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Welcome to the 3nd EURAMI Conference!

European Aero-Medical Institute (EURAMI) e.V.

The European Aero-Medical Institute (EURAMI) e.V. is pleased to announce the 3rd EURAMI Conference, which will take place on 1st November 2025 at the Hilton Stucky Molino Hotel, Giudecca Island, Venice Italy.

Event Schedule:

  • Conference: 09:00 – 13:30
  • Annual General Assembly (members only): 14:30 – 16:30

The EURAMI team look forward to welcoming you to this exciting event. Further details about the program will be shared soon.

Registration for Attendance

  • 09:00 – 10:15 / Welcome Address

  • 09:15 – 10:00 / Session 1

  • 10:00 – 11:30 / Session 2

  • 11:30 – 12:00 Coffee Break

  • 12:00 – 13:15 / Session 3

  • 13:15 / Closing Remarks

  • 13:30 – 14:30 / Lunch Break

  • 14:30 – 16:30 / EURAMI Annual General Assembly 2025 (Members Only)

Agenda and Speakers

Find out more about our agenda and speakers below.

Welcome Address
09:00 – 09:15

Speaker: Dr. Cai Glushak, President EURAMI

Opening remarks and introduction to the conference theme and objectives.

Session 1 / Keynote Presentation Aeromedical Safety
09:15 – 10:00

Aviation Safety in Aeromedical Operations

A comprehensive look at current challenges and evolving strategies in aeromedical aviation safety.

Ovais Ahmed
Ovais AhmedChief Aviation Safety, United Nations, USA
Ovais Ahmed currently serves as Chief Aviation Safety at United Nations Headquarters, New York. A former military flight instructor, test pilot, and aerobatic team member, he also holds commercial aviation ratings and has flown executive business aircraft. He brings operational expertise in remotely piloted aircraft systems, having served as the United Nations’ first project manager for remote aviation operations. He is a certified Project Management Specialist, Aviation Safety Operations Inspector, and Accident Investigator, with extensive field experience in UN aviation operations and safety. His work has included laying down Ebola and COVID-19 Aviation Safety protocols for UN flights in close collaboration with actors across different organizations and departments. Mr. Ovais holds an MBA, a Bachelor’s in War and Policy, and a bachelor’s in business studies. Based in New York, he combines his technical aviation background with a strong interest in international affairs.

Moderator: Philipp Schneider, Vice President EURAMI
Speaker: Mr. Ovais Ahmed, Chief Aviation Safety, United Nations, USA

Session 2 / Expert Panel Crew Fatigue
10:00 – 11:30

Crew Fatigue – An Underrated Risk Factor in Aeromedical Transport

A dual presentation delving into the underlying causes, operational risks, and mitigation approaches surrounding fatigue in high-pressure medical transport settings.

Diana di Iaquinto
Diana di IaquintoDirector of Medical Operations, Latitude Air Ambulance, Canada
A healthcare professional whose career uniquely blends clinical expertise, entrepreneurial experience, and strategic leadership. Diana has served across diverse roles including Registered Nurse, business and franchise ownership, educator, and government consultant—each contributing to a comprehensive understanding of both the operational and human elements of healthcare delivery.
This multifaceted background leads the way to optimize medical operations, sales strategies, and provider relations. Known for aligning clinical expertise with business strategy, she is committed to improving healthcare systems, prioritizing the well-being of employees, building strong partnerships, and delivering enduring results throughout the continuum of care.
Daniel (Dan) Maerz
Daniel (Dan) MaerzHead of Safety, Sunwest Aviation, Canada
Dan is an airline transport pilot with a background in diverse aviation operations inclusive of arctic and aeromedical operations. He has a particular expertise in aviation safety and quality management. His educational background includes an aviation diploma from Mount Royal University, a BA (honours) from the University of Calgary, and a Master of Studies from the University of Oxford (with Distinction). He has been with Sunwest since 2013 and in the role of Director of Safety since 2014.This multifaceted background leads the way to optimize medical operations, sales strategies, and provider relations. Known for aligning clinical expertise with business strategy, she is committed to improving healthcare systems, prioritizing the well-being of employees, building strong partnerships, and delivering enduring results throughout the continuum of care.
Franziska Hollenstein
Franziska HollensteinCEO, Prime Nursing Care, USA
Franziska founded Prime Nursing Care (Prime Nursing Care Inc.) in 2004, offering specialized commercial medical escort services globally—including air, sea, and ground repatriations, and critical escorts on medical and non medical flights. Headquartered in Hollywood, Florida, with a European base in Switzerland, the company is recognized as EURAMI accredited commercial medical escort provider and was re accredited in September 2024 under high standards for advanced care in commercial airline medical escorts. As a dedicated registered nurse, Franziska strongly champions crew wellbeing as a fundamental pillar of onboard safety, recognizing that a healthy, supported team is essential to delivering high-quality patient care during every mission.
Capt. Kyle Lucas
Capt. Kyle LucasAccountable and Managing Director, Phoenix Aviation Kenya
Captain Kyle Lucas is a 21-year aviation veteran who has been with Phoenix Aviation since 2013. Beginning as a junior pilot, he advanced through the ranks to his current role as Accountable and Managing Director. He continues to operate as a senior captain with more than 7,000 flight hours, holding a valid Airline Transport Pilot License and serving as a Designated Check Pilot. In addition to his extensive operational experience, Captain Lucas holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration and Aviation Management. His leadership was instrumental in guiding Phoenix Aviation through the challenges of Covid-19, where he spearheaded medical evacuation operations and ensured business continuity. He has also played a pivotal role in developing and authoring the company’s Operations Manual, strengthening its compliance and safety standards. Today, Captain Lucas combines his technical expertise with strategic leadership to drive Phoenix Aviation’s growth and resilience.

Moderator: Dr. Simon Forrington, Head of Standards and board member EURAMI
Speakers:

  • Diana di Iaquinto, Director of Medical Operations, Latitude Air Ambulance, Canada
  • Daniel (Dan) Maerz, Head of Safety, Sunwest Aviation, Canada
  • Franziska Hollenstein, CEO, Prime Nursing Care, USA
  • Capt. Kyle Lucas, Accountable and Managing Director, Phoenix Aviation Kenya

Session 3 / Expert Panel KPIs and Quality
12:00 – 13:15

KPIs in Focus – Driving Quality Through Metrics

An engaging, data-led session on key performance indicators and practical strategies to elevate service quality in aeromedical operations.

Betim Bekteshi
Betim BekteshiAviation Quality Assurance Officer, United Nations
Betim is an accomplished aeronautical engineer with over 16 years of experience in aviation safety and quality, airworthiness and air transport operations. Currently serving as Aviation Quality Assurance and Standards Officer at the United Nations Headquarters, he provides expert oversight on aviation compliance, quality assurance, flight service vendor management and complete UAS activities in line with ICAO and UN standards.
Prior to this, he worked with the ICAO TCB, EASA, few airlines, Kosovo CAA and United Nations World Food Programme in various maintenance, safety and oversight roles.
Betim holds a master’s degree in Aviation Safety and Aircraft Airworthiness from ENAC in Toulouse, France, and a degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Zagreb. He is also extensively trained in aviation safety systems, regulatory auditing and environmental sustainability.
Fluent in five languages, he continues to contribute to the improvement and safety of international aviation operations.
Sean Bryan
Sean BryanDirector of Medical Operations, REVA, USA
Sean entered the field of flight medicine in 2016 as a Flight Nurse and Medical Coordinator with REVA, and since 2021 has served as Director of Medical Operations. With over 13 years of experience in emergency and trauma care across the U.S., he brings deep clinical insight and operational leadership to his role. Sean continues to fly actively as a Flight Nurse, balancing administrative oversight with hands-on patient care. His expertise has made him a sought-after speaker at major industry events including ITIC Global, ENA, CCTMC, and NTI. He is also a published contributor to AirMed & Rescue and Air Medical Journal, where he shares perspectives on aeromedical transport and critical care. Sean’s commitment to advancing flight medicine is reflected in both his frontline experience and his thought leadership within the air medical communityPrior to this, he worked with the ICAO TCB, EASA, few airlines, Kosovo CAA and United Nations World Food Programme in various maintenance, safety and oversight roles.
Betim holds a master’s degree in Aviation Safety and Aircraft Airworthiness from ENAC in Toulouse, France, and a degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Zagreb. He is also extensively trained in aviation safety systems, regulatory auditing and environmental sustainability.
Fluent in five languages, he continues to contribute to the improvement and safety of international aviation operations.
Prof. Dr. Alex Veldman
Prof. Dr. Alex VeldmanCMO, UNICAIR Germany
Alex is a board-certified Pediatrician, Neonatologist and Pediatric Cardiologist with almost 3 decades of experience in aeromedical transportation. He is currently serving as Medical Director of Unicair, one of Europe’s major air ambulance operators and as Director of a large acute care pediatric department at the Helios HSK Hospital in Wiesbaden, Germany.
In addition to his clinical work, Alex has experience in academic and industry Research and Development and overseen several successful drug development programs including multiple EMA and FDA approvals. Alex has published more than 100 research papers in international, peer-reviewed scientific journal with more than 1400 citations, many of those on aeromedical topics.
Betim holds a master’s degree in Aviation Safety and Aircraft Airworthiness from ENAC in Toulouse, France, and a degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Zagreb. He is also extensively trained in aviation safety systems, regulatory auditing and environmental sustainability.
Fluent in five languages, he continues to contribute to the improvement and safety of international aviation operations.
Dr. Mohammed Afsal
Dr. Mohammed AfsalFounding Partner, Medical Director & Chief Flight Physician at Bluedot Assistance, UAE
Mohammed is a physician specializing in Emergency and Aeromedical Medicine. He holds a Master’s in Emergency Medicine from George Washington University, USA, and a Fellowship in Aeromedical Services from KSS Air Ambulance, UK.
As the Medical Director of Bluedot Air Ambulance, Dr. Afsal is responsible for clinical governance, medical protocol development, staff training, and compliance with international aeromedical standards. He provides strategic leadership to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality medical operations across global patient transfers.
In addition to his leadership role, he actively serves as a Chief Flight Physician, with hands-on experience in more than 500 aeromedical transfers. His clinical expertise includes critical care transport and in-flight medical management during complex international repatriations spanning the US, Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.
In addition to his clinical work, Alex has experience in academic and industry Research and Development and overseen several successful drug development programs including multiple EMA and FDA approvals. Alex has published more than 100 research papers in international, peer-reviewed scientific journal with more than 1400 citations, many of those on aeromedical topics.
Betim holds a master’s degree in Aviation Safety and Aircraft Airworthiness from ENAC in Toulouse, France, and a degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Zagreb. He is also extensively trained in aviation safety systems, regulatory auditing and environmental sustainability.
Fluent in five languages, he continues to contribute to the improvement and safety of international aviation operations.

Moderator: Dr. Bettina Vadera, EURAMI board member
Speakers:

  • Betim Bekteshi, Aviation Quality Assurance Officer, United Nations
  • Sean Bryan, Director of Medical Operations, REVA, USA
  • Dr. Alex Veldman, CMO, UNICAIR Germany
  • Dr. Afsal Mohammed, Founding Partner, Medical Director & Chief Flight Physician at Bluedot Assistance, UAE

Closing Remarks
13:15

Dr. Cai Glushak, EURAMI President

EURAMI Annual General Assembly 2025 (Members Only)
14:30 – 16:30

A closed session focused on organizational strategy, key developments, and future initiatives.

Dr. Cai Glushak, EURAMI President

Our Sponsors

A sincere Thank You to our conference sponsors.

Eurami - Latitude Air Ambulance
Eurami - Lifesupport
Eurami - Malteser AeroMedical
Eurami - Prime Nursing Care
Eurmai - Quick Air Jet Charter GmbH

Become a Member

Apply for Registration to become a member by completing the designated registration form.