FTE Global, widely renowned as the “CES of Aviation”, took place in Long Beach on 28-30 October 2024 where it was, once again, co-located with APEX/IFSA Global EXPO. Together, the shows brought the best of the airport and inflight realms under one roof, creating the largest gathering of air transport executives from around the world in North America in 2024 to network, learn, forge new partnerships, collaborate and be inspired on their next moves to transform their organisations’ passenger experience, business performance, innovation, and sustainability strategies. They collectively attracted almost 3,000 delegates with over 150 airlines and airports represented from every corner of the world. Under the theme of ‘Transforming Air Transport’, the event was packed with exclusive announcements, new product launches, airline and airport CEO keynotes, inspirational presentations, interactive workshops, technical briefings, a large-scale end-to-end exhibition, our biggest-ever startup showcase, networking opportunities and the FTE Global Awards ceremony. Here we round up some of the highlights from the show.
Join us at FTE APEX Asia Expo in Singapore, 19-20 November 2024 – find out more >>
Join us at the FTE World Innovation Summit in Pittsburgh, 13-15 May 2025 – find out more >>
Join us at FTE EMEA/FTE Ancillary & Retailing in Dublin, 10-12 June 2025 – find out more >>
Mark your diary for FTE Global 2025 – 9-11 September 2025, Long Beach Convention Center >>Largest FTE Global exhibition to date – almost 100 exhibitors showcased cutting-edge solutions from robotics & autonomous vehicles to Mixed Reality, digital identity & biometrics and much more
The biggest FTE Global exhibition to date featured an international collection of suppliers ranging from household names through to our largest-ever showcase of the most innovative startups. It began with a VIP tour that included the CEOs of Oman Air, Cleveland Airport System, and San José Mineta International Airport. Almost 100 exhibitors showcased their cutting-edge solutions, products and services designed to help inspire the industry’s next moves to enhance end-to-end customer experiences and improve business performance and sustainability efforts. The exhibition featured some of the most established players in the sector, including Synect, SITA, Amadeus, BEUMER Group, Samsung and many more, plus FTE’s biggest Startup Zone to date.
The ‘Tech & Innovation Briefings’ on the exhibition floor also provided attendees with the opportunity to join guided tours and meet exhibitors with relevant products, services and concepts across six areas: Baggage; Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML) & Extended Reality (XR); Digital Identity, Biometrics & Security; Accessibility; Self-Service & Automation; and Robotics & Autonomous Vehicles.
Future Travel Experience teamed up with Meta and Lufthansa to bring an exclusive demo to FTE Global. In collaboration with Lufthansa and developer MSM.digital, Meta has launched a groundbreaking inflight entertainment initiative, introducing immersive experiences and spatial computing to air travel. This large-scale pilot, the first of its kind, is set to revolutionise the passenger experience in Lufthansa’s new Business Class Allegris by integrating Mixed Reality technology. For the first time ever, FTE Global attendees were able to experience Meta’s Mixed Reality headsets and explore apps designed specifically for Lufthansa’s Business Class Allegris passengers. It was the only chance to try these cutting-edge technologies outside of an actual flight.
Diamond Sponsor Synect showcased its tech around the event, including its smart visual communication tools. Also among the innovative technologies on display were autonomous personal mobility vehicles from WHILL, Blueberry Technology, and Cyberworks Robotics. Embross showcased its self bag drop system, highlighting how automation can simplify baggage handling for both passengers and airlines, as well as its advanced Vseries kiosks designed to streamline check-in processes. Meanwhile, Magnetic AutoControl also displayed its new Immigration Gate, and the Daiwa Massage Chairs by U.S. Jaclean were a popular spot for some relaxation during the busy show.
The exhibition floor also included a dedicated Startup Zone, featuring some of the most progressive new suppliers on the market, including Blueberry Technology, Cielo, Crosscombined Technologies, Cyberworks Robotics, D2Airport/D2 Cruises, Emu Analytics, Frontline Detail, Journey Robotics, RouteMe Wayfinding, Shabstec, and tRetail Labs.
Join us at FTE APEX Asia Expo in Singapore, 19-20 November 2024 – find out more >>
Join us at the FTE World Innovation Summit in Pittsburgh, 13-15 May 2025 – find out more >>
Join us at FTE EMEA/FTE Ancillary & Retailing in Dublin, 10-12 June 2025 – find out more >>
Mark your diary for FTE Global 2025 – 9-11 September 2025, Long Beach Convention Center >>A plethora of exclusive launches and announcements
As part of our efforts for FTE Global to be the industry’s most progressive and innovative show, we provided a platform for industry stakeholders to launch new concepts and make world-first announcements, and this happened a number of times in Long Beach. FTE Global was the official U.S. West Coast launch of ALBA Robot’s fully autonomous robotic wheelchair; IntellAct announced that it has joined forces with Indra to offer an AI-powered solution that will reduce departure delays, cut carbon emissions, and enhance passenger experience; and in a major announced Brussels Airport was unveiled as the latest member of BOOST – a groundbreaking initiative to transform the future of baggage handling through robotics and automation (read more here).
We also made some big announcements ourselves, with International Airlines Group and Miami International Airport becoming the first pioneering members of the groundbreaking FTE Smart Ramp collaborative innovation program (read more here). Meanwhile, it was announced that Fraport has joined the FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub.
A unique social and networking programme
Future Travel Experience Global is renowned for its social and networking events and FTE Global 2024 was no exception. Delegates were invited to network and enjoy a drink on the exhibition floor during the FTE Global Happy Hour. The FTE Global Networking Party at Hotel Maya, featuring the FTE Global Awards Ceremony, was truly memorable and culminated in a Rockstar Karaoke competition. Amid tough competition, Kristen Berndt, Senior Manager, Customer Strategy & Innovation, United Airlines, emerged triumphant, winning a pair of return tickets from Los Angeles to Dublin courtesy of Aer Lingus. Attendees were then treated to a fantastic FTE Global Closing Party, including the FTE Americas Innovate Awards Ceremony.
Join us at FTE APEX Asia Expo in Singapore, 19-20 November 2024 – find out more >>
Join us at the FTE World Innovation Summit in Pittsburgh, 13-15 May 2025 – find out more >>
Join us at FTE EMEA/FTE Ancillary & Retailing in Dublin, 10-12 June 2025 – find out more >>
Mark your diary for FTE Global 2025 – 9-11 September 2025, Long Beach Convention Center >>Inspirational keynotes from Riyadh Air, Warner Bros. Discovery, DFW, Guidehouse, Meta Reality Labs, Virgin Atlantic, Air France-KLM, plus APEX Thought Leadership Conference delivers airline CEO insights
The FTE Global Opening Keynote Session included a compelling keynote from Anton Vidgen, Vice President, Guest Experience, Riyadh Air. He shared how Riyadh Air aims to become the world’s most forward-thinking carrier – a digital-native, embracing the best sustainability practices and elevating travel experiences. The new Saudi Arabian airline plans to rewrite the rules of travel, placing a strong emphasis on digital innovation. With a goal to create the world’s best travel app in collaboration with partners, Riyadh Air is paving the way to providing an exceptional passenger experience from booking to arrival.
FTE Global is renowned for its high-level keynotes from innovators outside of our industry and this year was no different. A truly inspirational keynote address was delivered by David Decker, President Content Sales, Warner Bros. Discovery, who shared a unique perspective on transformation in an industry going through rapid change. “The content we are producing is in more places than ever,” said Decker. “We’ve had to adapt and evolve for our customers, which has created challenges and opportunities. We’ve adapted by focusing on human behaviour.”
The question of disruptive transformation or evolutionary improvement isn’t about technology but about leadership approaches. In a truly engaging keynote address, Paul Puopolo, Executive Vice President of Innovation, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), shared the DFW perspective on driving a culture that is responsive to change, that is willing to embrace technology innovation, and that builds and retains teams with the right skillsets to deliver a different future. Puopolo emphasised that “people make the difference”, and “people and the ecosystem enable the use of technology”.
Patricia Cogswell, Partner, Guidehouse, delivered a Special Keynote titled ‘Integrating the Travel Experience – Soaring into the Future’. She shared how continued integration across government and industry is critical to achieving the next frontier of the travel experience, in order to continue to innovate in technology, policy, infrastructure, and customer experience. Reflecting on trends and drivers of travel in the past, Cogswell examined how we can drive and shape trends to achieve an integrated travel experience, designed for the customer, to soar into the future of travel.
Christine Trodella, Vice President, Meta, shared a truly inspirational Special Keynote titled ‘Beyond the Skies: Reimagine the Travel Sector with Meta and Metaverse Technology’, appearing live in a virtual format.
Shai Weiss, CEO, Virgin Atlantic, was interviewed by BBC News’ Michelle Fleury. It was a fascinating discussion, covering myriad topics: the airline’s Velocityx strategic plan, its $17 billion fleet transformation, the Virgin Atlantic view on achieving transformational growth, industry collaboration, the technologies that will deliver a personalised passenger experience, sustainability, and much more.
Air France-KLM CEO Ben Smith was interviewed by Dr Joe Leader, CEO, APEX/IFSA. The hard-hitting discussion covered Air France-KLM’s investment in SAS, its TAP Air Portugal acquisition intentions, passenger experience, fleet strategy, loyalty programmes, sustainability, the airline group’s vision for the future, and much more.
Meanwhile during the APEX Thought Leadership Conference, which FTE Global attendees had access to, C-level executives from Air Canada, Breeze Airways, Delta Air Lines, Ethiopian Airlines, and Oman Air all took to the stage to share invaluable leadership insights.
Join us at FTE APEX Asia Expo in Singapore, 19-20 November 2024 – find out more >>
Join us at the FTE World Innovation Summit in Pittsburgh, 13-15 May 2025 – find out more >>
Join us at FTE EMEA/FTE Ancillary & Retailing in Dublin, 10-12 June 2025 – find out more >>
Mark your diary for FTE Global 2025 – 9-11 September 2025, Long Beach Convention Center >>Digital & Innovation Conference
The Digital & Innovation Conference agenda kicked-off with the Technology Leaders Conversation. The fast-moving discussion was moderated by Dr Joe Leader, CEO, APEX/IFSA, with panellists including Stephen Snyder, Managing Director, Operations & Partnerships, JetBlue Ventures; Ian Law, Chief Innovation & Experience Officer, Los Angeles World Airports; Matt Gilkeson, Chief Technology, Data, and Artificial Intelligence Officer, Transportation Security Administration (TSA); and Sagi Varghese, Managing Director, Airport Operations & CSD Technology, United Airlines. They discussed progressive IT organisation approaches for airlines and airports, focus areas for Artificial Intelligence, how tech and automation can really impact efficiency and CX efforts, and much more.
A fascinating session focused on ‘Leveraging technology to enhance efficiencies at the airport’. Moderated by Renie Subin, Senior Director, Technology & External Affairs, ACI North America, the session included three insightful presentations. Amal Hejles, Digital Strategy Director, shared MATARAT’s ambitious digital transformation plans. MATARAT monitors the operations of 27 airports in Saudi Arabia through its subsidiaries (Riyadh Airports, Jeddah Airports, Dammam Airports and Cluster 2) and is working to develop one of the world’s leading airport networks. Hejles explained that MATARAT’s ambition is to leverage cutting-edge technology integrations to enhance the Kingdom’s security, improve airports’ operational efficiency, and ensure compliance, by delivering advanced, futuristic capabilities across all airports on an unprecedented scale. Raymond Viggiano, Assistant Manager of Customer Service Delivery, The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, and James Williamson, CEO, Veovo, delivered a joint presentation on how JFK has used Machine Learning and data-driven planning to improve experiences and efficiencies at security screening. They discussed how digital transformation is driving an evolution to ‘intelligent airports’, as well as the use of Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning forecasting and optimisation technology. Jeff Lennon, VP Strategic Sales and Global Partnerships, Vision-Box, and Gabriel Wichrowski, VP of Global Business Development, Airside, delivered a joint presentation titled ‘From Vision to Reality: How the Curaçao Express Pass is Setting a New Standard for Contactless Border Crossing’. They were joined virtually by Gerold Daantje, Immigration Department, Ministry of Justice, Curaçao, and Priscilla Duin-Circkens, Chief Strategy Officer (CSO), Curacao Airport Holding.
A highlight of the Digital & Innovation Conference agenda was a session on ‘Case studies & learnings from progressive technology projects’. Moderated by Darin Juby, Head of Transformation, Future Travel Experience, the session included a joint presentation by Rob Cato, Director CX Airport Technology Product Management, American Airlines, and Nicolas Tarassoff, Key Account Manager, Scandit, on how the world’s largest airline is successfully building a strategy for a mobile device supported operation in the airport as part of its digital transformation and automation program. Phillip Chan, Executive Director of Solutions, Samsung, shared a presentation on ‘Security and Control in Airport Displays’.
It was standing room only for a session on ‘Upgrading from Traditional FIDS and Legacy Digital Signage? Why Content Strategy is Vital when It’s Time to Invest in a Digital Ecosystem’, which was sponsored by FTE Global Diamond Sponsor Synect. Moderated by Royce Holden, Cybersecurity Lead/CISO, Mead & Hunt, the high-level panel featured Faith Varwig, Principal, Faith Group; Mike Youngs, VP of Information Technology, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport; Yahav Ran, CEO, Synect; Rob Bischoff, Global Digital Experience Design Leader, Gensler; and Austin Gould, President, Gould Strategic Solutions. They discussed a broad range of topics, including the importance of a content-first strategy, the role of system and infrastructure, the consequences of delaying content discussions, the benefits of prioritising content strategy, how prioritising content strategy can inform and optimise hardware and software decisions, and more.
Join us at FTE APEX Asia Expo in Singapore, 19-20 November 2024 – find out more >>
Join us at the FTE World Innovation Summit in Pittsburgh, 13-15 May 2025 – find out more >>
Join us at FTE EMEA/FTE Ancillary & Retailing in Dublin, 10-12 June 2025 – find out more >>
Mark your diary for FTE Global 2025 – 9-11 September 2025, Long Beach Convention Center >>Future Airports Conference
The Future Airports Conference agenda opened with a session on ‘Next-generation leadership strategies for tomorrow’s airports’. Moderated by Amit Rikhy, President and CEO, CAG Holdings (A Carlyle Backed Company), panellists included Mukesh Patel, CEO, San José Mineta International Airport; Guðmundur Daði Rúnarsson, CCO and Airport Development Officer, Keflavik Airport; Wendy Chaves, Deputy Executive Director, Capability Management and Innovation, RCA Transportation Security Administration (TSA); Cynthia Guidry, Director, Long Beach Airport; and Steven Thody, CEO, JFK Millennium Partners.
Attendees also heard an inspiring presentation from Marisa Von Wieding, VP of Operations, The New Terminal One at JFK. Set to open in 2026, the new Terminal 1 aims to deliver a “world-class experience” that will elevate travel for visitors and New York residents alike. Von Wieding shared the vision of building a state-of-the-art terminal with efficient processes and meaningful partnerships. As she highlighted: “It’s not just about the shiny new walls; it’s about the people and systems that will bring the terminal to life.”
A key session on ‘Transforming the ways airports and airlines operate and serve passengers’ was moderated by Richard Clarke, Chief Creative Officer, Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, and featured Christina Peach, Deputy Assistant Administrator, Requirements & Capabilities Analysis, Transportation Security Administration (TSA); Nicole Hodges Austin, Manager of Airport Innovation & Standards, Frontier Airlines; William Warbington, Director Alliance Innovation Strategy, SkyTeam; and Coralie Klaus Boecker, Head ZRH Innovation Hub, Zurich Airport. The speakers emphasised the importance of collaboration and how innovation communities such as the FTE Baggage Innovation Working Group are connecting airports, airlines and vendors. It is about breaking silos and ensuring collaboration ultimately benefits the customer as they pass through respective touchpoints. The two interconnected drivers of innovation have been sustainability and the digital optimisation of airport operations.
Another definitive highlight was a presentation from Christopher L. Neal, Director of PDX at Port of Portland, on the ambitious $2 billion PDX Next Project. He highlighted how the new Portland International Airport (PDX) aims to be the “local-est” airport yet, featuring stunning architecture that creates a strong sense of place. This vision is being realised through thoughtful design, emerging technology, and innovative wayfinding solutions. Innovative technologies are being implemented as part of PDX Next that are both optimising operations and enhancing the airport experience for travellers. There is also a strong focus on community and people. The airport listened to what the region wanted at the new PDX, such as local shops and restaurants, iconic carpet and pre-security spaces, and that became the mission: to keep the heart and character of the airport while adding more of what the local community loves.
An undoubted highlight was the exclusive unveiling of the new ‘FTE Airport Design & Development Think Tank’. Captained by Yvonne Bilshausen, SVP | Global Head of Aviation Architecture + Engineering, AECOM, the Think Tank explored the ways in which airport design, and planning approaches, will likely evolve to better accommodate digital, sustainability and human expectations for a new terminal at a major international airport in 2040. Team Members also included Bryant L. Francis, Director of Airports, Cleveland Airport System; Guðmundur Daði Rúnarsson, CCO and Airport Development Officer, Keflavik Airport; Kaveh Dabiran, Managing Director, Corporate Real Estate Planning & Development, United Airlines; Mike Hardaker, Chief Asset & Development Officer, Manchester Airports Group; and Mike Christensen, Chief Development Officer, Los Angeles World Airports. It was a truly inspiring conversation, with leading figures in the aviation industry delving into the exciting challenges and bold visions that are redefining the future of airport design and development.
A key session on ‘How do we leverage technology, innovation and new approaches to create Smart Ramp operations around the world?’ was moderated by Manuel van Lijf, Director Aviation Innovation, nlmtd. William Rumsey, Head of Product – Airport & Customer Ops, British Airways, and Sarah Bennett, Head of Heathrow Safety and Security, British Airways, shared how International Airlines Group (IAG) – inaugural airline member of the pioneering FTE Smart Ramp programme – is making extensive efforts to drive automated operations across its network as fast as it can, with the ramp being a particular area of focus. Stuart Holdstock, Head of projects and processes – Operations, Lufthansa, then discussed the progress that the airline has made working with its German airport partners, and key suppliers, to accelerate their efforts to automate more of their activities on the ramp. Additional panellists included Rosina Kotey, Innovation Lead, Schiphol Group, and Tenille Houston, VP Public Relations and Communications, Aurrigo. Learn more about the pioneering FTE Smart Ramp collaborative innovation programme here >>
A fascinating session, sponsored by Siemens, titled ‘No hands on bags – is this the future of baggage handling?’ saw a high-level panel share ideas and views around how feasible a future without workforce touching bags could be. Moderator Darin Juby, Head of Transformation, Future Travel Experience, was joined by Kevin Kleist, Head of Emerging Trends, Southwest Airlines; Kristen Berndt, Senior Manager, Customer Strategy & Innovation, United Airlines; Byron Smith, Chief Technology Officer, NetTracer; Bhaskar Chopra, Sr. Director – Digital Solutions, Siemens Logistics; and Yorick Buys, Head of Baggage, Brussels Airport Company. It was also announced at the end of the session that Brussels Airport has joined the groundbreaking BOOST initiative to transform baggage handling through robotics and automation alongside Schiphol, Avinor and Incheon.
Join us at FTE APEX Asia Expo in Singapore, 19-20 November 2024 – find out more >>
Join us at the FTE World Innovation Summit in Pittsburgh, 13-15 May 2025 – find out more >>
Join us at FTE EMEA/FTE Ancillary & Retailing in Dublin, 10-12 June 2025 – find out more >>
Mark your diary for FTE Global 2025 – 9-11 September 2025, Long Beach Convention Center >>Future Mobility & Customer Journey Conference
In an engaging session on ‘Progressive Strategies to enhance customer experiences and business performance by airlines’, Ben Kaufman, Senior Director, Marketing & Customer Strategy, JSX, shared impressive insights on the charter carrier’s journey as the global launch customer for Starlink inflight WiFi. Kaufman highlighted how JSX completed the installation on 40 aircraft in 60 days, achieving a 99.6% system uptime and 32 connected devices per flight. “Each flight averages 32 connected devices – even though JSX planes have only 30 seats – showcasing Starlink’s seamless, login-free experience that connects all personal devices automatically, just like home WiFi.” Another highlight was Lufthansa, Meta and MSM.digital’s presentation of the Meta Quest 3 headsets recently adopted by Lufthansa for Business Class passengers flying in its newly-introduced Allegris Business Class, creating unparalleled experiences for travellers, spanning entertainment, travel, wellness, and gaming to usher in a new era of inflight entertainment and passenger experiences onboard. Matt Klein, EVP & Chief Commercial Officer, Spirit Airlines, also presented the carrier’s new travel options, including Go Savvy, Go Comfy, and Go Big, emphasising enhanced customer experience and improved NPS scores.
With hard products in travel now coming to a certain level of maturity, especially in premium classes (flat beds, AAA, space consumption, sustainability), a fascinating session explored what can be the differentiation factors of the future at the airport, and onboard, and how the industry can stay in the driver seat. Moderated by Daniel Coleman, Founder & CEO, Future Travel Experience, the panel featured Oren Cohen Butansky, EVP & Chief Customer Experience Officer, EL AL Israel Airlines; Martha Todd Edge, Innovation & Experience Director, Charlotte Douglas International Airport; Ernest Hui, Head of UX/UI Design, Cathay Pacific Airways; and Geoffrey Ax, Principal / Aviation Market Leader, Populous.
Following the highly successful introduction of the FTE Air MobilityX Summit at FTE Global in Las Vegas back in 2018, Long Beach played host once again to an array of fantastic content to help industry stakeholders plan for eVTOL and drone operations, next-generation aircraft introductions and future modes of transportation like space travel. The session, moderated by Robin Riedel, Partner, McKinsey & Company, featured two fantastic presentations. Stanley Tran, Corporate Development – United Airlines Ventures, United Airlines, Bryan Bernhard, Chief Growth & Infrastructure Officer, Archer, shared how Archer aims to begin operating eVTOL services for United in key hubs like Newark International and Chicago O’Hare, how this will work in practice, and what customers can expect from the experience. Meanwhile, Dimitris Bountolos, Chief Information & Innovation Officer, Ferrovial, delivered an insightful presentation titled ‘Travel 3.0: Harmonising Ground, Air & Space Travel Experiences’.
The Self-Service Evolution Summit covered myriad areas, such as kiosk evolution, self-bag drop approaches, QR code and app/mobile enabled passenger engagement, self-service for passengers with disabilities, who should pay for self-service infrastructure, the ancillary revenue opportunities provided by self-service, voice activated self-service, common use or not, creating touchless self-service, integrating biometrics, new CUSS & CUPPS standards, kiosks for resilience in times of disruption, and much more. It was a truly engaging discussion moderated by Samuel Ingalls, Principal, Barich, Inc, with panellists including Myles Tzelepis, CTO/CPO, Embross; Stephen Tukavkin, Vice President IT & Digital, JFK International Air Terminal; Kristin Olsen, Director of Product Management, Travel Experience Guest Digital Technology, Alaska Airlines; Iyad Hindiyeh, Chief Digital Transformation Officer, San Francisco International Airport; and Ruben Lozano, Operations Director, Viva Aerobus.
Join us at FTE APEX Asia Expo in Singapore, 19-20 November 2024 – find out more >>
Join us at the FTE World Innovation Summit in Pittsburgh, 13-15 May 2025 – find out more >>
Join us at FTE EMEA/FTE Ancillary & Retailing in Dublin, 10-12 June 2025 – find out more >>
Mark your diary for FTE Global 2025 – 9-11 September 2025, Long Beach Convention Center >>The FTE AI Symposium
The FTE AI Symposium featured a series of insightful case studies, exploring the best use cases for Artificial Intelligence (AI) today, tomorrow and well into the future. Moderator Ed Vanga, Vice President of Product Management for Artificial Intelligence, Publicis Sapient, shared a presentation titled ‘What inspiration can we take from inside our sector, and beyond it, on how AI can be leveraged successfully?’ Vikram Baskaran, Vice President, Information Technology, Alaska Airlines, outlined how Alaska Airlines will use AI to increase productivity, transform customer experiences, streamline operations, remove manual toll and drive revenues. Rolf Felkel, Senior Vice President Applications and Partner Management, Fraport, presented the business cases and learnings so far from the major AI@Fraport programme. Fraport is positioning itself at the forefront of digital transformation and running several AI projects under the umbrella of its AI@Fraport initiative, enhancing operational capabilities and passenger experience. Kevin Kleist, Head of Emerging Trends, Southwest Airlines, and Christiaan Hen, CEO, Assaia, delivered a joint presentation on how the airline is leveraging computer vision technology to improve turnaround performance at the gate.
The FTE Robotics & Autonomous Vehicles Symposium
The FTE Robotics & Autonomous Vehicles Symposium was an undoubted highlight and featured an FTE exclusive – the FTE Robotics Think Tank Live, building on the workshop brainstorming at the 2nd FTE Aviation & Robotics Summit in Pittsburgh this May. Themed ‘How will humans and robots co-exist within aviation in the future, and what are the best ways to introduce, and develop, a harmonious relationship between the two?’, the Think Tank was Captained by Cole Wolfson, Director, xBridge, Pittsburgh International Airport. Team Members included Kristen Berndt, Senior Manager, Customer Strategy & Innovation, United Airlines; Keith Walters, Group Transformation Lead, International Airlines Group (IAG); Doug Kreuzkamp, Founder/CEO, Springshot; Zahra Merchant, Chapter Lead Robotics, Royal Schiphol Group; and Tomoyuki Kikuchi, Manager, Ground Handling Planning, Airport Support, Operations Support Center, ANA.
Join us at FTE APEX Asia Expo in Singapore, 19-20 November 2024 – find out more >>
Join us at the FTE World Innovation Summit in Pittsburgh, 13-15 May 2025 – find out more >>
Join us at FTE EMEA/FTE Ancillary & Retailing in Dublin, 10-12 June 2025 – find out more >>
Mark your diary for FTE Global 2025 – 9-11 September 2025, Long Beach Convention Center >>Digital Identity & Biometrics Symposium – building compelling business cases for a global industry roll-out
The Digital Identity & Biometrics Symposium shared a range of dynamic approaches and learnings on advancing digital identity to deliver next-level customer experiences and efficiencies for industry stakeholders. Moderated by Maurice Jenkins, Chief Innovation Officer, Miami International Airport, panellists included William Rumsey, Head of Product – Airport & Customer Ops, British Airways; Lisa Sullivan, Executive Vice President- Travel and Transport, IDEMIA; Kristin Olsen, Director of Product Management, Travel Experience Guest Digital Technology, Alaska Airlines; Chang Ellison, Identity Management Capability Manager, Enrollment, ID Proofing, and Vetting, Transportation Security Administration (TSA); and Vladimir Stojkovski, VP of Product Management, CLEAR. The discussion focused on the adoption and scalability of digital identity and biometrics in travel. Key metrics included 92% of Americans trusting TSA for identity validation, with 78% accepting biometrics. Challenges include inconsistent deployment across airports and change management. Strategies emphasised partnerships, such as TSA’s cooperative research agreements and public-private collaborations. Opportunities include leveraging biometrics for domestic travel and expanding use cases beyond airports to hotels and rental cars. The importance of making biometric experiences opt-in and addressing privacy concerns was also discussed.
Private Networks Symposium
FTE Global 2024 was complemented by a dedicated workshop in which experts in the field of private networks, and guest speakers, shared insights and learnings in an interactive environment. Led by Samuel Ingalls, Principal, Barich, Inc, and Mike Youngs, VP of Information Technology, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, speakers also included Maurice Jenkins, Chief Innovation Officer, Miami International Airport, and Norman Fekrat, Managing Partner, Imagine Wireless. The discussion highlighted that the benefits provided by Private Wireless Networks (PWNs) are increasingly clear, including improved network security and enhanced operational efficiency through superior coverage. Indeed, PWNs are vital for those airports and their partners exploring technologies such as the Internet of Things and autonomous vehicles. The PWN technology is proven, being something that is used each and every day – and which works stunningly well. Connectivity in aviation is no longer a ‘nice-to-have’ – it is an imperative. True and sustained digital transformation starts and grows with that robust connectivity.
Join us at FTE APEX Asia Expo in Singapore, 19-20 November 2024 – find out more >>
Join us at the FTE World Innovation Summit in Pittsburgh, 13-15 May 2025 – find out more >>
Join us at FTE EMEA/FTE Ancillary & Retailing in Dublin, 10-12 June 2025 – find out more >>
Mark your diary for FTE Global 2025 – 9-11 September 2025, Long Beach Convention Center >>The FTE Accessibility Symposium
The FTE Accessibility Symposium focused on new solutions and strategies that can make a real impact in creating a more inclusive passenger experience. Moderated by Pierre Charbonneau, Vice President, Events & Commercial Services, ACI World, attendees heard insights from Hannah Meredith, Senior Manager of Strategic Innovation, CVG Airport; Gus Naughton, Senior Software Engineer, Emerging Technologies, Alaska Airlines; Jack Kavanagh, Board of Directors of the National Disability Authority and Center for Excellence in Universal Design; and Jo Rowan, Associate Director – Strategy, PriestmanGoode.
The FTE Energy & Sustainability Symposium
The FTE Energy & Sustainability Symposium saw a high-level panel of industry innovators present their views, efforts, visions and learnings relating to the ways in which our industry must evolve to meet its environmental responsibilities. They also shared tangible recommendations on what different stakeholders will need to do to play their part and be ready for the revolution coming. Moderated by Robin Riedel, Partner, McKinsey & Company, speakers included John Nilsson, Strategic Planning Manager Electric and Hydrogen Aircraft Infrastructure, Swedavia; Brian Cobb, Chief Innovation Officer, Cincinnati / Northern Kentucky International Airport; Stephen Snyder, Managing Director, Operations & Partnerships, JetBlue Ventures; and Sarah Chou, Senior Sustainability Consultant, Southwest Airlines.
Join us at FTE APEX Asia Expo in Singapore, 19-20 November 2024 – find out more >>
Join us at the FTE World Innovation Summit in Pittsburgh, 13-15 May 2025 – find out more >>
Join us at FTE EMEA/FTE Ancillary & Retailing in Dublin, 10-12 June 2025 – find out more >>
Mark your diary for FTE Global 2025 – 9-11 September 2025, Long Beach Convention Center >>U.S. CBP Briefing & Workshop on Travel Innovation and Partnerships
FTE Global 2024 was once more complemented by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (U.S. CBP) Briefing & Workshop, at which Samuel Ingalls, Principal, Barich Inc; Diane J. Sabatino, Acting Executive Assistant Commissioner of Field Operations, U.S. CBP, and Christina Peach, Deputy Assistant Administrator, Requirements & Capabilities Analysis, Transportation Security Administration (TSA), led an interactive dialogue on a range of key topics including the expansion of facial biometrics, mobile technology, and the ‘One Stop’ initiative with the TSA.
Sprint Sessions on response to disruption, Generative AI and applications of hydrogen at airports
At FTE Global, the Sprint Sessions provided a dedicated zone for attendees to dive deep into some of the most pressing challenges in the aviation industry. Participants gathered in a series of 20-minute brainstorm sessions, each designed to encourage collaborative thinking and solutions-oriented discussions. The first session, focused on strategies to improve industry response to disruptions, saw attendees share insights on leveraging real-time data to enhance operational resilience. In the second session, participants explored innovative use cases for Generative AI, with discussions highlighting its potential to personalise customer experiences and optimise planning and operations. Finally, the third session examined sustainable applications of hydrogen at airports. Here, attendees brainstormed practical approaches to integrating hydrogen into ground operations and reducing emissions.
Join us at FTE APEX Asia Expo in Singapore, 19-20 November 2024 – find out more >>
Join us at the FTE World Innovation Summit in Pittsburgh, 13-15 May 2025 – find out more >>
Join us at FTE EMEA/FTE Ancillary & Retailing in Dublin, 10-12 June 2025 – find out more >>
Mark your diary for FTE Global 2025 – 9-11 September 2025, Long Beach Convention Center >>Exclusive Workshop by Populous and CVG: Step into Tomorrow – A 12-Step Program to Unveil AAM
Populous and Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) held a two-hour workshop – Step into Tomorrow: A 12-Step Program to Unveil AAM – alongside FTE Global. In this hands-on session, Populous and CVG shared their expertise as global thought-leaders in innovation, to break down the complexities of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), providing a clear, actionable 12-step guide to help airports and airlines prepare for the future of transportation.
FTE Global Awards winners announced
A highlight during the Networking Party on 29 October was the FTE Global Pioneer Awards Ceremony, sponsored by Assaia, which recognised the world’s most pioneering airlines and airports for their outstanding efforts to transform the passenger experience and define the future of the air transport industry. International Airlines Group, Turkish Airlines and United Airlines were recognised for ‘Outstanding Achievement’ in the FTE Airline Pioneer Awards, while Fraport, Schiphol Group and Pittsburgh International Airport emerged victorious in the FTE Airport Pioneer Awards category. The outstanding achievements among our FTE Americas Digital Transformation Power List nominees were also recognised during the evening. You can read the full report from the Awards here.
FTE Global concluded with the FTE Americas Innovate Awards. These landmark awards are truly unique and are the industry’s definitive innovation platform. Airlines and airports competed head-to-head with their peers, shining a light on their latest innovation efforts. There were three awards categories: Alaska Airlines won Most Innovative Airline Initiative; Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority won Most Innovative Airport Initiative; and Aurrigo won Best New Transformative Concept. Read our full FTE Americas Innovate Awards report here.
Join us at FTE APEX Asia Expo in Singapore, 19-20 November 2024 – find out more >>
Join us at the FTE World Innovation Summit in Pittsburgh, 13-15 May 2025 – find out more >>
Join us at FTE EMEA/FTE Ancillary & Retailing in Dublin, 10-12 June 2025 – find out more >>
Mark your diary for FTE Global 2025 – 9-11 September 2025, Long Beach Convention Center >>Exclusive FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub members-only activities
A series of members-only FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub activities took place in Long Beach alongside FTE Global. Corporate Partners had the exclusive opportunity of a private tour of JetZero’s Hangar at Long Beach Airport. JetZero, an innovative aerospace startup, is revolutionising air travel with its blended-wing body aircraft, designed to cut fuel consumption by up to 50% compared to traditional designs, utilising next-gen single-aisle engines. The tour offered an up-close look at JetZero’s groundbreaking technology and a deeper dive into key areas such as passenger experience, efficiency, environment, and technology.
Additionally, Corporate Partners of the FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub were invited to an exclusive workshop, which covered the topics of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics, and the Internet of Things (IoT), and provided a valuable opportunity to network with fellow innovators from leading airlines, airports, and vendors.
There was also an informal ‘Meet the Captains’ session, led by Kevin Kleist, Head of Emerging Trends, Southwest Airlines and Head of Innovation, Digitalisation & Startup Engagement, Future Travel Experience, alongside Ryan Ghee, Chief Operating Officer, Future Travel Experience. This was an opportunity for anyone interested in learning more about the FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub to hear the latest updates, meet the Captains, and explore their first-hand experiences.
FTE Baggage Innovation Working Group meeting
The FTE Baggage Innovation Working Group (BIWG) brings together the most innovative and progressive baggage supply chain companies, airlines, and airports from across the industry to provide a unique platform for cooperation and industry advancement. It is the platform for game-changing Proof of Concepts and developing new techniques, technologies, and business models to deliver tangible change in the baggage sector.
BIWG members met at FTE Global for a session focusing on the future of seamless check-in experiences, as well as innovations in bag drop procedures, tagging, and improvements to capacity and passenger flow. Led by Darin Juby, Head of Transformation, Future Travel Experience, speakers also included Randy Morrison, Program Analyst, Transportation Security Administration (TSA); Dennis van Kleef, Programme Lead Baggage, Royal Schiphol Group; Wopke Dost, Programme Management Lead, nlmtd; Tenille Houston, VP Public Relations and Communications, Aurrigo; Ina Eldoy, CEO, BagID; and James Houghton, Aviation Business Development, Materna IPS.
FTE World Ancillary & Retailing Working Group meeting
A highly interactive meeting of the FTE World Ancillary & Retailing Working Group (WARWG) was led by WARWG Captain Sammy Patel, Vice President Commercial, Vantage Airport Group, and was themed ‘Collaborative retailing strategies to drive revenue growth for all’. A compelling keynote presentation was delivered by Dr Jan-Henrik Andersson, Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) & Chief Security Officer (CSO), Munich Airport, and Dr Björn Becker, Head of Future Intercontinental Experience Program, Lufthansa. In an exclusive session for members of the WARWG, they provided an in-depth look at Munich Airport’s innovative new partnership with Lufthansa and the Miles & More loyalty programme. This unique collaboration between an airport, an airline, and a loyalty programme is reshaping the shopping experience for travellers and visitors at Munich Airport. By leveraging insights from passenger behaviour and purchasing trends, the partnership is already delivering impressive results, offering passengers new ways to engage with retail offerings and enhancing their overall airport experience.
This keynote was part of a broader agenda for the FTE WARWG meeting, which brought together commercial leaders from airports, airlines, and industry partners to discuss strategies for driving revenue growth through collaborative retailing. In addition to the joint Munich Airport and Lufthansa presentation, the meeting featured a dynamic open discussion on retail innovation, with contributions by leaders from Vantage Airport Group, Riyadh Air, Kinetic Consultancy, Keflavik Airport, and others.
The FTE WARWG provides a platform – and a community – in which the brightest, most progressive minds in the commercial sector globally from airports, airlines, concessionaires, brands, consultants and more can network and share ideas, visions and learnings on how the industry can improve its commercial offerings, strategies and collaboration. It’s free to join for all relevant industry stakeholders. Inaugural FTE WARWG Strategic Partner Stripe was recently joined as a Strategic Partner by CAVU, bringing its expertise and innovative approach to enhance collective efforts in transforming the airport retail and ancillary landscape.
Join us at FTE APEX Asia Expo in Singapore, 19-20 November 2024 – find out more >>
Join us at the FTE World Innovation Summit in Pittsburgh, 13-15 May 2025 – find out more >>
Join us at FTE EMEA/FTE Ancillary & Retailing in Dublin, 10-12 June 2025 – find out more >>
Mark your diary for FTE Global 2025 – 9-11 September 2025, Long Beach Convention Center >>Mark your diary for FTE’s upcoming events
- FTE APEX Asia Expo, Singapore, 19-20 November 2024
- FTE Community Days, Orlando, 11-12 February 2025
- FTE World Innovation Summit, Pittsburgh, 13-15 May 2025
- FTE EMEA and FTE Ancillary & Retailing, Dublin, 10-12 June 2025
- FTE Global, co-located with APEX/IFSA Global EXPO, Long Beach, 9-11 September 2025
