The transferring/synergetic event titled “Intelligent Aerial Cities: Innovation opportunities for sustainable infrastructure and transportation” was held on January 24, 2023, in Patras and was organized collaboratively by the University of Patras and the Region of Western Greece.

The purpose of the event was to investigate the viability and transferability of the results of the two projects – Interreg FRESH WAYS and Interreg AETHER, that are co-funded by the Interreg V-A Greece-Italy Programme 2014-2020, and to examine the potential impact of the results on current or under-planning projects in the cross-border area of Greece and Italy. The event aimed to offer participants the opportunity to exchange knowledge and views on sustainable multimodal transport and the efficient use and exploitation of natural and cultural resources.

The event witnessed the participation of over 60 people with physical presence from different sectors and a diverse group of individuals, including, ranging from experts in the field of transportation and infrastructure, academia, industry, research institutions, local authorities, and governmental organizations. The event was held in English and saw participation from honored guests and speakers from Greece and Italy.

The opening remarks were given by Mr. Fokion Zaimis, Deputy Governor of Entrepreneurship Research and Innovation, Region of Western Greece, and Prof. Yorgos Stephanedes, Professor emeritus of the University of Patras.

In the same line, Mr. Gianfranco Gadaleta, JS Coordinator Interreg Greece – Italy, and Mr. Mario Spilotros, Project Manager of AETHER, Regional Strategic Agency for The Eco-Sustainable Development of the Territory – Apulia Region, Lead partner of AETHER project, also gave their welcome speeches.

The keynote speech on the role of cities and regions in the emerging ecosystem of innovative aerial services was presented by Dr. Vassilis Agouridas, the Leader of the UIC2 (UAM Initiative Cities Community) [EU CIVITAS], Head of EU Public Co-Creation & Ecosystem Outreach [AIRBUS Urban Mobility], who joined the event online.

Other speakers who presented at the event were Mr. Epaminondas Amoratis, Air Navigation Services (ANS) Regulatory Division, Head of Airspace Dept., Hellenic Aviation Service Provider, who presented the UAS Regulatory Framework – IT Tools for Users.

Mr. Gianni Calabrese, Apulia Region – Civil Protection Section, who presented the General Presentation of the STEP Platform.

Next, Mr. Mario Pertile, Project Manager of FRESH WAYS, Airports of Apulia, who presented FRESH WAYS project and future possibilities for air transport of fresh goods.

Following, Ms. Eirini Sylleli, Expert of Preveza Chamber, has presented the Capitalisation prospects of FRESH WAYS project’s results.

Afterwards, Prof. John S. Sakellariou, Stochastic Mechanical Systems & Automation Laboratory, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering & Aeronautics, University of Patras, presented a keynote speech on “Monitoring of surveillance UAVs under varying payloads, operating conditions and faults.”

Then, the scientific experts of the Universities of Patras and Salento, Ms Panagiota Saranti and Mr Gianvito Mitrano, presented the FRESH WAYS ICT platform.

The event concluded with a discussion involving the participation of Mr Argiris Giannelos from Region of Epirus, a project partner of AETHER and the event closed with the closing remarks.

The interviews of Mr. Fokion Zaimis: https://youtu.be/3Kpp09T9cn8 and Prof. Yorgos Stephanedes: https://youtu.be/S4cW1HsHzZs are available in Greek.