FTE Global, widely renowned as “the CES for Aviation”, relocated to LA on 19-21 September 2023 where it was hosted by Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) and co-located for the first time with APEX/IFSA Global EXPO. Together, the shows brought the best of the airport and inflight realms under one roof for the first time, creating the largest gathering of air transport executives from around the world in North America in 2023 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 170 airlines and airports represented from every corner of the world. Under the theme of “Air Transport 2030”, 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, 8-9 November 2023 – find out more >>
Join us at the FTE Aviation & Robotics Summit in Pittsburgh, 14-16 May 2024 – find out more >>
Join us at FTE EMEA/FTE Ancillary & Retailing in Dublin, 11-13 June 2024 – find out more >>
Mark your diary for FTE Global 2024 – 28-30 October 2024, Long Beach Convention Center >>
Largest FTE Global exhibition to date – 90+ exhibitors showcased cutting-edge solutions from robotics & autonomous vehicles to parallel 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. More than 90 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 NEC, Amazon One, Collins Aerospace, IDEMIA, Vision-Box and many more, plus FTE’s biggest Startup Zone to date.
The ‘Innovation & Tech 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; Self-Service Technology; Customer & Employee Empowerment; Security, Digital Identity & Biometrics; Robotics & Autonomous Vehicles; and Startup Showcase.
Lufthansa, Meta Reality Labs and MSM.digital showcased a Mixed Reality Cabin Demo. The launch of Allegris in February – Lufthansa’s redefined approach to long-haul travel – blended the physical and digital, with the airline’s new Metaverse event location having a key role. Attendees at FTE Global could take a VR headset, enter Lufthansa’s Metaverse event location or the Mixed Reality full-scale model of the cabin, and experience Allegris for themselves. Meanwhile, Fraunhofer IML brought its evoBOT to FTE Global, where attendees were able to see the autonomous robot in action.
Among the innovative solutions on display in the exhibition was NEC’s comprehensive identity management platform, NEC I:Delight. There was also an exclusive demonstration of PARALLEL REALITY™ technology from Misapplied Sciences, which is currently installed in the Detroit McNamara Terminal.
Attendees were also able to experience Amazon One’s Just Walk Out frictionless retail experience, which allows travellers to seamlessly enter the outlet with a swipe of their credit card or use “Tap to Pay”, take the products they’re looking for, and then walk out of the store. The technology has already been adopted by Hudson Nonstop across a number of airports in the US, including Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) and Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL).
Meanwhile, Veovo selected FTE Global to launch its new ground-breaking LiDAR technology, powered by Machine Learning, which uses advanced 3D mapping and precise object detection, taking airport situational awareness to new heights.
The exhibition floor also included a dedicated Startup Zone, featuring some of the most progressive new suppliers on the market, including Air’mazing DutyFreak, BagID, Blueberry Technology, Deeping Source, EASE | Enterprise Awareness & Situational Exceptions, ICM Hub, ID R&D, May Mobility, MV Paws, Pawtrip, Tech4TH Solutions, UCPlaces and Vriba.
Join us at FTE APEX Asia Expo in Singapore, 8-9 November 2023 – find out more >>
Join us at the FTE Aviation & Robotics Summit in Pittsburgh, 14-16 May 2024 – find out more >>
Join us at FTE EMEA/FTE Ancillary & Retailing in Dublin, 11-13 June 2024 – find out more >>
Mark your diary for FTE Global 2024 – 28-30 October 2024, Long Beach Convention Center >>
A unique social and networking programme
Future Travel Experience Global is renowned for its social and networking events and FTE Global 2023 was no exception. To kick off the show, delegates were invited to network and enjoy a ‘Sundowner’ drink at Ballast Point Long Beach, during the FTE Global Welcome Drinks sponsored by T-Mobile for Business. The FTE Global Networking Party & Awards Ceremony took place at the end of Day 1 of the conference and exhibition. The event was hosted by Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) at Ovation Square, with the FTE Global Awards sponsored by Smithgroup, Kohn Pedersen Fox, and HNTB. Attendees were then treated to a fantastic Exhibition Closing Party, sponsored by Publicis Sapient, at the end of Day 2.
Join us at FTE APEX Asia Expo in Singapore, 8-9 November 2023 – find out more >>
Join us at the FTE Aviation & Robotics Summit in Pittsburgh, 14-16 May 2024 – find out more >>
Join us at FTE EMEA/FTE Ancillary & Retailing in Dublin, 11-13 June 2024 – find out more >>
Mark your diary for FTE Global 2024 – 28-30 October 2024, Long Beach Convention Center >>
Inspirational keynotes from Google, Live Nation Entertainment, PIT, Fast Future and more
Brian J. Glaser, Chief Talent and Learning Officer, Google, delivered a truly inspirational keynote on “Leading in Turbulent Times”. He is responsible for building a vibrant, inclusive culture that accelerates the growth of Google’s business and talent. He oversees onboarding, training, leadership development and talent management for 180,000 “Googlers” in more than 60 countries.
Live Nation, the global leader in live entertainment, produces more concerts, sells more tickets, and connects more brands to music than anyone else. Its commitment to creating memorable experiences and fostering engagement mirrors the efforts of many stakeholders in the travel sector. In another fantastic keynote, Jeff Shaw, EVP Brand Partnerships & Business Strategy, Live Nation Entertainment, delved into the company’s unique strategy.
Rohit Talwar, CEO, Fast Future, shared executive summary conclusions of the groundbreaking FTE/Fast Future Study on Tomorrow’s Customer 2030. He highlighted areas including travel influences, technology and Artificial Intelligence, customer expectations, and how in 2030 “nothing changes and everything changes”.
In a special keynote, Christina Cassotis, CEO, Pittsburgh International Airport, shared how the new terminal at Pittsburgh International Airport opening in 2025 will reimagine the traditional customer journey through an airport, and how the industry can better work together to serve passengers.
Join us at FTE APEX Asia Expo in Singapore, 8-9 November 2023 – find out more >>
Join us at the FTE Aviation & Robotics Summit in Pittsburgh, 14-16 May 2024 – find out more >>
Join us at FTE EMEA/FTE Ancillary & Retailing in Dublin, 11-13 June 2024 – find out more >>
Mark your diary for FTE Global 2024 – 28-30 October 2024, Long Beach Convention Center >>
Future Airports conference
The Future Airports conference kicked off with a special presentation from Justin Erbacci, CEO, Los Angeles World Airports, focused on “What should we expect from the industry at large by 2030, and how will the role of the airport operator evolve into the future?”
A fast-moving panel discussion explored what successful airports of 2030 will look like, how passengers will move through them differently, and how business models will evolve in new ways. Moderated by Geoffrey Ax, Principal / Aviation Market Leader, Populous, panellists included Steven Thody, COO, JFK Millenium Partners; Lutz Weisser, Managing Director, Munich Airport International; Diane J. Sabatino, Acting Executive Assistant Commissioner of Field Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection; Austin Gould, Assistant Administrator of Requirements and Capabilities Analysis (RCA), Transportation Security Administration; and Greg Forbes, Managing Director Airport Experience, Delta Air Lines.
Lennert l’Amie, CIO, Royal Schiphol Group, delivered a special presentation on “How central will technology be to Royal Schiphol Group’s Vision 2050 to create the world’s most sustainable and high-quality airports?”
The Airport Technology Leaders Conversation tackled myriad topics, including what impact digital is having on business models and whether there is an opportunity now for airports to evolve from being landlords to retailers; how airports can succeed with scaling digital revenue creation; how airport digital and sustainability strategies can converge successfully; and how airports can effectively go cloud-native. Moderated by Ian Law, Chief Digital Transformation Officer, Los Angeles World Airports; panellists included Haider Arif Hayat, Head of Enterprise Information Architecture, Analytics & AI, Hamad International Airport; Rakan Khaled, General Manager, Airport Solutions, Collins Aerospace; Tara Mulrooney, VP Technology & Innovation, Edmonton International Airport; and Lennert l’Amie, CIO, Royal Schiphol Group. They were joined at the conclusion of the session by FTE’s Conduits to the Airport Technology Leaders Conversation – Kevin Kleist, Senior Emerging Trends Advisor, Southwest Airlines, and Darin Juby, Managing Director, Operational Performance Transformation, Greater Toronto Airports Authority and Head of Baggage Transformation, Future Travel Experience.
Darin Juby, Managing Director, Operational Performance Transformation, Greater Toronto Airports Authority and Head of Baggage Transformation, Future Travel Experience, led an insightful session on “Achieving a revolution in baggage by 2030”. The panel shared ideas and views around key topics such as using robotics and AI, sustainability in baggage, baggage tracking, and the future of the baggage hall. Speakers included Idar Sørgjerd, Department Manager, BHS, Tech & Op. Excellence, Avinor; Jason Odey, Director, Global Baggage Excellence, Air Canada; Byron Smith, Chief Technology Officer, NetTracer; Jan Vidar Nalbant, CCO, BagID; and Mike Byrom, Vice President, Airports & Crew Services, Spirit Airlines.
A session on “Progressive strategies to enhance customer experiences and business performance on the airport” was led by Arturo Garcia-Alonso, Chief Strategy Officer, Avports. It featured an FTE exclusive presentation by Chris Annetts, Chief Strategy Officer, Heathrow, on “How is Heathrow addressing the big industry challenges relating to decarbonisation, capacity, workforce, automation and enhanced collaboration between stakeholders to enhance customer experiences and operational efficiency?” There were also fascinating presentations from Amber Simonsen, Director, Airport Lobby Transformation, Alaska Airlines, on “How dynamic new approaches are driving a sub 5-minute lobby experience across Alaska Airlines’ airport network for its passengers?” and from Dr. Jan-Henrik Andersson, Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) & Chief Security Officer (CSO), Munich Airport, on a “Holistic Approach to Digital Airport Transformation”.
The Future Airports conference also explored “Transformative approaches to designing the next generation of airport facilities where physical, digital & sustainability intersect” in a session sponsored by Synect. The session – moderated by Yvonne Bilshausen, Vice President of Aviation, U.S. West & Canada, Hill International – featured panellists including Philip Autekie, Masterplanning and Design Manager, Brussels Airport Company; Terri Mestas, Chief Development Officer, Los Angeles World Airports; Forth Bagley, Principal, Kohn Pedersen Fox; Yahav Ran, CEO, Synect; and Steve Sisneros, VP Airport Affairs, Southwest Airlines.
Join us at FTE APEX Asia Expo in Singapore, 8-9 November 2023 – find out more >>
Join us at the FTE Aviation & Robotics Summit in Pittsburgh, 14-16 May 2024 – find out more >>
Join us at FTE EMEA/FTE Ancillary & Retailing in Dublin, 11-13 June 2024 – find out more >>
Mark your diary for FTE Global 2024 – 28-30 October 2024, Long Beach Convention Center >>
Digital & Innovation conference
The Digital & Innovation conference agenda began with the Airline Technology Leaders Conversation, with a stellar panel discussing areas of focus and the technologies they are most excited about and currently exploring. Moderated by Sveinn Akerlie, CEO, Plan3 & former CIO of WOW air, the speakers included Maninder Bahia, Interim Chief Information Officer (CIO), Frontier Airlines, and Ted Hutchins, Chief Information Officer, Norse Atlantic Airways. They were joined at the conclusion of the session by FTE’s Conduits to the Airline Technology Leaders Conversation – Kevin Kleist, Senior Emerging Trends Advisor, Southwest Airlines, and Darin Juby, Managing Director, Operational Performance Transformation, Greater Toronto Airports Authority and Head of Baggage Transformation, Future Travel Experience.
A truly insightful special presentation on “What are the emerging technology trends coming to the world that will impact our industry?” was delivered by Shaown Nandi, Solutions Architect & Customer Solutions Leader, Amazon Web Services (AWS) & former CIO of Dow Jones and Head of Shared Technology Services for News Corp.
Innovative technology utilisation case studies by airlines were explored in a session moderated by Daniel Coleman, Founder & CEO, Future Travel Experience. This included a Fireside Chat on “Elevating Customer & Employee Experience by Working Cross-Enterprise” with Cesar Mateus, Managing Director, Digital Portfolio Office, Delta Air Lines; Ravi Vanmali, Managing Director, Operations Strategy, Data, & Implementation, Delta Air Lines; and Dan Liebermann, Managing Director, Management Consulting, Publicis Sapient. Nikhil Ravishankar, Chief Digital Officer, Air New Zealand, also presented on “Air New Zealand’s digital innovations and plans for the future”, while Charu Jain, Senior Vice President Merchandising & Innovation, Alaska Airlines, delivered a presentation on “How is Alaska Airlines using technology & innovation to take itself to the next level?”
A truly fascinating session examined “Putting Digital Twins & the Metaverse to work in air transport to improve business performance”. This featured three presentations, starting with moderator Rohit Talwar, CEO, Fast Future, discussing “What are the potential use cases for the metaverse in air transport?” Dr. Björn Becker, Head of Future Intercontinental Experience Program, Lufthansa, and Bastian Schütz, Product & Business Development, Meta Reality Labs, shared how Lufthansa and Meta teamed-up to leverage the metaverse with VR & XR to champion new product offerings to the world, and what other use cases they believe there are for the metaverse in air transport. Finally, Joshua Hirschheimer, Practice Lead – Aerospace, Transportation and Logistics, Porsche Consulting, explored how transforming automotive digital manufacturing can be leveraged to change the world of airport operations.
A session on “The role of innovation: How can air transport go to the next level, and learn from other industries?” was moderated by Chris Runde, Director of Strategy and Innovation, Introba. Tarik Galijasevic, Managing Director (Corporate Venture Capital Group), Allstate Strategic Ventures, delivered an outside of the sector scene-setting presentation on “What can air transport learn from Allstate’s experience & investments in entrepreneurs whose disruptive technologies that will help shape the future of the insurance industry and adjacent sectors?” Panellists also included Paige Stanton Wilson, COO, Acubed by Airbus; Kristen Berndt, Senior Manager, Baggage Strategy & Innovation, United Airlines; Paul Puopolo, Executive Vice President of Innovation, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport; Melissa Conley, Executive Director of Capability Management and Innovation, Transportation Security Administration; and Richard Vandy, VP – Systems Integration and Partnerships, BagsID.
Join us at FTE APEX Asia Expo in Singapore, 8-9 November 2023 – find out more >>
Join us at the FTE Aviation & Robotics Summit in Pittsburgh, 14-16 May 2024 – find out more >>
Join us at FTE EMEA/FTE Ancillary & Retailing in Dublin, 11-13 June 2024 – find out more >>
Mark your diary for FTE Global 2024 – 28-30 October 2024, Long Beach Convention Center >>
Future Mobility & Customer Journey conference
The Future Mobility & Customer Journey conference started with a session focused on “How should air transport stakeholders evolve product, commercial & loyalty strategies to suit the world & passengers of 2030?” In an exclusive moderator’s keynote, Rohit Talwar, CEO, Fast Future, shared results of groundbreaking FTE/Fast Future Study on Tomorrow’s Customer 2030. He was joined by panellists including Brian Davis, CMO, Sun Country Airlines; Suzanne Bremski, Head of Digital & Customer Experience, Harbour Air Seaplanes; and Güçlü Batkin, CEO, TAV Operation Services.
Nina Sproedt, Vice President Product Development, Lufthansa Group, delivered an FTE exclusive special presentation on “How will the Lufthansa Group reimagine end-to-end customer journeys by 2030 and translate customer satisfaction into market value?”
Ryan Ghee, Chief Operating Officer, Future Travel Experience, moderated a session on “Dynamic approaches to serving the evolving needs of industry, passengers and tomorrow’s mobility landscape”. This included two fantastic presentations. Tino Klaehne, Director Strategic Innovation & Intelligence, Lufthansa Innovation Hub, presented on “What is the Lufthansa Innovation Hub view on the new technologies & approaches that will transform aviation, and what were some of the key highlights from the FlyingLab pre-conference on LH452 between MUC and LAX on September 17th exploring exceptional experiences for the needs of the passengers of tomorrow?” Naashom Marx, Director of Strategic Innovation – Advanced Mobility, Cincinnati / Northern Kentucky International Airport, explored “Is the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) revolution really coming quickly or has it stalled, how significant will it be to air transport and what approach should stakeholders be taking towards it now?”
Another key session in the Future Mobility & Customer Journey conference focused on “The Mobility Trends Leading to a Sustainable, Connected & Seamless Moving World”. Moderated by Robin Riedel, Partner, McKinsey & Company, the session featured an FTE exclusive presentation by Catherine Tobaisinsky, Chief Growth Officer, Dar Group, on “A vision for the future of mobility, and its infrastructure, with examples in AAM network planning, place-making, sustainability, equity, and community connection.” Panellists also included James Dorris, Co-Founder and CEO, Odys Aviation; Stephen Snyder, Managing Director, Operations & Partnerships, JetBlue Ventures; Amit Rikhy, President and CEO, CAG Holdings (A Carlyle Backed Company); and Rob Mitchell, Director, Head of Business Development – Airports, Events & Travel, Uber.
Martijn Steur, Managing Director, Kinetic Consultancy, moderated a session on “Innovative strategies to drive passenger spend on the day of travel”. The session included contributions from panellists such as Dave Jones, Deputy Executive Director – Commercial Development, Los Angeles World Airports; Amy Benson, VP of Marketing, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield; Sarah Gipple, Head of Partnerships, CAVU; and Dadi Runarsson, Chief Commercial & Airport Development Officer, Keflavik Airport – Isavia Ltd.
Yvo van der Tol, CCO, HRS Crew & Passenger Solutions, delivered a special presentation on “What are the most successful ways of leveraging technology to support passengers during times of disruption?”
The Future Mobility & Customer Journey conference also explored “How should CX strategies evolve on the ground, and in the sky, to better serve all types of passengers by 2030?” Moderator Ed Baklor, Partner, Consumer Practice, Travel, Leisure & Hospitality, True, set the scene and was joined by panellists including John Thomas, CEO, Connect Airlines; Anton Vidgen, Vice President, Guest Experience, Riyadh Air; Nancy Knipp, President of the Americas, Airport Dimensions; Oren Cohen Butansky, EVP & Chief Customer Experience Officer, EL AL Israel Airlines; Rupen Singh Philloura, Director of Terminal Operations, Customer Service & AOCC, Miami International Airport; and Tomasz Pawliszyn, CEO, AirHelp.
An insightful panel discussion on “Better utilising data to create improved CX & business performance by 2030” was split into two sections – the first assessed the best approaches to collect data & create a consolidated data platform, while the second assessed the best ways to use that data to drive more informed decision-making. James Williamson, CEO, Veovo, moderated the session, with panellists including Susan Lewis, Manager of CX Analytics Team, Southwest Airlines; Nelson Camacho, CEO North America, Swissport; Chris Annetts, Chief Strategy Officer, Heathrow; and Elizabeth Paul, Manager, Aviation Technology and Innovation, Port Authority of New York & New Jersey (PANYNJ).
The Future Mobility & Customer Journey conference concluded with a session on “Seamless Travel Innovation” moderated by Holly Miles, Editor, International Airport Review. Derwin Cady, Manager, Airport Technology and Product Development, Air Canada, and James Snowdon, IT Director, Infrastructure Airport Applications, Vancouver Airport Authority, delivered a scene-setting presentation entitled “How has Air Canada collaborated successfully with airports, suppliers and other partners to develop its own decentralised Digital Identification platform that delivers a touchless, frictionless experience powered by biometrics to airport touchpoints such as lounges and boarding gates?” Panellists also included Jean-Francois Lennon, Vice President Strategic Sales & Global Partnerships, Vision-Box; Annet Steenbergen, Advisor, EU Digital Wallet Consortium (EWC); and Ray Viggiano, Assistant Manager of Customer Service Delivery, Port Authority of New York & New Jersey (PANYNJ).
Join us at FTE APEX Asia Expo in Singapore, 8-9 November 2023 – find out more >>
Join us at the FTE Aviation & Robotics Summit in Pittsburgh, 14-16 May 2024 – find out more >>
Join us at FTE EMEA/FTE Ancillary & Retailing in Dublin, 11-13 June 2024 – find out more >>
Mark your diary for FTE Global 2024 – 28-30 October 2024, Long Beach Convention Center >>
FTE Next Generation Aviation Security Think Tank
Delegates heard how FTE and APEX are looking to help inspire the next generation of aviation security through one of our renowned Think Tanks, where a working group of industry experts will design a new model of aviation security leveraging new technologies and innovative approaches beyond the checkpoint and to encompass hold baggage processing, perimeter security, counter-drone measures, and off-airport processing. At FTE Global the Group advised ways in which the industry can work together to achieve the vision, including team captain Anne Marie Pellerin, Founder and Managing Partner, LAM LHA, and team members Ian Law, Chief Digital Transformation Officer, Los Angeles World Airports; Matt Gilkeson, Director, Innovation Task Force, Transportation Security Administration; Lisa Sullivan, Senior Vice President – Travel and Transport, IDEMIA; Tim Lorenzen, Senior Manager, Security Innovation, American Airlines; Bob Kwik, Global Head of Airports, Amazon Web Services; and Dr. Joe Leader, CEO, APEX/IFSA.
Join us at FTE APEX Asia Expo in Singapore, 8-9 November 2023 – find out more >>
Join us at the FTE Aviation & Robotics Summit in Pittsburgh, 14-16 May 2024 – find out more >>
Join us at FTE EMEA/FTE Ancillary & Retailing in Dublin, 11-13 June 2024 – find out more >>
Mark your diary for FTE Global 2024 – 28-30 October 2024, Long Beach Convention Center >>
The FTE Robotics & Autonomous Vehicles Symposium
The FTE Robotics & Autonomous Vehicles Symposium began with a moderator’s presentation from Cole Wolfson, Director, xBridge, Pittsburgh International Airport, on key learnings and outcomes from the inaugural Aviation & Robotics Summit held in Pittsburgh in April 2023. FTE teamed up with Pittsburgh Robotics Network (PRN), Innovation Works (IW) and Pittsburgh International Airport to deliver the Aviation & Robotics Summit for pioneers in this realm to co-create and help shape how autonomous operations, automation, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and other applications of robotics technology can redefine the air transport industry. It was also announced at the event that the next FTE Aviation & Robotics Summit will take place in Pittsburgh on 14-16 May 2024.
Harvey Tate, Human API – Digital Transformation, International Airlines Group (IAG), shared a presentation on “What has IAG learned from its trials in the realms of robotics & autonomous vehicles in its efforts to revolutionise airport operations, and where will it go next with these technologies?”
Dennis van Kleef, Programme Lead Baggage, Royal Schiphol Group, and Manuel van Lijf, Interim Director – Innovation – Venture Building, nlmtd, then presented on “What have been the lessons learned from implementing collaborative robots in Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to support workforce challenges, and how might this technology extend into shaping the future of work by using autonomous transportation and lifting automation?”
Join us at FTE APEX Asia Expo in Singapore, 8-9 November 2023 – find out more >>
Join us at the FTE Aviation & Robotics Summit in Pittsburgh, 14-16 May 2024 – find out more >>
Join us at FTE EMEA/FTE Ancillary & Retailing in Dublin, 11-13 June 2024 – find out more >>
Mark your diary for FTE Global 2024 – 28-30 October 2024, Long Beach Convention Center >>
U.S. CBP Briefing & Workshop
FTE Global 2023 was once more complemented by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (U.S. CBP) Briefing & Workshop, at which Diane J. Sabatino, Acting Executive Assistant Commissioner of Field Operations, U.S. CBP; Carlos R. Estrada, Director of Commercial Homeport Operations, Carnival Cruise Line; and Nina Sproedt, Vice President Product Development, Lufthansa Group, led discussions in an interactive environment on the best approaches to expand facial biometrics from curb to gate.
Join us at FTE APEX Asia Expo in Singapore, 8-9 November 2023 – find out more >>
Join us at the FTE Aviation & Robotics Summit in Pittsburgh, 14-16 May 2024 – find out more >>
Join us at FTE EMEA/FTE Ancillary & Retailing in Dublin, 11-13 June 2024 – find out more >>
Mark your diary for FTE Global 2024 – 28-30 October 2024, Long Beach Convention Center >>
The Biometrics & Digital Identity Summit
The Biometrics & Digital Identity Summit, sponsored by NEC, explored a range of dynamic approaches and learnings on advancing digital identity to deliver next-level customer experiences and efficiencies for industry stakeholders. The speakers also shared ideas on how the industry can achieve the vast potential that new digital identity approaches leveraging biometrics can deliver. Moderated by Maurice Jenkins, Chief Innovation Officer, Miami International Airport, the session featured presentations from Devon Heyns, Director – Customer Innovation & Solutions, United Airlines; Jens Sanner, Program Director for Digital Services and Transformation, Fraport; and Bill Carleton, Director, Advanced Recognition Systems, NEC Corporation of America. Panellists also included Melissa Conley, Executive Director of Capability Management and Innovation, Transportation Security Administration; Christian Draeger, VP Customer Experience, Star Alliance; Nael Samha, Executive Director, Targeting, Vetting and Biometrics Systems, U.S. Customs and Border Protection; and Forest Beattie, Solution Engineer Senior Manager, SITA.
Join us at FTE APEX Asia Expo in Singapore, 8-9 November 2023 – find out more >>
Join us at the FTE Aviation & Robotics Summit in Pittsburgh, 14-16 May 2024 – find out more >>
Join us at FTE EMEA/FTE Ancillary & Retailing in Dublin, 11-13 June 2024 – find out more >>
Mark your diary for FTE Global 2024 – 28-30 October 2024, Long Beach Convention Center >>
Symposium on establishing and leveraging Private Networks at the airport
FTE Global 2023 was complemented by a dedicated symposium where experts in the field of private networks, and guest speakers, shared insights and learnings in an interactive environment. Led by Eduardo Valencia, CIO, Metropolitan Airports Commission and Samuel Ingalls, Principal, Barich, Inc, guest speakers included Michael Youngs, Vice President Information Technology, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport; Walt Shaw, Senior Director of Product, Boingo Wireless; and Maarten Van Aerde, General Manager, Citymesh.
Join us at FTE APEX Asia Expo in Singapore, 8-9 November 2023 – find out more >>
Join us at the FTE Aviation & Robotics Summit in Pittsburgh, 14-16 May 2024 – find out more >>
Join us at FTE EMEA/FTE Ancillary & Retailing in Dublin, 11-13 June 2024 – find out more >>
Mark your diary for FTE Global 2024 – 28-30 October 2024, Long Beach Convention Center >>
The FTE AI Symposium – exploring the potential of A.I. in Aviation 5, 10, and 20 Years from Now
The FTE AI Symposium explored and debated the use cases for AI in aviation and how they could deliver transformational benefits for passengers and industry stakeholders, as well as the best means to introduce the technology into our organisations and the sector at large. Moderated by Javed Malik, Chair of the Advisory Board, Ink Innovation, the session featured a scene-setting presentation by Devin Liddell, Principal Futurist, Teague. Panellists also included Kevin Kleist, Senior Emerging Trends Advisor, Southwest Airlines; Nathan VanRheenen, Executive Director, Intelligent Solutions (AI/ML & Analytics), Boeing; and Matt Breed, CIO, Port of Seattle.
Join us at FTE APEX Asia Expo in Singapore, 8-9 November 2023 – find out more >>
Join us at the FTE Aviation & Robotics Summit in Pittsburgh, 14-16 May 2024 – find out more >>
Join us at FTE EMEA/FTE Ancillary & Retailing in Dublin, 11-13 June 2024 – find out more >>
Mark your diary for FTE Global 2024 – 28-30 October 2024, Long Beach Convention Center >>
FTE Global 2023 award winners announced
A highlight during the Networking Party on 19 September was the FTE Global 2023 Awards Ceremony, which recognised outstanding achievements in the following categories – Airline Pioneer Awards; Airport Pioneer Awards; and Best Exhibitor Presence 2023. Delta Air Lines, Lufthansa and United Airlines were recognised for ‘Outstanding Achievement’ in the FTE Airline Pioneer Awards, while Pittsburgh International Airport, Fraport and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol emerged victorious in the FTE Airport Pioneer Awards category. NEC won the Best Exhibitor Presence Award, in recognition of the company’s impressive showcase and activities at FTE Global. During the show in Los Angeles, FTE Global attendees had the opportunity to experience NEC’s comprehensive identity management platform, NEC I:Delight, along with its bag detection, perimeter security, and other AI solutions. There was also an exclusive demonstration of PARALLEL REALITY™ technology from Misapplied Sciences. You can read the full report from the Awards here.
Join us at FTE APEX Asia Expo in Singapore, 8-9 November 2023 – find out more >>
Join us at the FTE Aviation & Robotics Summit in Pittsburgh, 14-16 May 2024 – find out more >>
Join us at FTE EMEA/FTE Ancillary & Retailing in Dublin, 11-13 June 2024 – find out more >>
Mark your diary for FTE Global 2024 – 28-30 October 2024, Long Beach Convention Center >>
FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub members-only activities
FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub members met at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on 18 September 2023.
Join us at FTE APEX Asia Expo in Singapore, 8-9 November 2023 – find out more >>
Join us at the FTE Aviation & Robotics Summit in Pittsburgh, 14-16 May 2024 – find out more >>
Join us at FTE EMEA/FTE Ancillary & Retailing in Dublin, 11-13 June 2024 – find out more >>
Mark your diary for FTE Global 2024 – 28-30 October 2024, Long Beach Convention Center >>
FTE Baggage Innovation Working Group meeting and tour at LAX
FTE Baggage Innovation Working Group (BIWG) members met at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on 18 September 2023.
Join us at FTE APEX Asia Expo in Singapore, 8-9 November 2023 – find out more >>
Join us at the FTE Aviation & Robotics Summit in Pittsburgh, 14-16 May 2024 – find out more >>
Join us at FTE EMEA/FTE Ancillary & Retailing in Dublin, 11-13 June 2024 – find out more >>
Mark your diary for FTE Global 2024 – 28-30 October 2024, Long Beach Convention Center >>
New for 2023: FTE World Airport Retailing Working Group meeting
The inaugural meeting of the new FTE World Airport Retailing Working Group (WARWG) took place at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on 18 September 2023. Led by WARWG Captain Sammy Patel, Vice President Commercial, Vantage Airport Group, the highly interactive meeting was themed “An A-Z on commercial planning for new & redeveloped airport facilities”. The team from the impressive new Terminal A at Newark Airport (MUC International, Portland Design, Grimshaw and Moment Factory) helped instigate group-wide discussions on best practices by giving a 360-degree view on implementing the vision, and the decision-making and lessons learned along the way. 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.
Join us at FTE APEX Asia Expo in Singapore, 8-9 November 2023 – find out more >>
Join us at the FTE Aviation & Robotics Summit in Pittsburgh, 14-16 May 2024 – find out more >>
Join us at FTE EMEA/FTE Ancillary & Retailing in Dublin, 11-13 June 2024 – find out more >>
Mark your diary for FTE Global 2024 – 28-30 October 2024, Long Beach Convention Center >>
Interactive workshops and co-creation sessions
The FTE Global conference featured a raft of formats, including interactive co-creation sessions and workshops. Among the highlights were workshops on putting AI to work in air transport led by Christian George Kessler, Organizational Alignment and Strategic Innovation, Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority; the deployment of biometric boarding gates at LAX led by Hervé Muller, Head of Airport Sales, EASIER; Advanced Air Mobility led by Velissarios Eleftheriou, Expert, Munich Airport International; airport lounges led by Chris Hartman, Director Business Development Digital Experience, Airport Dimensions; and successfully implementing electronic bag tags led by Gus Naughton, Senior Software Engineer, Emerging Technologies, Alaska Airlines, Jean Carlon, Product Manager of Airport Guest Technology, Alaska Airlines, and Jasper Quak, Managing Director, BAGTAG.
Join us at FTE APEX Asia Expo in Singapore, 8-9 November 2023 – find out more >>
Join us at the FTE Aviation & Robotics Summit in Pittsburgh, 14-16 May 2024 – find out more >>
Join us at FTE EMEA/FTE Ancillary & Retailing in Dublin, 11-13 June 2024 – find out more >>
Mark your diary for FTE Global 2024 – 28-30 October 2024, Long Beach Convention Center >>
Mark your diary: FTE Global 2024 to take place on 28-30 October 2024, Long Beach Convention Center, California
In 2024, FTE Global will return to Long Beach, where it will once again be co-located with APEX/IFSA Global EXPO, bringing together the best of the airport and inflight realms under one roof. It will be the largest gathering of air transport executives from around the world in North America in 2024, where they will 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. Mark your diary today!
Interested in exhibiting at or sponsoring FTE Global 2024? Contact us today >>
