DFWC-1
DFWC-1

Middle East conflict: global implications for duty free and travel retail.

Industry webinar on 10 June, 13:00–14:00 CET.

REGISTER

The conflict in the Middle East is significantly affecting our industry, both within the region and worldwide.
The Duty Free World Council (DFWC), together with the Middle East & Africa Duty Free Association (MEADFA), will bring together leading voices from aviation and the travel retail industry to examine the conflict’s impact on the industry and the key challenges stakeholders must consider as they respond to this latest crisis.
Slava Cheglatonyev, PhD, MSc, IAP, Senior Director Economic Policy and Airport Business and Interim Head of Airports as Businesses Center of Excellence at Airport Council International (ACI) World, will present up-to-date data on the impact on air travel and outline scenarios for the immediate and longer-term macroeconomic effects, changes in air traveller volumes and behaviour, and forecasts for airport non-aeronautical revenues.
The Middle East is the region most directly affected, and Abdeslam Agzoul, MEADFA President and CEO Middle East & Africa at AVOLTA, will provide the regional perspective. Representing many of the region’s leading retailers, brand suppliers, and distributors, MEADFA and its members are at the forefront of adapting to the new reality of travel and airport shopping in the region.
During the webinar, participants are encouraged to share their own experience of how the conflict is affecting their DF&TR business in other parts of the world.
Registration is free of charge.            REGISTER
OUR PANELISTS:
Slava Cheglatonyev, PhD, MSc, IAP
Senior Director, Economic Policy and Airport Business
Interim Head of Airports as Businesses Center of Excellence
Airport Council International (ACI) World
 Dr. Slava Cheglatonyev is a senior aviation executive with nearly 20 years of leadership experience across global airport and industry organizations. At ACI World, he leads the Airports as Businesses Center of Excellence, driving strategic initiatives in economic policy and industry intelligence, including the development of ACI’s flagship economic, traffic, and airport business performance reports, as well as global data and insights for the airport industry.
 He provides leadership and coordination across key committees, serving as Secretary of the ACI World Economics Standing Committee (WESC) and its Airport Non-Aeronautical Revenues and Activities (ANARA) Subcommittee, and represents ACI in high-level international fora, including the ICAO Airport Economics Panel (AEP–ANSEP), the Air Transport Regulation Panel (ATRP), and the ICAO Assembly Economic Commission.
 Prior to joining ACI World, he held senior executive roles, including Chief Commercial Officer at both hub and regional airports, and Senior Advisor on Economics at ACI EUROPE. His expertise encompasses economic policy and regulation, airport commercial strategy, investment and revenue optimization, and air service development. He holds a PhD in Economics, two MSc degrees in aviation-related disciplines, and the International Airport Professional (IAP) designation.
Abdeslam Agzoul
MEADFA President and CEO Middle East & Africa AVOLTA                                      
Abdeslam Agzoul has more than 20 years’ experience in travel food & beverage and retail. He began his career in Grupo Areas, joining Dufry in 2006 where he held roles from Head Controlling and Deputy COO Africa through to Deputy CFO for the Division EMEA. Moving on to join Servair/Gategroup as Global Director Performance and Controlling, Abdeslam spent the last four years as CFO Africa for this company, before rejoining Dufry as CEO Middle East and Africa in 2023.
Alongside a BA in Finance, Abdeslam has a postgraduate degree in International Commerce and a PMD from IESE Business School.