At the epicentre of FTE Global – the “CES of Aviation” taking place in Los Angeles on 28-30 October 2024 – will be the region’s largest and most respected innovation competition – the FTE Americas Innovate Awards. There are three awards categories: Alaska Airlines, Southwest Airlines and Envoy Air/American Airlines Group are shortlisted for Most Innovative Airline Initiative; Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority and Tampa International Airport are shortlisted for Most Innovative Airport Initiative; and Aurrigo International, Gameway, Foundations Worldwide, DataArt, Xonar and Kquika are shortlisted for Best New Transformative Concept. Each of the shortlisted entrants will pitch on-stage in Los Angeles in an effort to impress our judges and audience, whose all-important votes will decide who wins. Find out more about why they made the shortlist and what they will present in the pitch sessions.
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Most Innovative Airline Initiative shortlist
Alaska Airlines’ world-first Generative AI flight search tool
Alaska Airlines – a Partner of the FTE Baggage Innovation Working Group – is shortlisted for the Alaska Inspires destination discovery tool – the world’s first Generative AI flight search launched by an airline. Drawing from Alaska Airlines’ rich customer data, destination recommendations are synthesised and hyper-personalised, as a key tool in the airline’s drive to proactively improve the complete customer journey. Alaska Inspires is also driving new revenue, with email campaigns promoting the tool generating $1million in revenue within one month. “Gen AI is poised to revolutionise the travel industry, but most airlines are focused on the efficiency benefits of automation and Machine Learning,” Alaska Airlines explains. “At Alaska Airlines, we are moving ahead to the Proactive Era of AI, developing guest-facing AI-powered tools. As the first airline to launch a Gen AI flight search tool, Alaska Airlines sets itself apart in the industry, signalling a commitment to providing experiences that are truly tailored to our guests.”
Hear more from Alaska Airlines at FTE Global – the “CES of Aviation” – taking place in Los Angeles on 28-30 October 2024. Natalie Bowman, Managing Director, Product & Digital Experience, Alaska Airlines, is speaking in the ‘FTE AI Symposium’ with a case study titled ‘How will Alaska Airlines use AI to increase productivity, transform customer experiences, streamline operations, remove manual toll and drive revenues, and what can it learn from those efforts?’
Meanwhile, Kristin Olsen, Director of Product Management, Travel Experience Guest Digital Technology, Alaska Airlines, is joining the ‘Digital Identity & Biometrics Symposium – building compelling business cases for a global industry roll-out’.
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Southwest Airlines’ AI and Machine Learning-powered Leading Indicator Alert Tool
Southwest Airlines – a Corporate Partner of the FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub – is shortlisted for its Leading Indicator Alert Tool. In December 2022, Winter Storm Elliot created extreme weather conditions that impacted the entire industry. Southwest responded with the development of the tool, which combines existing data with Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to create predictive models that allow the airline to proactively address potential issues, enhancing both operational efficiency and customer experience. The development of the tool required cross-functional input and collaboration from various business, technology, and operational groups. Within the organisation, many groups aligned on methodology to determine appropriate thresholds and alerts based on comparing predicted arrival performance values against historic values. “The Leading Indicator Alert Tool also provides a model for developing other predictive alerts that can be used across the business,” Southwest Airlines explains. “The tool helps protect the organisation from unforeseen disruptions and drives simulation capabilities.”
Hear more from Southwest Airlines at FTE Global – the “CES of Aviation” taking place in Los Angeles on 28-30 October 2024. Kevin Kleist, Head of Emerging Trends, Southwest Airlines, is participating in the ‘FTE AI Symposium’, delivering a joint presentation with Christiaan Hen, CEO, Assaia, titled ‘Southwest Airlines is leveraging computer vision technology to improve turnaround performance at the gate. How successful has this effort been, and how might it further leverage the technology going forward?’ Meanwhile, Kleist is also participating in a session titled ‘No hands on bags – is this the future of baggage handling?’
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Envoy Air/American Airlines Group’s autonomous wheelchair initiative
Envoy Air/American Airlines Group is shortlisted for the partnership with WHILL (an exhibitor at FTE Global 2024) to deploy autonomous wheelchairs at Miami International Airport and Los Angeles International Airport, fundamentally transforming how American Airlines’ customers with mobility challenges navigate these busy hubs. The autonomous wheelchairs enable customers to reach their gates independently, enhancing operational efficiency and customer experience by also allowing staff to focus on providing personalised assistance to passengers who need it most. These devices offer passengers with limited mobility a seamless, dignified, and independent way to navigate busy airports. The chairs are thoughtfully equipped with features that ensure comfort and convenience for travellers. “Envoy Air’s autonomous wheelchair initiative stands out as a ground-breaking advancement in accessibility and operational efficiency,” Envoy Air/American Airlines Group explains. “By addressing the needs of all passengers, Envoy Air demonstrates a proactive approach to customer service. These autonomous wheelchairs are not just a technological novelty, they are a practical solution to an area of airline travel that has been long overlooked.”
Hear more from American Airlines at FTE Global – the “CES of Aviation” taking place in Los Angeles on 28-30 October 2024. Alexander Nethers, Senior Manager, Customer Experience & Innovation, American Airlines, is participating in a session focused on ‘Leveraging Technology to enhance efficiencies at the airport’ with a presentation titled ‘How is the world’s largest airline successfully building a strategy for a mobile device supported operation in the airport as part of its digital transformation, and automation, program to create big wins for passengers, employees and the business?’
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Most Innovative Airport Initiative shortlist
CVG Airport’s advanced tech to streamline CX for deaf travellers
Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) – a Corporate Partner of the FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub – is shortlisted for becoming the first airport in the U.S. to implement Signapse, which utilises advanced technology to streamline the passenger journey for deaf individuals. The Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered sign language and interpretation services ensure an equitable travel experience for deaf passengers by reducing stress through the seamless integration of dynamic technology. In collaboration with Signapse and British Airways, CVG has introduced AI-powered American Sign Language (ASL) for boarding announcements at British Airways gates. “Signapse exemplifies a business model ideal for widespread adoption within the aviation industry and beyond,” CVG Airport explains. “They listen to their customers and adapt their product to meet specific needs, a critical factor for success in the highly regulated airport environment. Signapse stands as a shining example of how startups can thrive in the airport industry.”
Hear more from Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) at FTE Global – the “CES of Aviation” taking place in Los Angeles on 28-30 October 2024. Hannah Meredith, Senior Manager of Strategic Innovation, CVG Airport, is participating in ‘The FTE Accessibility Symposium’.
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MWAA’s unique in-house innovation lab and custom hardware solutions
Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) – a Corporate Partner of the FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub – is shortlisted for its in-house innovation lab, which creates custom sensors and other electronics tailored to its airports’ specific needs. MWAA focuses on rapid prototyping, hands-on testing, and real-world application, with a priority on low-cost development with big returns in terms of operational efficiency, customer experience and commercial performance. “Traditionally, our organisation has been like most airports: when a problem comes up we either purchase a product or hire a firm to design a solution,” MWAA explains. “The innovation lab puts the power to solve our problems back in the operators’ hands. However, the success is more than just the individual projects and the cost savings over the traditional approach that they have created. The innovation lab has energised an existing, but underutilised, reservoir of talents and ideas from our own employees.”
Tampa International Airport’s strategic roadway analysis program leveraging intelligent automation
Tampa International Airport (TPA) – a Corporate Partner of the FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub – is shortlisted for its strategic roadway analysis program, utilising existing and emerging technologies and incorporating an easy-to-use dashboard to pinpoint emerging trends. The program leverages existing LiDAR technologies to build a foundation that will later incorporate Artificial Intelligence (AI) to predictively manage the airport’s roadways. TPA is able to see live daily statistics, heat charts, counts, and historical data. “This innovative concept establishes a new technological ability that can traverse all aspects of airport management,” TPA explains. “Being forward-thinking, proactive instead of reactive, allowing airports to stop throwing people at problems, and utilising intelligent automation and predictive planning will catapult airports into the future of operational efficiency and positive passenger experience.”
Best New Transformative Concept shortlist
Aurrigo International’s Auto-DollyTug smart airside solution leveraging latest autonomous tech
Aurrigo International – a Partner of the FTE Baggage Innovation Working Group and a Gold Sponsor and exhibitor at FTE Global 2024 – is shortlisted for the latest generation Auto-DollyTug – a zero-emission, all-electric, autonomous baggage and cargo tractor. With its robotic arms, Aurrigo is the first company to offer automated loading and unloading of a unit load device (ULD), delivering a fully autonomous solution. The vehicles are currently on the ground and being put through their paces at six airports, enhancing operational efficiency, customer experience, commercial performance and sustainability. “While most technology providers are talking about the difference their solutions can make, Aurrigo International is demonstrating them on the ground in live airports,” Aurrigo explains. “Feedback from the live trials is proving that our Auto-DollyTug can operate in the demanding and complex environments of some of the busiest airports in the world and will deliver on our promise of boosting efficiency, reducing accidents and solving labour shortages.”
Hear more from Aurrigo at FTE Global – the “CES of Aviation” taking place in Los Angeles on 28-30 October 2024. Tenille Houston, VP Public Relations and Communications, Aurrigo, is participating in a session focused on ‘How do we leverage technology, innovation and new approaches to create Smart Ramp operations around the world?’
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Gameway’s premium video game lounges revolutionising airport layover experience
Gameway is shortlisted for its innovative premium video game lounges, which are revolutionising airport layovers by offering an experience that transforms idle time into engaging entertainment. There are already six airport locations and more on the way. The lounges are about more than just gaming and are designed to enhance every aspect of the airport experience – from improving operational flow and customer satisfaction to boosting commercial revenues. Gameway’s lounges provide ‘pay for time’ access to the latest games on Xbox, PlayStation, and PC in comfortable, high-tech environments. Each individual gaming station features a PlayStation or Xbox console preloaded with the latest games, a customised lounge chair, a 43-inch 4K TV, premium gaming headphones, charging ports, and ample space for luggage. “High-performance gaming PCs paired with exclusive Corbeau gaming chairs enhance the experience further,” Gameway explains. “For a nostalgic touch, our retro game bar offers classic consoles and games. Gameway’s mission is to elevate the overall airport experience, setting a new standard of entertainment for the modern traveller.”
Foundations Worldwide’s Ascent Universal Changing Table
Foundations Worldwide – an exhibitor at FTE Global 2024 – is shortlisted for the Ascent Universal Changing Table launched in June 2024, which provides dignified and hygienic access to public restrooms for individuals who may not be able to use standard handicapped accessible restrooms. This can include people in wheelchairs, elderly people with incontinence, and older children, teenagers, and adults with various other developmental disabilities. While most universal changing tables are designed for medical facilities and for use by professionals, Foundations Worldwide’s height-adjustable product is easy to use, easy to install and maintain, and comfortable for both users and caregivers. “Universal changing tables are essential for equity and inclusion and can absolutely transform the lives of millions of people with limited mobility or who need help with daily self-care,” Foundations Worldwide explains. “Foundations Worldwide believes everyone should have safe, dignified access to restroom facilities, and that universal changing tables are an essential step toward inclusion and equality.”
DataArt’s GateGuide navigation concept with real-time insights across end-to-end journey
DataArt – a Corporate Partner of the FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub and an exhibitor at FTE Global 2024 – is shortlisted for its GateGuide navigator concept, aiming to reimagine the entire customer journey by combining multiple travel elements into a single, cohesive app. GateGuide is innovative in multiple aspects: it extends the passenger journey beyond how it is typically viewed; the technology available not only combines existing applications but is available in real-time; and it is practical, giving travellers insights across their true end-to-end journey. “In our research, we have been unable to find one app that is able to combine the two key resources in travel – time and money – that extends across the true end-to-end journey of a passenger,” DataArt explains. “Passengers start their journey typically from their home or office, not from the curb at the airport, or at the boarding gate. And they don’t complete their journey when they deplane the aircraft or pick up their bags, their journey extends beyond the airport.”
HumanLink’s Xonar Trueport multi-sensor security system utilising AI and Machine Learning
HumanLink is shortlisted for Xonar TruePort – a multi-sensor Artificial Intelligence (AI)-empowered security system that takes people-screening to a more operationally efficient level. The system uses radar technology to detect ferrous and non-ferrous threat items, as well as AI and Machine Learning to minimise human error and maximise security effectiveness. Machine Learning helps discern prohibited items from every day pocket items, such as cell phones, keys and wallets, regardless of metallic content. Because the AI and Machine Learning consistently recognise and learn non-threat pocket items, TruePort reduces the nuisance alarm rate. “The facial recognition component can identify people before they enter a venue or secure area and integrates with existing video management and access control systems,” Xonar explains. “Additionally, the portability of Trueport makes it an optimal screening system that can be moved quickly and easily by one person, with an initial startup time of less than two minutes. The customer experience is exponentially improved due to faster throughput, lower false alarm rates and the ability to integrate with ticketing systems.”
Kquika’s Trakt AI-powered predictive maintenance system
Kquika is shortlisted for the Trakt Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered predictive maintenance system, which represents a transformative leap in aviation maintenance technology. Trakt addresses critical industry pain-points with an innovative, AI-driven solution that promises to revolutionise how aircraft maintenance is conducted. The system’s ability to significantly reduce maintenance-related delays, increase overall efficiency, and dramatically cut down on errors, demonstrates its potential to enhance both operational performance and passenger experience. By freeing up technicians’ time and providing powerful predictive insights, Trakt enables a proactive approach to maintenance that could prevent costly unscheduled downtime. “Furthermore, the projected ROI and cost savings make it an attractive proposition for airlines looking to optimise their operations and improve their bottom line,” Kquika explains. “The system’s integration of cutting-edge AI technology with practical, on-the-ground maintenance needs showcases the kind of forward-thinking innovation that the aviation industry needs to meet future challenges.”
Meet our judging panel
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