – Former Associate Administrator for the Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate at NASA, Dr. Shin played a key role in advancing the urban air mobility (UAM) industry by fostering collaborations and research to ensure safe and efficient operations of urban air v…

Key Takeaway

• Jaiwon Shin – Former Associate Administrator for the Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate at NASA, Dr.
• Shin played a key role in advancing the urban air mobility (UAM) industry by fostering collaborations and research to ensure safe and efficient operations of urban air vehicles.
• Tolga Durak – As the COO of EHang, one of the leaders in autonomous aerial vehicles, Durak’s insights on the developments and challenges in integrating UAM into global cities are invaluable.
• Mirko Hornung – Executive Director of the Bauhaus Luftfahrt think tank, Hornung is at the forefront of research and innovation in urban air transportation systems, focusing on aircraft design, propulsion technologies, and system integration.
• Mark Moore – Having worked as Uber’s Director of Aviation Engineering for Uber Elevate, Moore played a pivotal role in conceptualizing and advocating for the adoption of eVTOL (Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing) technologies for urban air mobility.

Body

Dr. Jaiwon Shin – Former Associate Administrator for the Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate at NASA, Dr. Shin played a key role in advancing the urban air mobility (UAM) industry by fostering collaborations and research to ensure safe and efficient operations of urban air vehicles. Tolga Durak – As the COO of EHang, one of the leaders in autonomous aerial vehicles, Durak’s insights on the developments and challenges in integrating UAM into global cities are invaluable. Dr. Mirko Hornung – Executive Director of the Bauhaus Luftfahrt think tank, Hornung is at the forefront of research and innovation in urban air transportation systems, focusing on aircraft design, propulsion technologies, and system integration. Mark Moore – Having worked as Uber’s Director of Aviation Engineering for Uber Elevate, Moore played a pivotal role in conceptualizing and advocating for the adoption of eVTOL (Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing) technologies for urban air mobility. Danielle Rinsler – As the co-lead of the FAA’s Office of Emerging Aviation Technologies, Rinsler’s role is crucial in developing regulatory frameworks and policies that will guide the future of UAM. Sebastian Thrun – Founder of Kitty Hawk Corporation, an air mobility company aiming to bring personal flight to everyone. Thrun, also known as the founder of Google’s self-driving car project, brings a cross-disciplinary perspective to the UAM industry. Eric Allison – Head of Elevate at Uber, Allison oversees the company’s ambitious plans to develop a network of urban air taxis. His leadership is shaping the commercialization of aerial ride-sharing. Dr. Patti Clark – As the Chief Technical Officer at Joby Aviation, a leading eVTOL developer, Clark’s expertise in aircraft design and systems engineering is helping to advance safe and sustainable urban air vehicles. Michael Thacker – Executive Vice President for Technology and Innovation at Bell, Thacker is spearheading the company’s efforts in shaping the future of flight, with innovations like the Bell Nexus air taxi prototype. Timothy Reuter – Head of Aerospace and Drones at the World Economic Forum, Reuter’s work involves fostering collaborations between industry leaders, governments, and the public to ensure the safe and effective integration of drones and UAM solutions in urban environments.

Final Takeaway

Decide what matters, execute in short cycles, and make progress visible every week—so you enter 2026 with momentum.

About Ian Khan – Keynote Speaker & The Futurist

Ian Khan, the Futurist, is a USA Today & Publishers Weekly National Bestselling Author of Undisrupted, Thinkers50 Future Readiness shortlist, and a Top Keynote Speaker. He is Futurist and a media personality focused on future-ready leadership, AI productivity and ethics, and purpose-driven growth. Ian hosts The Futurist on Amazon Prime Video, and founded Impact Story (K-12 Robotics & AI). He is frequently featured on CNN, BBC, Bloomberg, and Fast Company.

Mini FAQ: About Ian Khan