The following article was published by Future Travel Experience

FTE Global, renowned as “the CES for Aviation”, relocated to LA on 19-21 September where it was co-located for the first time with APEX/IFSA Global EXPO. Take a look at our round-up of some of the highlights.

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 >>

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 >>

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 >>

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 >>

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 >>

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 >>

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 >>

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 >>

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 >>

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 >>

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 >>

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 >>

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 >>

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 >>

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 >>

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 >>

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 >>

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: 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!

Article originally published here:
FTE Global 2023 in pictures – more exclusives, more launches, more innovation and more startups than ever before

The following article was published by Future Travel Experience

Delta, Pittsburgh International Airport, Lufthansa, Fraport, United, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and NEC were recognised in FTE Global 2023 Awards ceremony, which took place on 19 September in Los Angeles.

The world’s most pioneering airports and airlines were recognised for their outstanding efforts to transform the passenger experience and define the future of the air transport industry at the Future Travel Experience Global 2023 Awards ceremony, which took place on 19 September in Los Angeles. One vendor was also recognised with the ‘Best Exhibitor Presence Award’ during the event.

The Awards ceremony took place during the FTE Global 2023 Networking Party, hosted by Los Angeles World Airports at Ovation Square, with the FTE Global Awards sponsored by Smithgroup, Kohn Pedersen Fox, and HNTB.

More than 1,400 senior industry figures representing airlines, airports, government agencies, industry vendors, technology giants and startups gathered at FTE Global on 19-21 September to learn, collaborate and be inspired on their next moves to transform the industry’s approach to the passenger experience, business performance and sustainability strategies.

During the ceremony, Daniel Coleman, Founder & CEO, Future Travel Experience, took the opportunity to announce that FTE Global 2024 will take place on 28-30 October at the Long Beach Convention Center in California.

FTE AIRLINE PIONEER AWARDS

Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines was recognised in the FTE Airline Pioneer Awards for a range of pioneering initiatives, including the announcement of a “first-of-its-kind” aircraft seat that allows travellers who use a powered wheelchair to remain in their own wheelchairs for the entire journey. This truly enhances accessibility and facilitates a more seamless boarding and disembarking experience. Delta is also the first major network airline to introduce free high-speed Wi-Fi for all passengers as a core element of the customer experience. Meanwhile, it has also deepened its commitment to transforming the future of travel by embarking on a commercial and operational partnership with Joby Aviation to deliver eVTOL transportation service to its customers, beginning in New York and Los Angeles.

Lufthansa

Lufthansa was awarded for taking personalisation to a whole new level with the launch of Allegris – its new long-haul travel experience. The guiding principles in the development of Lufthansa Allegris were ‘choice’ and ‘simplicity’ and at its heart it is about individualising travel and doing so in a way that is simple for customers. With more than 100 new aircraft that will be equipped, new options on ground services, as well as an improved, simplified flow to select seats in all booking channels, this transformational experience offers a truly premium, innovative and thought-through product with individual choices for customers in all travel classes, including no less than seven different kinds of seat. The airline also made innovative use of the Metaverse and Mixed Reality in the launch of Lufthansa Allegris, in what is possibly the biggest use of the technology in the industry to-date.

United Airlines

United Airlines secured an FTE Airline Pioneer Award for its commitment to providing unique services to customers. The airline has developed its own kiosks in a two-year collaborative project with imageHOLDERS, in a great example of mass personalisation at scale. The future-proof kiosks provide a compelling, user-centric solution. Unique initiatives also include becoming the first U.S. airline to support ‘Live Activities’ for iPhone, as well as to add Braille to aircraft interiors, helping travellers with visual disabilities more easily navigate the cabin independently. United was also recognised for its pioneering, collaborative approach to sustainability. Its Sustainable Flight Fund is a way for companies and consumers to come together and increase the supply of Sustainable Aviation Fuel through the support of startups – and it has increased its investment power to nearly $200 million, adding eight new corporate partners, just five months after its initial launch. The airline is also entering the Urban Air Mobility space, with plans to launch electric commuter flights throughout the Bay Area of San Francisco.

FTE AIRPORT PIONEER AWARDS

Pittsburgh International Airport

Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) – located in the ‘Robotics Capital of the World’ – was awarded for its pioneering efforts in this space. For example, in April it launched an innovation partnership with International Airlines Group (IAG) that will explore exciting new solutions with the robotics and tech community. PIT is also innovating with plans to produce Sustainable Aviation Fuel onsite. The goal is to accelerate the adoption of cleaner fuels and builds on the airport becoming the first in the world to be completely powered by natural gas and solar energy as part of its microgrid. Another important element of PIT’s strategy is workforce development, tackling three major barriers to entry for people entering the workforce – childcare, job training and transportation. Providing a childcare option on the same site as an employee’s workplace helps strengthen parents’ work-life balance and supports workforce development. PIT considers the new childcare centre a critical piece in its ongoing workforce development efforts.

Fraport

Fraport was recognised for the biggest biometrics implementation in the world. From enrolment at a kiosk or counter, to pre-security automated gates and self-boarding gates, passengers can use biometric technology to seamlessly pass through each stage of the journey. The project breaks new ground in the development of digital travel by providing a true common-use biometric platform at all terminals, open to all airlines operating at Frankfurt Airport. The implementation also plays a key part in paving the way for the rollout of biometrics across the Star Alliance global network, as it endeavours to have more of its 26 member carriers using biometric technology progressively. Fraport’s Digital Factory is also key to its innovation efforts, further increasing the level of digital maturity and driving forward digital transformation alongside customer processes. The progressive approach of the Digital Factory is to identify market innovations early on and facilitate the implementation of compelling digital solutions.

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol secured an FTE Airport Pioneer Award for its leadership and agility in the area of robotics and automation. It recently completed a Proof of Concept for collaborative robots in baggage handling. This has since been followed up with a decision to purchase 19 COllaborative Baggage RObots to be installed by the end of January 2024 – less than one year after the successful POC was initiated. This work also involved designing effective and innovative ways for human/robot collaboration. This has only been possible through the visionary approach of Amsterdam Airport Schiphol in aiming to improve the working conditions for staff and ensure a positive traveller experience. Meanwhile, it has also laid out a future-looking vision to create fully autonomous airside operations by 2050, as it “reaches for the Moon and Mars”. This programme will see all airside vehicles be replaced by an interconnected fleet of autonomous, emission-free vehicles and all associated processes will be automated.

BEST EXHIBITOR PRESENCE AWARD 2023

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. All FTE Global 2023 exhibitors had an opportunity to enter the Best Exhibitor Presence competition and the winner was selected by FTE Advisory Board members.

Article originally published here:
Delta, PIT, Lufthansa, FRA, United, AMS and NEC recognised in FTE Global 2023 Awards

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The FTE Aviation & Robotics Summit will return to Pittsburgh on 14-16 May 2024, with Pittsburgh International Airport as the official Host Airport.

Future Travel Experience (FTE) is excited to announce that the Aviation & Robotics Summit will return to Pittsburgh on 14-16 May 2024, with Pittsburgh International Airport as the official Host Airport.

The announcement follows the huge success of the inaugural Summit earlier this year, which attracted executives from more than 25 airlines and airports from across the world.

The FTE Aviation & Robotics Summit 2024 will bring together aviation and robotics industry professionals with the primary goal of solving aviation business and operational challenges with robotics solutions.

The three-day interdisciplinary series of conference sessions, workshops, robotics innovation tours, and networking opportunities will take place across the city of Pittsburgh, which is known as the “Robotics Capital of the World.”

Attendees representing an international array of airlines, airports and robotics technology vendors, as well as local roboticists and entrepreneurs from Pittsburgh and further afield, will have the opportunity to share learnings, explore potential use cases, and help accelerate the adoption, deployment and commercialisation of robotics technologies to solve real-world challenges in the aviation industry.

Daniel Coleman, Founder & CEO, Future Travel Experience, said: “We are so excited to be bringing the FTE Aviation & Robotics Summit back to Pittsburgh in 2024, following the overwhelming success of the first edition of the Summit in April 2023, which received rave reviews from everyone involved.

“There can be no doubting the fact that robotics technology is going to revolutionise the air transport industry in the years to come, and the Aviation & Robotics Summit will provide a truly unique platform for the individuals and organisations who are leading the charge in this space to come together in Pittsburgh to share expertise, learn from the first movers, and uncover opportunities to collaborate. Thanks to its reputation for innovation and its leadership in the field of robotics, Pittsburgh really is the perfect place to host this Summit.”

Pittsburgh International Airport CEO Christina Cassotis said Pittsburgh’s growing robotics and tech economy is a natural fit for the Summit.

“Last year’s incredibly successful event introduced many of our aviation colleagues to what we’ve known for a long time: Pittsburgh’s technology sector is second to none,” Cassotis said. “And with Pittsburgh International Airport’s commitment to driving innovation setting the tone, this is a unique opportunity for our industry to develop solutions to some of our greatest challenges. We’re excited to grow our partnership with FTE and hope to attract even more robotics and technology talent from the region to participate in 2024.”

More information about the FTE Aviation & Robotics Summit 2024 will be released in the coming weeks, including information on how you can register to attend. In the meantime, you can express your interest in attending here, and we will keep you updated with the latest news and developments.

A visual review of the Aviation & Robotics Summit 2023 is also available to view on the Future Travel Experience website here.

Article originally published here:
Future Travel Experience and Pittsburgh International Airport announce plans for the Aviation & Robotics Summit 2024

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In this interview with Marin Tica, IT Director, Zagreb International Airport, discover how TAV Technologies’ solutions have transformed Zagreb Airport’s operations and passenger experience.

TAV Technologies presents an exclusive interview with Marin Tica, IT Director, Zagreb International Airport. In this insightful conversation, discover how TAV Technologies’ solutions have transformed Zagreb Airport’s operations and passenger experience.

Article originally published here:
Exploring Zagreb Airport’s transformation through TAV Technologies solutions

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Vietnam Airlines has signed a two-year deal with AirFi to equip 37 of its Airbus A321s with wireless IFE and enable in-seat ordering for passengers, harmonising the passenger experience across its aircraft.

Vietnam Airlines has signed a two-year deal with AirFi, wherein the airline technology provider will equip 37 of the carrier’s Airbus A321 aircraft with wireless in-flight entertainment (IFE) and enable in-seat ordering for passengers.

The aircraft, which previously had no IFE offering onboard, will each be outfitted with a set of portable AirFi boxes, allowing passengers to stream content directly to their personal electronic devices. An in-seat ordering function enabled by AirFi, which can be used to purchase hot and cold food, beverages, and duty free items, will replace the airline’s existing trolley service. Passengers will also have the option to pay for certain duty free items to be delivered to their homes after their trip.

The rollout has commenced and is scheduled for completion by mid-October when the solution is expected to go live. Once operational, the logistics surrounding the new technology will be managed by Vietnam Airlines at three airport bases: Hanoi (HAN), Saigon (SGN) and Da Nang International (DAD).

“Vietnam Airlines is certified by SkyTrax as a four-star airline, and we continue to push towards five-star status,” said Mr Pham Trung Dung, Deputy Technical Director, Vietnam Airlines. “One of the ways we’re doing so is by introducing new products and services that will surprise and delight our passengers. AirFi’s solution promises to deliver a premium experience for travellers while generating increased revenue for the airline, which made for a compelling business case.”

This move toward streaming IFE with a robust selection of content will harmonise the passenger experience across Vietnam Airlines’ aircraft, as the flag carrier’s international fleet of Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 aircraft, as well as some of its Airbus A321s, are already furnished with embedded IFE systems from Panasonic Avionics Corporation and Thales.

Furthermore, the deal complements Vietnam Airlines’ broader digitalisation strategy, which focuses on three factors: Digital Technology, Digital Data and Digital Culture. In a bid to become Vietnam’s first digital airline by 2025, it recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Visa to ensure that passengers benefit from a convenient, secure digital experience throughout their journey.

“We’re immensely proud to have won a contract with the flag carrier in Vietnam, Vietnam Airlines,” said Job Heimerikx, CEO, AirFi. “With the addition of this carrier, AirFi now has a stronger presence in the Asian marketplace than ever before. Our unique business setup gives us strong local relevance in any market so that airlines everywhere can embrace innovative cabin digitalisation and onboard sales solutions.”

Article originally published here:
Vietnam Airlines “to deliver premium experience for travellers” with AirFi wireless IFE on Airbus A321s

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Construction on the Terminal Modernization Program at PIT has passed the halfway point and remains on track for completion in 2025 as part of the “vision for the new Pittsburgh International Airport”.

Construction on the Terminal Modernization Program (TMP) at Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) has passed the halfway point and remains on track for completion in 2025.

In recent weeks, workers on the TMP poured concrete for the roadway bridge that will carry traffic to and from the new landside terminal, completed the high roof steel, and began installation of the bridge that will connect the new terminal to the existing airside terminal.

“We are building the airport that Pittsburgh deserves and which will serve our families, friends and neighbours for generations to come,” said Christina Cassotis, CEO of the Allegheny County Airport Authority (ACAA), which operates PIT.

Airlines at PIT have unanimously approved a revised $1.57 billion budget for the TMP, which is funded mostly through long-term bonds that the ACAA will pay back from its operating revenue, most of which is paid by the airlines through rates and charges.

“Thanks to the partnership we have built with the airlines, air service at PIT has continued to grow, which is a big boost to the Pittsburgh region,” said Cassotis. “We are grateful for the airlines’ unwavering faith in our vision for the new Pittsburgh International Airport.”

The TMP includes a new landside terminal, parking garage, and roadway system. Benefits of the project will include:

• Shorter passenger walk and wait times
• Reduced baggage delivery times
• 6,000 additional public parking spaces
• More efficient international arrivals process
• Significant reduction in operations and maintenance costs

PIT is predominantly now an origin-and-destination airport with most passengers beginning and ending their trip in Pittsburgh. “The new terminal will be suited to their needs,” said Paul Hoback, ACAA Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer. “We are building this new terminal for Pittsburgh and by Pittsburgh to connect to the world.”

Hear more from Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) at FTE Global, taking place in Los Angeles, 19-21 September 2023. Christina Cassotis, CEO, PIT, will deliver a special keynote entitled “How will the new terminal at Pittsburgh International Airport opening in 2025 reimagine the traditional customer journey through an airport, and how can this industry better work together to serve passengers?” Meanwhile, Cole Wolfson, Director, xBridge, PIT, is speaking in the FTE Robotics & Autonomous Vehicles Symposium.

Article originally published here:
PIT Terminal Modernization Program passes halfway point as it realises “vision for new Pittsburgh International Airport”

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London Luton Airport has announced a £30 million investment to enhance the passenger experience. This includes a new £8 million flagship restaurant, as well as a £20 million refurbishment of the security hall.

London Luton Airport (LLA) has announced a £30 million investment to enhance the passenger experience. This includes the £8 million development of a new, flagship two-storey restaurant to replace the existing Frankie & Benny’s unit. Set to open next year, the restaurant will feature a striking mezzanine floor overlooking the LLA departure lounge and will accommodate up to 500 diners.

The project signals the latest phase of an investment programme that has included the opening of several new shops and restaurants, new and upgraded toilet and washroom amenities and facilities for a children’s play area this year.

Meanwhile, a £20 million refurbishment of LLA’s security hall is also underway. This includes the installation of new state-of-the-art body scanners and new CT scanner technology, speeding up processing times, as well as new flooring and ceilings to ensure a better passenger experience.

“This is an exciting phase of development that will deliver yet more enhancements to London Luton Airport’s simple and friendly passenger experience,” said Alberto Martin, Chief Executive, London Luton Airport. “This year, we have already invested £12 million in enhancing facilities across the terminal and we are already seeing the benefits of this investment, with excellent passenger feedback on our latest shops, restaurants and upgraded passenger facilities. Throughout the summer, our teams have worked hard to achieve a strong operational performance and our aim throughout this development project is to maintain that level of service while ensuring that disruption is kept to a minimum.”

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London Luton Airport announces £30m investment to “deliver more enhancements to simple and friendly passenger experience”

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A new United ClubSM has opened at Denver Airport, coinciding with the airline’s nearly $1 billion investment to improve the customer experience in Denver and “match the way travel has evolved in recent years”.

United Airlines has announced the opening of its largest United Club at Denver International Airport. The new 35,000 sq ft club is located in the B Concourse, providing a modern take on the United Club experience with a new feature bar offering beer flight boards to taste a seasonal rotation of premium local and craft beers. This club is the second in a series of new locations to open in Denver this summer, after a new 24,000 sq ft United Club opened in the A Concourse, featuring a ski lodge aesthetic and design touches inspired by the Colorado outdoors.

The airline will open an additional revamped club location in 2025 and once open, Denver International Airport will feature more than 100,000 sq ft of United Club space.

The opening of these new clubs follows United unveiling a new club concept, United Club FlySM, in Denver last year, that is a first-of-its-kind concept for a U.S. airline. Since opening, United Club Fly has been visited by more than 100,000 travellers who have enjoyed the elevated convenience to grab food or beverages on the way to their flight.

“The new United Club locations are designed and operated to reflect feedback from our customers and match the way their travel has evolved in recent years,” said Alexander Dorow, United’s Head of Clubs & Lounges. “We’re growing our hub in the Mile High City, and the expansion and renovation of United Club locations represents our commitment to Colorado and our customers’ experience.”

This expansion is part of the United’s nearly $1 billion investment to further improve the customer experience in Denver.

Hear more from United Airlines at FTE Global, taking place in Los Angeles, 19-21 September 2023. Kristen Berndt, Senior Manager, Baggage Strategy & Innovation, United Airlines, is speaking in the Digital & Innovation conference track in a session focused on “The role of Innovation: How can air transport go to the next level, and learn from other industries”. Meanwhile, Devon Heyns, Director – Customer Innovation & Solutions, United Airlines, will deliver a presentation in the Future Airports conference track entitled “How central are biometrics to United’s strategies going forward, and what does the airline want to see from the sector next to help it realise its ambitions in this field?”

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United opens two new clubs at Denver International Airport as part of “commitment to customer experience”

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SWISS has completed the cabin layout for its A350-900s, which will be added to the fleet from 2025. This includes a larger Premium Economy Class and “a totally new and unparalleled air travel experience”.

SWISS has completed the cabin layout for its Airbus A350-900 aircraft, which are scheduled to be added to the fleet from 2025 onwards. The airline’s A350-900s will seat a total of 242 passengers, with its Premium Economy Class to be larger than those on its existing long-haul aircraft types at 38 seats, reflecting a growing demand for premium leisure air travel.

The new Airbus A350-900s will also feature the new ‘SWISS Senses’ cabin concept, which will offer SWISS customers a totally new and more personalised air travel experience.

The aircraft will seat three in First Class, 45 in Business Class, 38 in Premium Economy Class, and 156 in Economy Class.

“Through their carefully-conceived spatial design, all our seating classes aboard our aircraft will offer our guests a totally new and unparalleled air travel experience from 2025 onwards,” said Tamur Goudarzi Pour, Chief Commercial Officer, SWISS. “With our new cabin concept, we will still remain the only major airline in the world to offer a First Class cabin on all its long-haul aircraft. We will also be increasing the size of our Premium Economy Class, which has proved very popular. And in both these respects, we are further clearly positioning SWISS as Europe’s leading premium airline.”

SWISS will take gradual delivery of five Airbus A350-900 aircraft from 2025 onwards. In the longer term, the new long-haul twinjets will replace the company’s four remaining four-engine Airbus A340-300s.

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SWISS to enlarge Premium Economy cabin for its Airbus A350s offering “a totally new and unparalleled air travel experience”

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Cairo Airport Company has signed agreements with Pangiam to design and build Cairo International Airport’s new Terminal 4 and develop it into “a world-class smart airport” with a seamless passenger experience.

Pangiam has executed two agreements with the Cairo Airport Company to design and build Cairo International Airport’s (CAI) new Terminal 4 and develop CAI into a world-class smart airport through the use of cutting-edge technology and operations best practices.

The two Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) instruct Pangiam and its partners to develop a proposal to build a new Terminal 4 at CAI and complete a feasibility study providing recommendations to use emerging technologies to convert CAI’s existing infrastructure into a world-class smart airport and seamless travel experience. Over the next six months, Pangiam and its partners will work in partnership the Cairo Airport Company to complete this work in line with the priorities of the Egyptian Civil Aviation Development Plan announced this past spring.

“These agreements represent the beginning of an exciting opportunity to deliver a world-class passenger experience that will help support and grow Egypt’s impressive tourism industry and attract additional foreign direct investment,” said Tom Plofchan, Chief Investment Officer, Pangiam.

Egyptian Civil Aviation Minister Mohamed Abbas Helmy stated: “The signing of the two MoUs is in line with the Ministry’s desire to develop the infrastructure and enhance the efficiency of Cairo International Airport systems, supported in this endeavour by distinguished experts with access to cutting-edge technologies. The aim is to enhance the level of services provided to passengers in order to create a better travel experience, particularly given the expected increase in air and tourist traffic in Egypt in the years ahead.”

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Cairo International Airport partners with Pangiam to develop new Terminal 4 and “deliver a world-class passenger experience”

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FTE spoke to Julie Wienberg, Aviation Practice Leader, Perkins&Will; Chris Runde, Director of Innovation, Introba; and Ibrahim Ibrahim, Managing Director, Portland Design, about the future of the industry.

As the aviation sector continues to adapt to ever-changing passenger needs and technological advancements, FTE spoke to Julie Wienberg, Aviation Practice Leader at Perkins&Will; Chris Runde, Director of Innovation at Introba; and Ibrahim Ibrahim, Managing Director at Portland Design, about the future of the industry.

Perkins&Will, Introba, and Portland Design – along with Dar, Landrum & Brown, TYLin, and Penspen – are familiar names to many in the aviation sector. But together, they form a strategic, multidisciplinary collaborative unlike any other. In fact, according to Engineering News-Record (ENR) 2020, this international group of firms is collectively ranked number one in the world for its design of airports, having planned, designed, constructed, and innovated over 300 of them across six continents.

Today, the group is collaborating on a vision for air travel that is human-centric, digitally empowered, and sustainable. Here’s how some of the firms’ visionaries see the future of the air transport industry:

Designing for the Future

Julie Wienberg, Aviation Practice Leader at Perkins&Will

To meet increased demand for air travel and address aging infrastructure, the U.S. is currently making its largest investment in aviation and mobility infrastructure in recent history. In line with this, airports and airlines are embracing new technologies to improve both the passenger and employee experience. Those of us in design and construction are responding by streamlining operations, introducing innovations from other markets, and accelerating construction through means and methods unimaginable just a decade ago.

These developments are exciting, but this era also presents an opportunity to do some soul-searching. With the emphasis on upgrading infrastructure and the unmatched ingenuity coming to market, now is the time to not only imagine a more sustainable and resilient future for aviation, but also take bold steps to create it.

We are a curious, research-driven firm, augmenting our design work with applied research in topics like biometrics, future mobility, and occupant health. And through our precedent-setting CoCreate approach to inclusive design, we join forces with like-minded M/WMBEs (minority- and women-owned business enterprises) to ensure that our work authentically addresses the needs of every community we serve.

After yet another summer of wildfires, floods, and extreme weather events, the aviation industry needs to address the complexity of climate change and take serious steps to ameliorate it. Airports can lead by example, setting precedents for resilience and the public good. From leading the whole-system sustainability approaches for large-scale projects like the planned Al Maktoum International Airport (a collaboration with Dar), to meticulously coordinating details that reduce the costs of construction and operations for Charlotte International Airport’s Concourse A expansion and TransLink Canada’s rail stations, we help our clients conserve resources, reduce carbon emissions, and withstand severe climate events. Health-focused hospitality design also enables our clients to stand out in a crowded market, particularly to frequent travellers. We also seamlessly integrate service and design, infusing lounges and other passenger-facing spaces with a localized sense of place, culture, and history. Airports are evolving, and lounges are no longer just places to wait. They are designed to increase traveller productivity, promote wellness, differentiate the client’s brand, and provide amenities and services that travellers would expect from a high-end experience.

Delivering Impact through Innovation

Chris Runde, Director of Innovation & Strategy, Introba

The massive investment in aviation is an opportunity and a challenge. We are being asked to create infrastructure that must endure for decades during a time of unprecedented technological and environmental change.

The irony of innovation is that it requires structure to produce results. Proven innovation processes, like design thinking, curate ideas and test hypothesis with the idea of failing fast. Unfortunately, aviation investments can’t fail fast in the same way as a software company.

Knowing the high stakes of aviation development and operations, the team created an innovation framework called Fusion that de-risks creative planning and delivers proven results. The only way we can succeed is by embracing an innovation mindset and remaining future-flexible. The methodology focuses on discrete areas of transformation, cross-market benchmarking, and constructive innovation planning to deliver actionable, impactful ideas. The team applied the Fusion framework to the challenges of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). Experts across technology, regulations, mobility, and aviation followed the rapid innovation process and identified the challenge of building awareness and buy-in for AAM benefits. The result of the AAM Fusion team is a new tool for AAM visualization and planning that dynamically plots mobility options like the LA-region example below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sj_ZXpZb-wQ

Transformation of Airport Commercial

Ibrahim Ibrahim, Portland Design’s Managing Director

Retail

Airport retail has always been about four things: (customer) recruitment, transaction, fulfilment, and retention. But transaction and fulfilment are gradually shifting away from the physical store. Therefore, the physical store will behave less like a distribution channel and more like a media platform. We must consider how to shift the emphasis from a functional “supermarket” model that passengers are finding increasingly boring to an inspiring experiential model that drives engagement, sharing, and serendipity.

Physical stores in airports have the potential to be the most powerful media platforms available to a brand, where the opportunity is to monetize not only the experiences but also the data that these experiences generate. We must plan to deliver data-responsive environments and experiences. The key challenge will be to capture the data that demonstrates the value of the physical space to a brand in generating media impressions, social media engagement, and online sales.

Well-Being

Providing work environments that support travellers’ physical, emotional, and mental well-being is fundamental to letting them know they’re valued and respected. That’s why airports are evolving. Lounges, for example, are no longer just places for travellers to wait; they’re now designed to increase productivity, promote wellness, differentiate an airline’s brand, and provide amenities and services that travellers would expect from a high-end experience. We must also develop biophilia strategies to ensure that passengers are connected to nature: Airport environments need to be softer, more natural, and more human in scale.

The acceleration of working from home represents a great opportunity for airports, too. As part of the commercial offer, they could develop a compelling co-working space that would encourage passengers to arrive much earlier; if the facilities are world-class, travellers may prefer this to working from home – and actually spend more time at the airport! In this scenario, they would see the space less like a shopping mall and more like a town square.

Ultimately, airports that create experiences to drive well-being, social participation, and entertainment will engage travellers’ interests and passions and get them flocking back.

In this remarkable moment, everyone in architecture, design, and engineering has the opportunity (and the responsibility) to make a positive difference in the future of air travel. Perkins&Will, Introba, and Portland Design – along with Dar, Landrum & Brown, TYLin, and the other organizations that make up their unique global collaborative – offer what few firms can:

Unrivalled collective expertise in designing, planning, and engineering innovative, healthy, and sustainable aviation environments around the world.

Meet some of the collaborative’s experts and hear what they have to say about global trends affecting the air transport industry at Future Travel Experience, 19-21 September 2023, in Long Beach, California.

Article originally published here:
How a unique global collaborative is paving the way for a resilient future for the air transport industry

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In this thought-leadership article, Forth Bagley, Principal, Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF), shares how the most successful terminals of the future will be “passenger inspiration machines.”

By Forth Bagley, Principal, Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF)

Dating as far back as the Wright Brothers’ College Park, airports have always embodied the ambitions of our everchanging society. Predictors of cultural, commercial, and societal trends in the cities they serve, they have often acted as living laboratories for urban innovation.

Many of today’s airport terminals have moved away from the civic landmark model of past generations and have now taken on a new role as “passenger experience machines.”

A drive toward increasing revenue through the integration of technology and wayfinding, as well as an emphasis on retail operations, is evident in most airports today. More and more, architects are being asked to create passenger journeys that start earlier, to blend culture and placemaking with retail experiences, and to forgo expressive architectural design for sound and satisfying placemaking.

Indeed, as they vie for revenue, integrate new technologies, and manufacture experiences, airports are not only connecting the cities they serve, but increasingly competing with them. They are starting to look a lot like other less formal urban conditions – stadiums, retail centres, and even lifestyle neighbourhoods – in the process.

In the upcoming panel at FTE Global, “Transformative approaches to designing the next generation of airport facilities”, I’ll share insight into what today’s most cutting-edge airport operators are telling us they want, as well as what these ambitions tell us about the future of aviation and the cities our airports serve.

But I’ll also argue that airports should do more, and that we must avoid a generation of airport terminals that are glorified sheds – housing retail, cultural, and revenue-focused experiences within while devaluing the role of the terminal as a civic landmark.

By making airports “passenger experience machines” we are losing an opportunity to utilise airport terminal buildings as structures representative of the larger democratic, inclusive, and cultural aspirations of our cities. Like all great civic buildings (think of The Theme Building at LAX, Grand Central Station in New York, or Saarinen’s TWA Terminal) our airports should inspire both visitors and residents alike with experience and function as well as form.

Two KPF mega-projects – Singapore’s Changi Terminal 5 and Abu Dhabi’s Terminal A – point the way toward an airport that satisfies our need to blend technology and innovate passenger experiences, while still providing formally inventive and meaningful architecture that represents the spirits of these cities. At Changi, designed in collaboration with Heatherwick Studio and others, the enclosure design channels the city-state’s lush, natural landscape and lively, urban scale to elevate the airport experience for both travellers and Singaporeans alike. At Abu Dhabi, we conceived a roof structure that recalls the iconic dunes of the UAE, creating an urban room at arrivals and departures, allowing for retail and placemaking flexibility below.

We believe that memorable design doesn’t have to be in opposition to functional performance or revenue generation, but can in fact complement and facilitate these objectives. The most successful terminals of the future will not just be vibrant retail offerings and seamless passenger experiences, but also great pieces of civic architecture of scale and ambition – “passenger inspiration machines.”

Article originally published here:
Passenger Inspiration Machines: Airports Are the Leading Edge of an Emerging “Experience Society”, But They Should Do More

The following article was published by Future Travel Experience

Attendees at FTE Global will hear a surprising approach to enhancing passenger experience and Synect’s vision for the future, as Yahav Ran, CEO, Synect, explains in this thought-leadership article.

With a portfolio of award-winning projects at several major international airports and work for Orlando International Airport (MCO), Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), San Francisco International Airport (SFO), the Transportation Security Administration, and more, Synect has established itself as the leading voice in passenger visual communication at the airport.

Join us for an insightful discussion featuring Synect CEO Yahav Ran on a panel about transformative approaches to designing the next generation of airport facilities where physical, digital, and sustainability intersect. He will join moderator Yvonne Bilshausen, Vice President of Aviation, U.S. West & Canada, Hill International, and other industry leaders to share how they have driven exciting new approaches to facility development.

Learn from Synect’s experience enabling common-use ticketing for more than 60 airlines at MCO, delivering better, faster security checkpoints at Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) and Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE), or driving multilingual wayfinding solutions at DFW.

Attendees will hear a surprising approach to enhancing passenger experience and Synect’s vision for the future.

Airports interested in Synect’s approach to transforming airport communication should be aware of a special offer exclusively for airports at FTE. Three airports can take advantage of a one-time-only discount on a pilot program to transform airport communication with Synect’s award-winning ReadySeeGo® solution.

Details

Up to three airports will receive a 10-percent discount on a 60-day proof of value (POV) of Synect’s ReadySeeGo® program for Better, Faster Security Checkpoints. This program is in TSA’s Checkpoint Requirements and Planning Guide (CRPG) and at the Innovation Checkpoint, LAS, ABE, and elsewhere. The program delivers:

1) Information: Clear directions, queue guidance and real-time TSA estimated wait times decrease anxiety and perceived wait times, resulting in a more enjoyable passenger experience.

2) Education: Friendly visual cues help passengers divest, remind them to have travel documents ready and highlight prohibited items and other compliance-related tips. The content reduces processing time by helping passengers show up prepared for screening. It also reduces the need for repeated instructions from security personnel.

3) Engagement: Eye-catching animations capture passengers’ attention, occupy their time and increase engagement with information and fun visuals.

4) Automation: Information is automatically relayed to passengers, improving efficiency, which also helps Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) maintain order and focus in the checkpoint area, leading to more effective screening.

5) Operational agility: Scenario-based content, such as emergency messaging, is easily activated, new content is deployed fast, and the units are portable for relocation if needed.

The POV includes:

• 60-day period
• Approved TSA content
• Wait time integration with a QMS provider
• Project management and logistics
• Network set up and configuration
• Installation
• Remote support and monitoring

Available to new airport clients based in the United States. This offer is available for up to one month after the event on a first-come, first-served basis.

Get the full details by sending your name, title, contact info, airport details, and your interest in ReadySeeGo® to inquiries@synectmedia.com.

Article originally published here:
Transforming passenger visual communication at the airport

The following article was published by Future Travel Experience

Renowned as the “CES of Aviation”, the exhibition at FTE Global – taking place in Los Angeles on 19-21 September 2023 – will be our biggest and best-ever, with over 100 exhibitors and sponsors confirmed.

Renowned as the “CES of Aviation”, the exhibition at FTE Global – taking place in Los Angeles in less than two weeks (19-21 September) – will be our biggest and best-ever, with over 100 exhibitors and sponsors confirmed. The exhibition will be packed with the most innovative solutions, products and services to enhance end-to-end customer experiences, business performance and sustainability, ranging from technology giants to the most innovative startups. The popular ‘Innovation & Tech Briefings’ on the exhibition floor return, with attendees having 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. Meanwhile, the brand-new FTE Launch Pad will unveil game-changing new technologies. Here, we highlight the solutions you can expect to see on the exhibition floor.

NEC

NEC Corporation of America is a leading provider of innovative IT, network, communications and biometric solutions for service carriers, Fortune 1000 and SMB businesses across multiple vertical industries, including Aviation, Healthcare, Government, Education and Hospitality. NEC Corporation of America delivers one of the industry’s broadest portfolios of technology solutions and professional services, including biometric security, consent-based digital IDs, unified communications, wireless, voice and data, managed services, server and storage infrastructure, optical network systems, and microwave radio communications.

Stop by the NEC booth (D2) to see an exclusive demonstration of PARALLEL REALITY technology from Misapplied Sciences. This innovative technology provides personalised airport experiences for each of a hundred people simultaneously sharing the same digital display. Currently, installed in the Detroit McNamara Terminal it offers immersive and interactive capabilities that are the next evolution of the Parallel Reality installations. Stop by to learn more!

Airport Dimensions

Airport Dimensions are the global leaders in airport lounges and traveller experiences. The company continuously seeks ways to open new dimensions in customer engagement – using a mix of enriching physical experiences and innovative digital services. From comfortable lounges to restful sleep pods, and convenient food ordering to contactless collection of duty free, Airport Dimensions helps improve the traveller experience while critically helping airports maximise non-aeronautical revenue opportunities, retain airlines, and become more competitive.

Already market leaders in the United States and United Kingdom, Airport Dimensions’ global network is expanding rapidly. Its locations are at the world’s leading airports across the United States, South America, Middle East, Asia Pacific and the United Kingdom, where the Club Aspire lounge at Heathrow Terminal 3 was most recently recognised in the World Travel Awards as ‘Europe’s Leading Airport Lounge’ and ‘World’s Leading Airport Lounge 2022’.

Using the latest technologies, Airport Dimensions has invested in driving revenue growth for airports and increasing traveller satisfaction with the launch of its first digital service Connecta – a one-stop e-commerce and passenger loyalty platform.

Collins Aerospace

Collins Aerospace is ‘Redefining Air Travel’ and charting the path to a healthier, easier, and more connected travel experience – now and into the future. Its Connected Aviation Solutions business is uniquely positioned to provide revolutionary digital solutions to its airline and airport customers, enabling them to bring forth their vision of a fully connected digital aviation ecosystem. Aviation Connects the World. Collins Connects Aviation.

IDEMIA

IDEMIA I&S is a leader in identity security and authentication services to governments and private companies, operating in North America. Its mission is to help people access what matters most more quickly, more safely, and more securely, in both the physical and the digital worlds. The company’s best-in-class technology delivers ‘Identity with Integrity’ and helps authenticate and secure physical and digital transactions.

IDEMIA is hosting a pop-up TSA PreCheck enrolment event at this year’s FTE Global, with no appointment needed. Look out for IDEMIA’s TSA PreCheck enrolment cart going up and down the aisles of the exhibition on 19-20 September.

3 easy steps to TSA PreCheck:

• Apply online: Submit an online application before you come to FTE Global to make your enrolment super-fast.
• Enrol at FTE Global: Find IDEMIA’s easy-to-spot TSA PreCheck enrolment cart at the FTE Global exhibition and complete the less than 10-minute enrolment, which includes capturing your fingerprints and photo for the TSA background check. Be sure to bring documentation proving your identity and citizenship
• Get your Known Traveler Number (KTN): Most travellers get their KTN in three to five days.

Learn more about IDEMIA in the Innovation & Tech Briefing focused on Security, Digital Identity & Biometrics, which takes place in the FTE Global exhibition at 10:15-11:00 on 20 September 2023. IDEMIA’s MFACE Pro offers a secure, reliable, and accurate solution for capturing facial biometrics. The CAT2 is an effective tool for airport security, providing enhanced fraudulent ID detection capabilities while confirming the identity and flight information of travellers, and is currently being utilised at approximately 120 airport locations in the U.S.

BagID

3 billion paper bag tags are printed each year and in 2022, 26 million items of luggage were lost, often because the luggage tag has been worn out or attached incorrectly. BagID was founded to solve this problem and make air travel with checked luggage more comfortable, smart and sustainable. With BagID 2, an electronic bag tag, you can check in your luggage at home and transfer the tag to your BagID 2. You can skip the check-in kiosk at the airport and travel paperless. With tracking via Apple Find My or Samsung SmartThings Find you have full control of your luggage throughout the journey.

Learn more about BagID in the Innovation & Tech Briefing focused on Baggage, which takes place in the FTE Global exhibition at 13:00-13:45 on 19 September 2023. It will present the BagID 2 – an electronic bag tag with tracking and smart notifications. With BagID 2 it is super easy to keep track of your belongings. You can travel with the security that you can find your luggage anywhere on your journey.

BagsID

Computer-vision software that creates a digital layer over existing airport infrastructure. Baggage intelligence for airports and airlines, made available through APIs. For the airlines and airports of tomorrow, baggage intelligence is a necessity. The BagsID global team works with leading airlines and airports worldwide, comparing thousands of baggage images hourly, and processing collected data.

BagsID explains that attending FTE Global “provides a platform to gain insights into emerging trends and cutting-edge technologies that will shape the future of travel. Networking opportunities allow for connections with industry leaders, fostering collaborations and partnerships to stay ahead in a rapidly-evolving landscape. This expo also enables exposure to groundbreaking innovations, fostering inspiration to enhance customer experiences, operational efficiency, and sustainability. Interactive demonstrations and presentations offer a first-hand understanding of disruptive technologies like AI, biometrics, and sustainable aviation solutions, aiding in informed decision-making”.

BagsID is a Strategic Partner of the FTE Baggage Innovation Working Group.

Boingo Wireless

Boingo Wireless, Inc. simplifies complex wireless challenges to connect people, business and things. Boingo designs, builds and manages converged, neutral host 5G and Wi-Fi networks at major airports around the world, including JFK, LAX, ORD, London Heathrow and Dubai International. Boingo’s vast footprint of distributed antenna systems (DAS), Wi-Fi, small cells and macro towers securely powers innovation and connectivity to improve the passenger experience and streamline operations.

At FTE Global, Boingo will showcase its suite of award-winning connectivity solutions for airports, including DAS, private 5G, small cells, Wi-Fi and IoT networks. Stop by to chat about real-world 5G use cases deployed at Boingo partner airports. Airport executives and stakeholders will gain a better understanding of how these technologies improve the entire passenger experience, from parking and arrival to boarding to baggage claim and beyond. Attendees can also learn how wireless connectivity solutions are driving digital transformation strategies to optimise airport operations and create smart, interconnected airports.

eSIM Go

eSIM Go is committed to revolutionising digital connectivity through its comprehensive eSIM solutions tailored to airlines, airports and travel operators, resellers, enterprises start-ups and everything in-between. With its affiliate opportunities, you can plug-in your eSIM offering to your customer touchpoints quickly and seamlessly, while meeting the increased data demands of your travellers to over 160 countries. Benefit from eSIM Go’s world-class connectivity, which delivers a host of benefits including 5G, multi-network coverage, auto-APN and fully resilient architecture managed by its experienced team of developers, telecom experts, and support.

HRS Crew & Passenger Solutions

HRS is reinventing the way businesses and governments work, stay and pay in today’s dynamic global marketplace. HRS’ advanced platform technology is extending its reach beyond hospitality to meetings, office space management, payment efficiency and crisis recovery. Beyond cost savings in the global post-pandemic economy, HRS clients gain from an unrivalled focus on essential aspects including safety, security and satisfaction. HRS is also recognised for its award-winning Green Stay Initiative, technology that helps corporate hotel programmes achieve their NetZero targets, and its groundbreaking Crew & Passengers Solution, which leverages automation to elevate experiences for air and rail operations. Founded in 1972, HRS works with 40% of the global Fortune 500, as well as the world’s leading hotel chains, regional hospitality groups and payment providers.

Learn more about HRS Crew & Passenger Solutions in the Innovation & Tech Briefing focused on Customer & Employee Empowerment, which takes place in the FTE Global exhibition at 16:00-16:30 on 19 September 2023. HRS is setting a new standard for crew and passenger experiences, delivered through one dedicated platform. Thanks to the power of one, its procure2book platform delivers time-savings and efficiency gains for all parties – for operations managers, for stranded passengers, and for crew – while enabling full data transparency and data-driven decisions.

Just Walk Out technology by Amazon

Just Walk Out technology empowers retailers to delight customers while driving operational efficiencies. With a combination of computer vision, sensor fusion, and deep learning, retailers can deliver effortless, convenient, checkout-free shopping.

Amazon One is a fast, convenient, contactless identity service that uses your palm – just hover to enter, identify, and pay.

Populous

Populous is a global design firm with colleagues spanning four continents. Working with communities of all sizes and using a range of disciplines, it creates experiences that amplify the joy felt in shared human moments.

Veovo

Veovo powers up airport performance and shapes brilliant travel experiences for over 120 airports worldwide, including Amsterdam Schiphol, New York’s JFK, Orlando International, and Sydney.

Dive into the world of cutting-edge airports that harness the power of AI to forecast anything, anywhere to reduce wait times and revolutionise passenger services. Experience the future of gate management as Machine Learning takes the spotlight, crafting stronger aircraft parking plans and driving smarter tactical choices. Explore the art of optimising aeronautical income and driving growth and sustainability with flexible charging and incentives for cleaner aircraft.

The Veovo Intelligent Airport Platform is a cloud-based solution offering AODB, Resource Management, FIDS, Revenue Management, Queue and Flow Management, Passenger Forecasting and Capacity Optimisation. Veovo is headquartered in London, UK, with its customers supported by US, New Zealand, Poland, and Denmark teams.

Veovo is excited to unveil its cutting-edge LiDAR technology at FTE Global, promising to revolutionise how airports handle their operations. LiDAR, which stands for Light Detection and Ranging, is a very accurate mapping system that can pinpoint objects with incredible precision. This technology is transforming how airports understand passenger movement, manage resources, and tackle queues. Veovo’s new LiDAR technology seamlessly integrates with its cloud-based analytics platform and other movement sensors, creating a dynamic ecosystem. With this unique hybrid approach and powered by Machine Learning, the Veovo platform delivers real-time and historical insights into queues and people movement throughout the airport and forecasts people and baggage presentation profiles at every checkpoint.

Abomis Innovations

Abomis Innovations is an IT company specialising in airport software for airlines and ground handling companies. Over the years, it has created a reliable infrastructure that solves problems in lack of resources in passenger and baggage management. This foundation continues to grow and puts software solutions at the fingertips of ground staff, administration, and crew for increased communication, increased collaboration, and efficiency for every division of your team. This includes software as a solution for departure control, weight and balance, baggage reconciliation, customer reservation system, cost management, crew records, and much more. With a keen eye for detail, the Abomis Innovations team designs, creates and develops simpler solutions for airlines around the world, using existing hardware and mobile devices to reduce training time and increase efficiency. Abomis Innovations works in the future, constantly striving to create things that will be ready when the technology becomes available. It values customer feedback and offers customisations for all customers, providing easy-to-use, need-specific software.

ADB SAFEGATE

ADB SAFEGATE provides integrated solutions to airports, airlines, and ANSPs. As a technology leader, it aims to raise airport efficiency, safety, and environmental sustainability while reducing operational costs. The company tackles operational bottlenecks, enabling clients to address current challenges while preparing for the future.

ADB SAFEGATE’s innovative Airside 4.0 solutions are designed to turn airports into smart airports, with the ultimate goal of enhancing the passenger experience. Solutions include airfield lighting, power and control systems, airport and tower software, docking automation, apron management, and aftermarket services. Additionally, the company is committed to providing customers with products that help minimise the ecological footprint of the air transport industry.

AeroCloud Systems

AeroCloud Systems is a cloud-based software provider whose mission is to become the largest supplier of operation automation software for the small to medium-sized airport market globally. Through the use of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, it offers a modular intelligent airport management platform built on leading-edge technology, accessible from anywhere and by an unlimited number of users, allowing airports to save costs and time by automating tasks that have long been done manually in airport operations.

Air’mazing DutyFreak

Create an amazing passenger experience to increase revenue, satisfaction and expand your product range. Enable any traveller to discover and explore all products and specials at every store to find their “ONE+ favourite item” at each airport to pre-order it in the right colour, size or quantity, and pre-pay to easily collect it at the departure airport on the way to the gate.

DutyFreak helps airports, stores and airlines to get more buying travellers through the digital reach of the power at DutyFreak App. Increase reach to all types – departure, transit and arrival travellers.

Airline Choice

Airline Choice is a leading provider of cutting-edge technology solutions to airlines, airports, and ground handlers around the world. Its mission is to continue to push boundaries that make lasting impressions across the industry. Forward-thinking passenger handling and airport operations are just the start. Make your passenger’s journey remarkable with the revolutionised Departure Control System by maximising sales, while stress-free check-in and boarding, automation, self-service and worry-free compliance await on the Airline Choice Platform.

Airline Choice’s departure control platform and innovative hardware solutions deliver class-leading passenger handling, self-service and compliance solutions that streamline airport operations across the world.

Airside

Airside is pleased to join FTE Global 2023 to demonstrate how the Airside Digital Identity App makes the future of travel a reality today by verifying and sharing digital identity attributes to open a new world of opportunities and experiences.

From seamless travel at bag drop, the security checkpoint, and lounge entrance to remote authentication, and more, Airside provides trust and efficiency in the use of digital identity.

With Airside, travellers are empowered to control their personal information with transparent consent protocols while travel providers can enhance their services, decrease costs, and reduce the burdens of compliance.

Airware

Airware is leading the mobile transformation in aviation, revolutionising the way airports and airlines process passengers, with a smartphone-first approach. It believes in delivering a simple and cost-effective process which delivers a seamless passenger experience. With over 30 years of experience developing and implementing disruptive self-service solutions for airports and airlines, the company’s founders are taking a fresh perspective to passenger processing, leveraging the passenger’s smartphones. Replacing multiple airline applications on CUTE, CUSS and SBD with a single airline mobile application enables quick and simple implementation, with extended capabilities for additional revenue.

Airware has been developed to replace legacy passenger processing technologies with two smartphone apps, one for the passenger and one for the agent, providing a rich set of functionalities for both. Visit the Airware stand for a demonstration of its solution, so you can experience self-service bag drop using a mobile phone.

Analogic

Analogic Corporation, headquartered in Peabody, MA, USA is a global leader in design, development, and manufacturing of advanced and cost-effective imaging and detection for security, healthcare, and other high-end industrial markets. Analogic has been an innovation leader in the field of Computed Tomography imaging for over 40 years, with over 2,000 CT systems and gantries deployed at airports worldwide through its Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) security partners. Analogic’s latest innovation is its ConneCT Computed Tomography (CT) checkpoint security screening system, which has been qualified by the U.S. TSA for deployment at U.S. airports in base, mid-size, and full-size configurations.

Aurrigo

Aurrigo is a leading international provider of transport technology solutions. It designs, engineers, manufactures and supplies autonomous vehicles, particularly focusing on aviation. Aurrigo has developed six types of autonomous vehicle to date, from baggage/cargo vehicles to public transit, which can be utilised to reduce costs, resolve operational issues and tackle labour shortages, whilst also improving sustainability.

Aurrigo’s Auto-DollyTug offers customers an all-electric tractor that is ready for autonomous operations when the customer is. It features an industry first onboard payload capacity of 1.7 tonnes and tows up to 3 standard dollies for 6.8 tonnes total payload.

Auto-SIM – create a 3D digital twin to visualise and optimise today’s airside operations. Identify improvements by altering CONOPS and explore how to improve efficiency, safety, and profits.

Learn more about Aurrigo in the Innovation & Tech Briefing focused on Robotics & Autonomous Vehicles, which takes place in the FTE Global exhibition at 12:30-13:15 on 20 September 2023.

Baggage Solutions

Baggage Solutions develops software to transform baggage repatriation for passengers, airlines, ground handlers and delivery companies. With over 20 years’ experience in the airline baggage industry, the Baggage Solutions team understands the real-world complexity of baggage repatriation, and what it takes to turn it around. Since 2009, it has built a reputation for excellence in its products, implementation and service. Baggage Solutions prides itself on being a company its customers value and recommend.

BAGTAG

With BAGTAG, airlines can offer a smarter, faster and easier travel experience. Electronic bag tags (EBT) are the paperless, digital alternative to outdated paper baggage check-in labels. Once passengers run their online check-in, they will receive an electronic version of their baggage tag that syncs with BAGTAG-supported devices.

With BAGTAG, time and touchpoints needed for check-in can be reduced significantly by enabling passengers to arrive at the airport fully prepared for their flight.

It is BAGTAG’s mission to make travelling with checked baggage more comfortable and easier than travelling with carry-on. It is not just providing airlines with the right solutions for that, it is also helping to implement them throughout.

BAGTAG is a Strategic Partner of the FTE Baggage Innovation Working Group.

beSIM

beSIM, part of Manx Telecom Group, is a leading mobile network operator with a 135-year history in telecommunications. It offers revolutionary roaming solutions globally. With agreements in over 170 countries, its network provides unparalleled coverage and connectivity. By partnering with beSIM, you and your customers can instantly connect to its extensive network of over 600 global mobile networks. The advanced API integrations and market-leading eSIM capabilities allow a seamless integration into your own-branded digital channels. No more QR codes – beSIM’s onboarding process is simple and efficient. Its multi-network coverage supports 2G to 5G, enabling data, voice, and SMS services for a truly connected experience. Choose beSIM and unlock new opportunities in connectivity.

BEUMER Group

BEUMER Group is an international leader in the manufacture of airport baggage handling systems and intralogistics systems for conveying, loading, palletising, packaging, sortation, and distribution. With 4,500 employees worldwide, BEUMER Group has annual sales of about $1.1 billion. BEUMER Group provides customers with high-quality system solutions and an extensive customer support network around the globe and across a wide range of industries, including bulk materials and piece goods, food/non-food, construction, mail order, post, and airport. BEUMER Group is a Strategic Partner of the FTE Baggage Innovation Working Group.

Blueberry Technology

Blueberry Technology Inc is a dynamic San Jose-based startup specialising in innovative, customer-centric solutions for autonomous personal mobility.

The company designs, manufactures, and delivers cutting-edge autonomous personal mobility vehicles. Its primary mission is to tackle last-mile transportation challenges while elevating customer satisfaction to new heights. Blueberry Technology’s inaugural product introduces a fleet-ready, fully-autonomous vehicle meticulously crafted for airport environments. By providing this solution, it empowers all airport users with the freedom to effortlessly navigate and fully experience the airport.

Blupura USA

Blupura, the Italian manufacturer of POU water dispensers, which uses only natural gases with zero impact on global warming. The use of cutting-edge technologies makes Blupura one of the most innovative companies in the water coolers industry. That’s why Blupura came out with an entirely new product, Unico, the first water station of great design perfect for airports, who want to give to their customers the opportunity to have free cold sparkling and still water at any time.

Brock Solutions

With over 600 employees around the globe, Brock Solutions is a global automation, operational software, and professional services company with expertise in Manufacturing, Transportation, and Utilities business sectors. Its solutions empower clients to transform their operations using real-time data to drive performance, profitability, efficiency, and excellence.

Over the past 25 years, Brock Solutions has successfully completed over $1 billion in baggage handling projects with its partners. It has built an excellent reputation for delivering complex solutions in a wide variety of high volume and high risk industrial and operational environments.

At FTE Global, Brock Solutions will be highlighting and demoing its latest SmartSuite solutions designed to enhance and streamline the passenger and baggage journey.

Brock Solutions is a Strategic Partner of the FTE Baggage Innovation Working Group.

Chargerback Lost and Found Solutions

Chargerback Lost and Found Solutions is a free, patent-protected, web-based software. Features include Full Inventory Management, A.I. Smart Matching, Single Click shipping, Mobile Application, and Disposition options.

Chargerback is the only patent-protected, cloud-based lost and found software available, and its illustrious partner-base includes more Fortune 100 and 500 companies than all other service providers can claim collectively.

Its business centres around a standard of care that its partners appreciate and have come to expect and will attest that the hands-on and personalised approach is a breath of fresh air when it comes to working with software companies. Best of all, when you ship through Chargerback it is free to your business, requires no software to be installed, and includes free training your staff can access anytime.

CIBTvisas

CIBTvisas is part of CIBT, the leading global provider of immigration and visa services for corporations and individuals. With 30 years of experience, CIBT is the primary service provider to 75% of Fortune 500 companies. CIBT offers a comprehensive suite of services under two primary brands: Newland Chase, a wholly-owned subsidiary focused on global immigration strategy and advisory services for corporations worldwide and CIBTvisas, the market leader for business and other travel visa services for corporate and individual clients.

Learn more about CIBTvisas in the Innovation & Tech Briefing focused on Self-Service Technology, which takes place in the FTE Global exhibition at 13:45-14:30 on 19 September 2023. From the complexity of navigating the visa process to planning high-profile and time-sensitive project moves, companies all over the world depend on CIBTvisas’s global expertise, robust and up-to-date data, and unrivalled experience.

Cobot Lift

Welcome to Cobot Lift, a trailblazer in collaborative baggage robot solutions. Its latest product COBRO, revolutionises baggage handling, significantly enhancing working conditions and the efficiency of baggage operators.

Cobot Lift understands the challenges baggage operators face daily, which is why COBRO is carefully designed to improve working conditions significantly. By integrating cutting-edge collaborative robots and vacuum lift technology, COBRO automates the lifting process, eliminating physical strain.

By embracing COBRO, airports embrace a culture of care for their workforce, prioritising their safety and comfort.

Cohesive

Cohesive prioritises and designs your journey and your experience. It optimises your assets and fosters collaborations with a line of sight to your business objectives and the challenges that you face. Cohesive understands the core challenges facing our industry: economic performance, carbon reduction and ageing assets, operational reliability and optimising availability. It is here to co-build solutions that operate and function as you want. As a systems integrator, the company delivers digital solutions to minimise risks, and create sustainable value, within your business and ecosystem.

Copenhagen Optimization

Copenhagen Optimization excels in improving airport operations and does it through data-driven analytics and strategic consultancy combined with innovative software solution Better Airport.

The company passionately believes that operating an airport should be simple and efficient. Better Airport connects the dots between operations, analysis, and planning for the entire airport operation.

Put simply, Better Airport will give you more confidence in the complex, operational decisions you must make, and it will enable you to make them faster.

Working with more than 50 airports globally, Copenhagen Optimization offers its unique services and technology to support airports of all sizes.

Current Components

Current Components offers specialised payment and printer solutions from a wide variety of manufacturers with various competencies. This experience makes it uniquely suited for helping its customers and providing them peace of mind knowing the company delivers optimum “best of breed” solutions. Current Components works closely with its clients and customers from early in the engineering and qualification process all the way through purchasing and managing worldwide logistics. It has built solutions to modernise old equipment, replace discontinued items and upgrade the performance of existing systems.

Custom America

Specifically, Custom America designs and manufactures a wide range of aviation printers. Its product portfolio offers robust and compact kiosk and attended solutions for boarding pass, luggage tag and ATB printing. Present in over 150 airports, the company leverages the same print-engine for kiosks and check-in counters while integrating RFID, multi-feeder and linerless printing capabilities.  Its designs reduce the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for airlines and airports alike by utilising a single hardware platform across various printing needs. Custom America also designs and manufactures a wide range of Ticketing, Printing, and Point-of-Sale solutions to meet complete airport infrastructure needs.

Daifuku Airport Technologies

For 100 years, the Daifuku Group, of which Airport Technologies is a key division, has pioneered the development of material handling solutions. Today, it is the number one material handling supplier in the world. The company delivers value to its customers through innovation and meaningful partnerships, deeply understanding their needs, while supporting day-to-day operations and planning for the future. “At Daifuku, Automation That Inspires”.

Damarel

Damarel is a leading provider of aviation IT solutions, helping airlines, airports, and ground handlers automate and optimise their business. Its solutions cover the entire passenger journey, from check-in to boarding, as well as ground handling operations.
The company’s DCS and Common Use solutions help reduce costs and improve operations. L-DCS is a rapid, cost-effective automated check-in and boarding solution. The Common Use platform is an affordable, scalable solution that helps you boost check-in and gate capacity.
Damarel’s turn management, service capture, and billing solutions help optimise ground handling operations. FiNDnet helps track and manage ground handling operation, so you can ensure that your flights are turned around on time.
For 30 years, Damarel has helped clients worldwide automate their passenger and ground handling operations. It is committed to helping its clients improve their performance while reducing costs.

dormakaba

dormakaba makes access in life smart and secure – by offering a comprehensive portfolio of innovative, secure solutions and services for various building types. In the aviation industry, the company supports airports and airlines to meet the complex challenges posed by access control and security to improve their operating efficiency. Its systematically coordinated solution range includes automated, secure solutions that meet the specific needs of all touchpoints in the passenger process. As one of the top three companies in the industry, dormakaba is the trusted partner for products, solutions and services for access to buildings and rooms from a single source.

EASE | Enterprise Awareness & Situational Exceptions

Introducing EASE: Your essential data ally for airports. Tired of ‘big box’ tools that overlook airport intricacies? So was EASE. Drawing from frontline airport digital transformations, it has built a platform consolidating complex airport data, automating its collection and visualisation. The result? Actionable insights served on an intuitive dashboard, cutting down hours of work. No more data headaches, just clarity and empowerment. With EASE, you’re not merely adopting a tool, but partnering with an expert team that deeply understands and caters to the airport world.

Collaboration is key to the EASE approach. By working closely with airport stakeholders, it ensures that the insights you see are both comprehensive and deeply relevant, streamlining decision-making processes.

EASIER

EASIER is a leading manufacturer of intelligent passenger processing equipment, serving airports, airlines, immigration, and public transportation. Its comprehensive portfolio includes e-gates, kiosks, baggage drop, exit lanes, printers, and scanners. With curb-to-gate biometrics, DCS, and common use connectivity integration, EASIER ensures seamless operations. Renowned for unmatched reliability and responsive support, its excels at tailoring products to specific needs.

Formed in 2019 through the merger of IER and Automatic Systems, EASIER combines self-service expertise with access control leadership. Impressive numbers speak for themselves, as 100 million people pass through EASIER gates daily.

eezeetags

eezeetags is the most passenger-friendly paper self-tagging bag-tags. Used at airports and by airlines around the world, 150 million passengers self-tag their bags making use of an eezeetag. By truly empowering passengers, staff shortages are overcome. eezeetags speed up the self-bag-drop process, increasing capacity. With no liners to discard, waste is reduced, as is the health and safety risk of slips, trips and falls. eezeetags are produced and distributed by the eezeetags family of companies, a unique collaboration between the world’s leading bag tag producers. Global coverage, local service.

Embross

Embross is one of the world’s leading passenger service automation providers and delivers seamless experiences to millions of passengers each year. Powering the world’s busiest airlines and airports, Embross helps its travel and service partners achieve greater service capability, efficiency, and experience by leveraging self-service and automation technology.

The company is heavily invested in the provision of passenger self-service and has been for over three decades. Embross continues to innovate and disrupt through its combination of Design > Technology > Agility > User Engagement.

Experience its range of biometric, self-service technologies, as well as airport management solutions, at FTE Global.

Learn more about Embross in the Innovation & Tech Briefing focused on Self-Service Technology, which takes place in the FTE Global exhibition at 13:45-14:30 on 19 September 2023. Embross invites you to a biometric walkthrough of its leading passenger self-service kiosks, self bag drops, and e-gates that deliver a seamless experience.

EMMA Systems

EMMA Systems helps airports and airlines make their operations efficient and predictable by optimising resource use and increasing operational transparency through its AI platform. It facilitates the implementation of collaborative stakeholder management. All stakeholders can easily adopt the solution and tailor it to their specific business requirements and operating procedures so best-in-class operational efficiency can be guaranteed.

FTE Baggage Innovation Working Group

Following the successful launch of the Baggage Innovation Working Group in 2021, FTE is introducing the expanded BIWG for 2023. The working group brings together the most innovative and progressive baggage supply chain companies, airlines and airports from across the industry to provide a unique platform for the development of new techniques, technologies and business models to deliver tangible change in the baggage sector. It is the industry’s best networking platform for those serious about baggage.

The FTE Baggage Innovation Working Group POC briefing takes place on the Future Travel Experience booth (C1) at 13:45-14:30 on 19 September 2023.

FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub

The FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub brings together the most forward-thinking airlines, airports, vendors, investors and startups in the air transport industry and provides a unique platform for them to share expertise, discover new partners, collaborate and deliver positive change. In short, the FTE Hub is the industry’s only network designed for the organisations and individuals who are at the forefront of digital transformation and innovation in aviation. Members have access to a number of exclusive benefits throughout the year, including virtual and in-person events and activities, as well as startup pitch sessions.

The FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub POC briefing takes place on the Future Travel Experience booth (C1) at 13:15-13:45 on 20 September 2023.

Gunnebo Entrance Control

Gunnebo is a major global provider of gated control solutions and passenger automation within airports. Its access control solutions provide streamlined, efficient and touchless automated security in support of One ID and single token travel, improving the passenger experience at all key security touchpoints in the terminal. Today’s airports are not just locations where passengers get on and off aircraft. Highest security standards have to be followed, cost-driven efficiency must be achieved, and the best passenger experience provided in this very competitive environment.

Hallmark Aviation Services & Lost and Found Software.com

Hallmark Aviation Services and LostandFoundSoftware.com provide the leading Lost and Found service. It is utilised by 40 airports worldwide, including SEA, DEN, DFW, LAS, LHR, FRA, AMS, MUC, BNA, and ONT. The software simplifies the reunification process by automating the handling, inventory, and disposal processes. It leverages the latest in image and text recognition AI technology.

Learn more about Hallmark Aviation Services and LostandFoundSoftware.com in the Innovation & Tech Briefing focused on Customer & Employee Empowerment, which takes place in the FTE Global exhibition at 16:00-16:30 on 19 September 2023.

ICM Hub Inc

ICM Hub provides an artificially intelligent (AI) solution to help airlines to keep up with increasing, frequent customer inquiries before, during and after the flight. ICM Hub provides automated, first-class and AI-powered customer interaction, that helps airlines reduce contact centre costs, make crew members more efficient, as well as boost ancillary revenues.

ID R&D

ID R&D is the leading provider of passive facial liveness and document liveness detection for fast, frictionless, unsupervised verification and authentication of travellers and their documents. That means detecting illegal identity misrepresentation without burdening honest travellers with cumbersome active liveness checks.

The company’s strategic focus on research allows it to discover and deliver category-defining innovations first. This translates to best-in-class accuracy, as evident from numerous awards and #1 rankings in industry challenges. It is also the provider of the only facial liveness detection independently tested and proven to be non-biased. ID R&D is a Mitek company based in New York.

Learn more about ID R&D in the Innovation & Tech Briefing focused on Security, Digital Identity & Biometrics, which takes place in the FTE Global exhibition at 10:15-11:00 on 20 September 2023. In this briefing, ID R&D will show why liveness detection is so essential to automated identity verification and how it is performed on live facial images and documents without posing added friction for travellers.

IEG Business Solutions

IEG is the leading ‘Loyalty and Lounge’ solution provider in Canada and internationally. It creates all software in-house and takes care of even the smallest details. Since the early 1990s, IEG has been developing new solutions for both the airline airport industry, customer loyalty and roadside traffic safety around the world.

At the core of IEG’s mission is the belief that the very best innovation and software solutions are built in partnership with both users and clients. As a family-run business, it is able to make long-term investments in product development to support and keep up with clients’ aspirations and other services to improve customers’ travel experience.

IEG strives to be the leading supplier of beautifully crafted B2B lounge solutions in order to empower airlines and airports to reach their greatest potential and exceed passengers’ expectations.

imageHOLDERS

imageHOLDERS is a world-class, award-winning digital kiosk manufacturer specialising in self-service airline kiosks. With existing customers such as United, Lufthansa and Swissport, imageHOLDERS can offer end-to-end airline solutions which digitally transform any airline or airport. Digital airline kiosks boast a range of benefits, from enhancing passenger experience to saving on costs by reducing queue times and increasing check-in efficiency. They also provide opportunities for upselling once passengers are in duty free, while enabling the redeployment of staff to other roles within the airport setting.

Kore.ai

Kore.ai is a global leader in enterprise conversational AI platform and solutions helping enterprises automate voice and digital interactions that deliver extraordinary experiences for their customers, contact centre agents and employees worldwide. More than 200 global 2000 companies trust Kore.ai’s experience optimisation (XO) platform and industry solutions to automate conversations and deliver extraordinary outcomes for over 200 million users worldwide. Kore.ai is recognised as an enterprise conversational AI platform market leader by top analysts. The company is headquartered in Florida USA with offices in India, the UK, Japan, South Korea, Europe, South America, and the Middle East.

Learn more about Kore.ai in the Innovation & Tech Briefing focused on Customer & Employee Empowerment, which takes place in the FTE Global exhibition at 16:00-16:30 on 19 September 2023. TravelAssist is a prebuilt self-service AI solution developed by Kore.ai and specifically tailored to the changing needs of the travel industry. This robust Large Language Model (LLM) automates and enhances customer experiences by orchestrating workflows to completely transform and improve the travel experience for both customers and employees.

Lufthansa Mixed Reality Cabin Demo

Lufthansa, Meta Reality Labs and MSM.digital will be showcasing a Mixed Reality Cabin Demo at FTE Global. 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 will hear more on how Lufthansa is leveraging the Metaverse with Mixed Reality to champion new product offerings. There will be dedicated space in the exhibition where attendees can 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.

Lufthansa Systems

Lufthansa Systems is a leading airline IT and consulting provider determined to shape the future of digital aviation. The company draws its unique strengths from its ability to combine profound industry know-how with forward-looking technological expertise.

The wholly-owned subsidiary of the Lufthansa Group offers more than 350 customers an extensive range of successful IT products and professional services, many of which are market leaders.

Its pioneering portfolio covers all of an airline’s business processes – in the flight deck, in the cabin and on the ground. As a tech company and airline consulting provider, Lufthansa Systems is committed to identifying its own environmental footprint and improving that of its airline customers.

Luggage Logistics

Luggage Logistics is a supplier of innovative baggage, passenger and ULD management IT solutions designed for airports, airlines and ground handling companies. Its extensive, cost-effective product suite helps customers to resolve their key operational challenges. Used in major hubs, as well as smaller regional airports, Luggage Logistics provides customers with complete end-to-end baggage and ULD reconciliation and management capabilities, including all key components of IATA Resolution 753.

Aviation Baggage Solutions is its core business – the team is made up of baggage specialists with many years’ experience working within airlines, airports and baggage system suppliers. The company’s approach is to be seen more as a partner rather than just a supplier. Working closely with its customers, Luggage Logistics identifies its specific challenges and supplies innovative solutions that deliver results.

May Mobility

May Mobility is making cities more beautiful and accessible by transforming mobility with autonomous vehicles. Its unique approach to autonomous vehicle technology solves the biggest problem in autonomous driving by safely handling the unexpected. The company helps organisations of all kinds solve their toughest transportation challenges with first- and last-mile on demand and circulator services. May Mobility’s autonomous vehicles offer a path to simpler operations, easier staffing and expanded service hours that meet your full spectrum of needs.

Mott MacDonald

Mott MacDonald is a $2 billion global management, engineering, and development firm. It is one of the world’s largest employee-owned companies, with 16,000 employees and over 180 offices delivering sustainable outcomes for clients in 150 countries worldwide.

Mott MacDonald’s record of delivery in the aviation industry is second to none. It has worked on some of the largest and most significant aviation projects in the world, including JFK, Heathrow, Hong Kong International, Singapore Changi, New Istanbul, and Los Angeles International, as well as for the airframers Boeing and Airbus.

MT&L

MT&L has four decades of experience providing transactional media that facilitates a smooth and reliable passenger experience. From journey enabling tickets, boarding passes and itineraries, to baggage tags for kiosk, ticket counter, or gate check, its products understated role supports the carrier’s efforts to transport passengers in the most seamless and efficient manner possible. Further support for carrier operations encompasses countless other items ranging from food service and cargo labels to RFID tags for life jackets. Beyond the journey, MT&L provides loyalty programme membership cards, retail and B2C gift cards, UATP cards, and co-branded Visa, Mastercard, or American Express cards.

Paragon ID – RFiD Discovery

Paragon ID is a global leader in identification solutions in four key activities – Smart Cities & Mass Transit, eID, Payment and Track & Trace – which includes its activities dedicated the aviation sector.

The company’s Track and Trace expertise for the aviation sector includes conventional and RFID baggage tags, as well as a multi-technology fully integrated asset tracking and geolocation platform combining hardware and software to meet clients’ diverse requirements such as trolley and ULD tracking.

Paragon ID has over 30 years’ experience in the aviation sector, providing passenger handling and operational products to airlines and other transportation companies.

Learn more about Paragon ID – RFiD Discovery in the Innovation & Tech Briefing focused on Baggage, which takes place in the FTE Global exhibition at 13:00-13:45 on 19 September 2023. Paragon ID will highlight ‘Tracking on The Tarmac’: tracking bags once they go on and off the aircraft via RFID on conveyor loading belts, as well as BLE/WIFI tags on wheelchairs and trolleys to know the location of that asset.

Pawtrip

Pawtrip will share a full product demo on how customers can add pets and service animals to their flight reservation without calling an airline. It will also do a demonstration on an AI Agent (partnered with NLX) in case someone does call the contact centre. Pawtrip is delighted to have recently launched with the new airline, BermudAir, which it looks forward to demonstrating and having at its booth.

Learn more about Pawtrip in the Startup Showcase as part of the Innovation & Tech Briefings, which takes place in the FTE Global exhibition at 15:30-16:15 on 20 September 2023.

Plan3

Plan3 is a passenger-focussed disruption management system that puts unrivalled ease of recovery in the hands of customer care teams.

Simply put, Plan3 solves every aspect of passenger disruption, automatically sourcing holistic solutions with eyes on the entire passenger journey.

Using Plan3’s Option Creator tool, airlines can easily bundle together and publish relevant options (eg, new flight, hotel, transportation, digital meal vouchers), and passengers can self-serve their way to a seamless onward journey.

PS

Launched in Los Angeles in spring 2017 as the first private terminal for commercial travel in the United States, PS is located far away from the traffic and bustle of the public terminal. It offers a back door to your commercial aircraft, private TSA and Customs clearance, luxury spaces and white-glove service before and after your flight. Incubated within the renowned security firm, Gavin de Becker & Associates, PS has since grown to serve thousands of members under the lead of Amina Belouizdad Porter as CEO. Currently open in LAX, ATL and coming soon to DFW, MIA, and more.

Regula

Regula is a global developer of forensic devices and identity verification solutions. With our 30+ years of experience in forensic research and the largest library of document templates in the world, Regula creates breakthrough technologies in document and biometric verification. Its hardware and software solutions allow over 1,000 organizations and 80 border control authorities globally to provide top-notch client service without compromising safety, security or speed. Regula was named a Representative Vendor in the Gartner report “Market Guide for Identity Proofing and Affirmation” in 2022.

Ricardo Beverly Hills

Ricardo Beverly Hills, Inc. is committed to delivering the best in luggage design and innovation in its RICARDO BEVERLY HILLS, SKYWAY LUGGAGE, STEPHANIE JOHNSON, and AMERICAN EXPLORER brands. With global distribution spanning five continents and over 40 countries, the brands are available at major department stores, specialty stores, and online retailers in the United States and worldwide.

At FTE Global, Ricardo Beverly Hills will showcase its brand-new Ricardo Flight Essentials collection of wheeled cases and soft bags designed to handle the demands of professional pilots and flight crews. Flight Essentials’ ten styles feature durability, innovation, and organisation for busy crews who demand the latest in best-in-class materials for their busy careers. There are three-wheeled cases and four soft styles in ballistic nylon Nanotex fabrics with YKK EYL zippers. All styles went through extensive testing at an independent testing facility, with superior results exceeding the competition’s baseline to withstand the rigors of constant travel.

Rohde & Schwarz USA, Inc.

Rohde & Schwarz develops, produces and markets a wide range of electronic capital goods for industry, infrastructure operators and government customers. The private family-owned company is among the technology and market leaders in all of its business fields, including wireless communications and RF test and measurement, broadcast and media, air traffic control and military radiocommunications, cybersecurity, network technology, and physical security.

In fiscal year 2020/2021, Rohde & Schwarz generated €2.28 billion in revenue. The company owes this tremendous success to its 13,000 highly qualified employees in over 70 countries.

Shabstec Limited

Shabstec specialises in providing products and services to the aviation baggage community. Its solutions process baggage from passenger pick up, check-in to aircraft hold. Shabstec’s low-cost TagForLife innovation is aimed to help reduce the use of baggage tags and provide a simplified passenger travel experience.

SITA

SITA is the air transport industry’s IT provider, delivering solutions for airlines, airports, aircraft and governments. Its technology powers more seamless, safe and sustainable air travel. With around 2,500 customers, SITA’s solutions drive operational efficiencies at more than 1,000 airports while delivering the promise of the connected aircraft to customers of 18,000 aircraft globally. SITA also provides technology solutions that help more than 70 governments strike the balance of secure borders and seamless travel.

SITA is a certified CarbonNeutral company in accordance with The CarbonNeutral Protocol. SITA is 100% owned by the industry and driven by its needs. It is one of the most internationally diverse companies, providing services in over 200 countries and territories.

SITA is a Strategic Partner of the FTE Baggage Innovation Working Group.

Sittig Technologies

Sittig Technologies believes in transforming the dynamics of airport operations. For over 25 years, the company has been synonymous with innovation and excellence, creating a legacy of trust with airports worldwide.

The heart of Sittig’s technological offerings is the groundbreaking PAXGuide system, which promises to redefine the way airports and airlines communicate with passengers.

Key features:

• Seamless automation: Whether it’s boarding calls or vital passenger communications, the PAXGuide system ensures timely, automated, and error-free announcements.
• Multilingual mastery: Addressing the diverse needs of global travellers, the system can broadcast automated messages in over 40 languages, removing communication barriers and promoting an inclusive airport environment.
• Operational excellence: Designed to simplify and enhance the operational efficiency of both airports and airlines, the PAXGuide system ensures a smoother passenger experience, streamlined processes, and reduced overheads.

Softtek

Founded in 1982 by a small group of entrepreneurs, Softtek started out in Mexico providing local IT services, and today is a global leader in next-generation digital solutions. The first company to introduce the Nearshore model, Softtek helps Global 2000 organisations build their digital capabilities constantly and seamlessly, from ideation and development to execution and evolution. Its entrepreneurial drive spans 20+ countries and more than 15,000 talented professionals.

Tech4TH Solutions

Tech4TH is an innovative technology company born out of a desire to reimagine the traveller experience using cutting-edge digital technologies. For Tech4TH, travel technology goes beyond making a positive impact on the traveller journey to actually having an “intelligent engagement” with travellers and the communities that its customers operate in. The company uses data and Artificial Intelligence to enable this kind of transformative and seamless traveller experience. Tech4TH brings more than 150 years of cumulative experience of its core team in the travel industry coupled with its own AI accelerators, frameworks and solutions, which reduces the time to build solutions for its customers.

Thales

Thales provides the trusted technologies that shape the future of air transport. Its offerings are based on three pillars: smart security, biometric passenger journey, and operations efficiency. From check-in to boarding, Thales solutions enable an unmatched travel experience for passengers, airlines, and airports – with no compromise on security.

Transportation Security Administration

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was created in the aftermath of 9/11 to oversee security in all modes of transportation and completed federalization of security operations by the end of 2002. TSA practices an intelligence-driven, risk-based approach to security, comprising multiple security methods while utilising cutting-edge technology and maintaining a flexible, highly trained workforce.

The TSA Innovation Task Force (ITF) fosters innovation by integrating key stakeholders to identify and demonstrate emerging solutions that increase security effectiveness and efficiency, improve passenger experience, and to deliver solutions that secure the freedom of movement throughout the nation’s transportation system.

TravelWifi

TravelWifi provides international data connectivity in more than 130 countries without the hassle. Its commercial and business solutions include global eSIMs, portable hotspots and routers, and ISP on a large scale. Internet is a necessity, and TravelWifi’s mission is to solve connectivity challenges for all its travelling customers. Stop by booth F5 to try eSIM for FREE and learn about your alternative data options abroad.

UCPlaces

UCPlaces offers fully-branded, customised GPS-guided tours that your passengers can take on their schedule, in their preferred language and directly from within the airline’s mobile app. When your airline offers unforgettable touring experiences at their destination, customers are sure to return for more.

With UCPlaces, you can differentiate your airline from the competition by offering value which exceeds your customers’ expectations and takes their experience with you well beyond the airplane and airport. Expand your loyalty programmes and generate more revenue while building long-lasting relationships with your valuable customers.

Offering exceptional touring experiences to your customers keeps them coming back to your airline’s app and website. It’s the easiest way to make your customers excited about your airline from the time they touch down until the time they take off.

Learn more about UCPlaces in the Startup Showcase as part of the Innovation & Tech Briefings, which takes place in the FTE Global exhibition at 15:30-16:15 on 20 September 2023. By 2030, most travellers in the world will be taking guided tours using their phone, with UCPlaces you can sell GPS-guided tours to travellers at the right place, at the right time and for the right price. With UCPlaces, customers use your mobile app to take tours of their destination, in their preferred language and on their schedule.

Upstream Works Software

Upstream Works provides enterprise-ready omnichannel contact centre desktop solutions that simplify and improve the agent and customer experience. Its flexible, agent-first desktop solutions support digital transformation and innovation in the travel industry. They enable travel contact centres to enhance agent productivity, personalise interactions with powerful integrations, deliver specialised travel services like video engagements, gain insights with real-time reporting, and operationalise Artificial Intelligence (AI) for enhanced performance, while leveraging existing systems and investments.

The company works with the world’s largest airlines and organisations around the world to help accelerate innovation, optimise efficiency, exceed traveller expectations, and create long-term business value.

Vaask

Vaask’s touchless hand-sanitising fixture provides a superior performance engineered for no drips and no mess. Constructed of cast aluminium, the U.S.-manufactured fixture comes with a five-year warranty. Vaask can be customised to complement the design of any space, and the two-litre cartridge is refillable with any alcohol-based gel. It uses less energy than a nightlight via AC power or Power-over-Ethernet (no batteries to replace).

Learn more about Vaask in the Startup Showcase as part of the Innovation & Tech Briefings, which takes place in the FTE Global exhibition at 15:30-16:15 on 20 September 2023. Join a discussion about how to create healthier spaces with the CEO of hand hygiene company Vaask, which designed a touchless hand sanitizing dispenser that features an online dashboard and app that automatically alert staff when it’s time to refill, ensuring each unit always stays filled. This exclusive technology solves the most common problem with hand sanitizer, as a study this year in the American Journal of Infection Control found 77% of people report dispensers to be empty.

Veridos America

Veridos is a global provider of integrated identity solutions. Governments and public authorities in more than 100 countries trust the company’s uniquely comprehensive product portfolio. The company creates end-to-end solutions and services perfectly tailored to meet every government identity need. These range from paper to security printing, electrical chip components, enrolment, identity management systems, personalisation and issuance, mobile ID solutions, and border control solutions including eGates. Governments can acquire best-in-class passports, ID cards, driver’s licenses, and more, or even the facilities to manufacture their own.

VidTroniX Printers

In addition to being a leading manufacturer and supplier of boarding pass and baggage tag printers for the aviation and travel industry, VidTroniX offers a full line of check-in and security related products. Since 1999, VidTroniX has installed over 100,000 ATP and MAP printers and recently expanded its global presence in the marketplace with major installations in the Middle East – portable check-in stations, incorporation of its printers into large-scale kiosk projects, and RFID baggage tag printers. The new VidTroniX ATP6 printer offers both wireless and Bluetooth connectivity along with 10 print speeds. The embedded Linux operating system facilitates ATP6 remote management and integration into a user’s custom application.

Vision-Box

Vision-Box is a multinational company with a presence on five continents and over 7,000 digital identity solutions used by more than 700 million citizens every year. The company is a world leader in biometrics seamless travel, automated border management and electronic identity management solutions. Vision-Box’s technology is present in more than 100 travel hubs worldwide. Responsible for the most relevant advances in the use of biometrics, Vision-Box solutions streamline the passenger experience and improve the efficiency of public services to ensure safety, security, and performance.

Headquartered in Portugal, the company has 12 offices around the world, including Australia, Brazil, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, the United States, and India.

Learn more about Vision-Box in the Innovation & Tech Briefing focused on Security, Digital Identity & Biometrics, which takes place in the FTE Global exhibition at 10:15-11:00 on 20 September 2023. Visitors at Vision-Box’s stand at FTE Global can expect a connected journey from home to destination, where they can seamlessly flow through their journey with just a glimpse. Attendees will witness first-hand how the company’s seamless technology enhances the passenger experience, strengthens security measures, and enables airports to operate more efficiently.

Vriba

Vriba has established a robust team encompassing a diverse range of talents, including technical expertise, project management proficiency, verification and validation competence, compliance knowledge, and adeptness in business documentation. Moreover, its team members have garnered extensive experience from their roles within prominent global commercial airlines.

Vriba’s accomplishments include the successful implementation of project portfolio tools and the establishment of effective governance frameworks, which ensure transparency at the C-Suite level regarding portfolio status, associated risks, and issues. This approach has led to enhanced IT resource utilisation and cost optimisation for its organisation.

Learn more about Vriba in the Startup Showcase as part of the Innovation & Tech Briefings, which takes place in the FTE Global exhibition at 15:30-16:15 on 20 September 2023. In the realm of product mapping, Vriba proudly stands as a pioneer, having executed various Platform as a Service (PaaS) solutions for the ‘under the wings’ domain of IT, specifically in commercial analysis. Its involvement spanned across business mapping, testing services, and end-to-end governance.

WHILL

WHILL connects the world with short-distance mobility products and services. Along with designing and selling short-distance mobility vehicles, WHILL provides Mobility-as-a-Service solutions, offering autonomous and manual transportation services that make public spaces more accessible. WHILL now offers products and services in over 20 countries and regions globally.

Learn more about WHILL in the Innovation & Tech Briefing focused on Robotics & Autonomous Vehicles, which takes place in the FTE Global exhibition at 12:30-13:15 on 20 September 2023. The WHILL Autonomous service allows passengers to be transported to their boarding gate using an autonomous mobility device and a simple touch panel. Users select their destination on a touch screen and the WHILL device does everything else. In some airports, the system is set up to allow passengers to make additional stops at predetermined locations such as restrooms, shops, and restaurants. WHILL North America is in talks with several airports and airlines and will have this device available for demo at FTE Global.

Zartico

Zartico powers the possibilities of place. Makers of the first Destination Operating System, Zartico harnesses and streamlines big data, science, AI, and technology to provide unprecedented visibility into the movement of people and economic opportunities.

Zebra Technologies

Zebra Technologies helps organizations monitor, anticipate, and accelerate workflows by empowering their frontline and ensuring that everyone and everything is visible, connected and fully optimised. Its award-winning portfolio spans software to innovations in robotics, machine vision, automation and digital decisioning, all backed by a +50-year legacy in scanning, track-and-trace and mobile computing solutions. With an ecosystem of 10,000 partners across more than 100 countries, Zebra’s customers include over 80% of the Fortune 500.

ZestIoT Technologies

ZestIoT Technologies is 6+ years old company with a focus on IoT, camera AI-based end-to-end solutions for multiple industries including aviation (airports, airlines, ground handlers, fuellers, caterers), oil & gas, steel industry, and ports sector. ZestIoT has delivered end-to-end automation solutions for airports, airlines and ground handlers to enable real-time tracking of aircraft, vehicles (ground assets), dollies and containers carrying cargo, enabling the visibility of flight turnaround operations. As a result, aviation customers have observed significant improvement in operational efficiencies, improvement in productivity like additional flights per parking stand and operational cost savings in day-today operations.

Article originally published here:
FTE Global 2023 exhibitor & sponsor preview – innovative solutions to help airports and airlines enhance end-to-end customer experiences at the “CES of Aviation”

The following article was published by Future Travel Experience

Alaska Airlines’ new Mobile Verify programme, powered by Airside, enables travellers to verify their passport from home, creating “a seamless airport experience for guests travelling internationally”.

Alaska Airlines’ new Mobile Verify programme, powered by Airside, enables travellers to verify their passport from home. With just a couple quick photos, you can securely verify your passport before arriving at the airport.

Every traveller leaving or entering the United States is required to have their passport verified by their airline. Guests travelling internationally on Alaska flights and using U.S. or Canadian passports have the option to use the new Mobile Verify programme. This means no longer needing to wait in line in the lobby or at the gate to have a customer service agent check your documents – you can take care of this step safely and securely from the comfort of your home ahead of time.

Alaska Airlines is transforming the airport experience and reimagining how guests get from the lobby to the boarding door – and the use of biometric identities is at the centre of this vision. Eventually, guests will be able to flow through every airport touchpoint without having to take out identification documents, simply by controlling their digital identity on their smart phone.

The Mobile Verify platform, powered by Airside, an Onfido company, is just the latest tool the airline is implementing to build this vision where everyone has access to self-service tools that lets them fly through the lobby and get to their flight faster.

“We’re reimagining the entire guest experience at our airports with the goal of getting you through the lobby in 5 minutes or less,” said Charu Jain, Senior Vice President of Innovation and Merchandising, Alaska Airlines. “We’re investing in technology that takes processes traditionally only available at an airport and makes them possible from your smartphone. This new Mobile Verify technology creates a seamless airport experience for guests travelling internationally – eliminating the uncertainty that comes with having to wait in airport lines.”

The safety and security of travellers and their information is Alaska Airlines’ highest priority. It selected a solution that allows guests to completely control the access to their information – everything lives on your smart phone, and you decide when and where it’s shared.

Adam Tsao, General Manager for Airside at Onfido, commented: “Alaska has highly loyal guests thanks to the quality of their service and their commitment to consumer privacy. We’re proud Airside is helping deliver on this commitment and empower all those who travel on Alaska Airlines with fast, private, and easy airport experiences by putting digital identities in the hands of their flyers.”

Article originally published here:
Alaska Airlines’ new Mobile Verify programme powered by Airside enables travellers to verify their passport from home

The following article was published by Future Travel Experience

In this thought-leadership article, Stephanie Czaplicki, Vice President of Account Management, Boingo Wireless, explains how the next generation of airport wireless is improving the passenger experience.

By Stephanie Czaplicki, Vice President of Account Management, Boingo Wireless

The next generation of airport wireless is here, improving the passenger experience and accelerating innovation. From biometric ticketing to digital signage, security cameras, mobile concessions and more, airports are undergoing monumental change.

To keep up with passenger demands and operational efficiencies, private 5G has emerged as a go-to solution for airport IT teams. Airports must provide reliable, secure and fast connectivity for passengers and staff. Private 5G, leveraging CBRS spectrum, rises to the challenge. Providing extensive bandwidth and increased latency – working alongside existing public cellular distributed antenna systems (DAS) and Wi-Fi – private 5G enables secure on-premise data management and uninterrupted coverage for critical operations.

While Wi-Fi has solidified its rightful place in an airport’s network infrastructure, Wi-Fi alone can no longer handle the multifaceted demands of passenger mobile traffic and myriad connected IoT devices. And, when it comes to connected devices for critical airport operations such as biometric checkpoints and advanced cameras, security is a chief concern.

Private 5G networks complement existing public Wi-Fi networks, providing the added security and bandwidth needed. The 3.5 GHz Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) shared spectrum plays an essential role in unlocking the full potential of private wireless. Utilizing the shared spectrum, airports can quickly and cost-effectively isolate mission-critical connectivity solutions, keeping public networks separate from private ones. Private CBRS networks are flexible, scalable and fully optimizable for unique demands. Furthermore, the favorable mid-band spectrum can be more cost-effective than traditional licensed LTE.

With the right technology, 5G can bring an environment to life. Take, for example, the state-of-the-art converged network Boingo designed and deployed at Newark Liberty International Airport’s new Terminal A, featuring Wi-Fi 6, cellular DAS, and private LTE over CBRS. The Boingo Private Network supports daily activity on the airport apron, including airside and outdoor areas where aircraft are parked, loaded and unloaded, refueled, boarded and maintained. This network solution provides a cost-effective deployment for outdoor connectivity in a tough to access area requiring extensive bandwidth for connected devices.

Private networks are much-talked about today by airport IT teams nationwide. They are also a network solution with a history of proven success. Boingo Wireless launched the first CBRS airport private network at Dallas Love Field in 2018. Since then, private 5G and LTE networks have been successfully launched by Boingo at several large venues including: Petco Park, home to the MLB San Diego Padres, to power outdoor mobile point-of-sale transactions; Chicago O’Hare Airport for touchless wayfinding; and, the United States Naval Air Station Whidbey Island where a private 5G network is supporting Department of Defense base operations and mission-critical naval functions.

An airport’s 5G network should be designed to offer fast, reliable, and secure connectivity to passengers and airport staff, while also being flexible, scalable, and able to integrate with existing systems. While these requirements may sound lofty and difficult to achieve simultaneously, CBRS private networks check all the boxes and make airport digital transformation possible. Learn how private 5G and CBRS can benefit your airport by visiting boingo.com.

Boingo Wireless is a Gold Sponsor of FTE Global, hosted by Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) and taking place in LA on 19-21 September 2023.

Article originally published here:
Airport 5G Update: Leveraging CBRS for Smart Operations

The following article was published by Future Travel Experience

In this thought-leadership article, T-Mobile for Business shares a few ways aviation staff can use mobile networks and devices to make work easier and more efficient, including EFBs, PEDs and more.

Now more than ever, it’s important for airline operators to take full advantage of the wireless connectivity options available to them. When developing aircraft, the leading OEMs prioritize including a robust array of connectivity features. Meanwhile, mobile network providers have been partnering with airports worldwide to further build on this vision of connectivity – where the majority of airports are now serviced by strong and reliable mobile networks, in addition to Wi-Fi. Broad mobility empowers ground crews and flight crews alike, allowing companies to operate more efficiently while also better serving the needs of employees and customers.

Here are a few ways aviation staff can use mobile networks and devices to make work easier and more efficient.

Pilots – using mobile networks for Electronic Flight Bags (EFB)

The emergence of Electronic Flight Bags (EFBs) has opened a whole new world for pilots. As EFB functionality continues to evolve, these devices increasingly rely on cellular connectivity to deliver up-to-the-minute data. Over a secure and reliable network, EFBs not only help to ensure pilots have up-to-the-minute data, but they also eliminate the need for bulky paper binders – literally lightening the load for your employees.

And it’s more than just a better experience. American Airlines estimates that EFBs save them 400,000 pounds of jet fuel every year. The impact is clear. EFBs cut costs and increase efficiencies, and therefore should be adopted by all in the aviation industry, large and small carriers alike.

Ground crews – using preventative maintenance to avoid long ground delays

“Aircraft on Ground” (AOG) time is a crucial factor to any carrier’s bottom line. It’s important to maximize the amount of time an aircraft is serving customers, and effectively using IoT data can help ensure no aircraft is grounded for long. New aircraft sensors can now collect more data on various plane subsystems, enabling carriers to improve their maintenance crews’ situational awareness via mobile devices to proactively determine maintenance needs.

These sensors automatically detect and report faults to maintenance teams on the ground, reducing the need for flight crews to manually report issues to them. Real-time data is collected and analyzed, and if any part of the plane is performing poorly while in flight, ground staff mechanics can receive the news and arrive with the necessary replacement parts as the plane taxis to the gate. For this reason, aircraft manufacturers are continually increasing the number of components and systems that can connect to a wireless network.

When it comes to wireless network options, Wi-Fi coverage is rarely consistent and reliable across an entire airport – especially in obstructed spaces like under the wing or in more remote outdoor areas. Cellular networks, on the other hand, can provide enhanced connectivity from aircraft to ground crews, everywhere you operate.

Gate agents – assisting passengers with mobile devices in-hand

Gate agents have a great number of responsibilities, such as ensuring security procedures are followed and communicating with the cabin crew and pilots. Leveraging mobile technology enables them to do all these things more efficiently and effectively. For example, mobile connectivity empowers agents to assist customers with boarding aircraft more quickly. By using mobile devices connected to mobile networks, your gate agents can be more agile in how they address diverse customer needs and security procedures.

Flight attendants – receiving information via Personal Electronic Devices (PEDs)

Personal Electronic Devices (PEDs) continue to make life easier for flight attendants, helping enable connected experiences for flights crews whether in flight, traveling, or at home.

On the plane, flight attendants depend on PEDs to deliver a personalized and efficient experience to every customer. Flight attendants use their connected devices to share up-to-date flight information with passengers in real time.

PEDs can make compliance easier as well. For instance, flight attendant manuals are required to be updated regularly, per the Federal Aviation Administration. In an analog world, company-wide changes generate the need to print new pages, remove or replace old pages, or make wholesale changes to the manuals. This complexity can mean tedious and error-prone updates for each revision, especially when distributing multiple hard copies. These changes can instead be made once digitally and transferred to wireless network-connected PEDs, helping to improve not only compliance, but also productivity.

After landing, the “Personal” in PED comes to the fore, as flight attendants head to their homes or hotels, where they’re increasingly free to unwind by streaming movies, TV, and music through unlimited data perks, or to simply call and text with friends and family – from wherever they are in the world that night.

Whether at home, aboard an aircraft, or waiting on the apron, a reliable network connection is key to effective PED devices. Without service they can count on, PEDs are significantly less powerful. In the air, where partnerships provide network coverage with In-Flight Connection or other satellite internet providers, connectivity is essential. On the ground, where PEDs allow flight crews to track their time and their flight schedules, the devices are dependent on notoriously spotty Wi-Fi or inconsistent international coverage. Lapses in connectivity can mean the difference between devoting time to meeting customer needs or to troubleshooting a bad connection. A strong cellular network, on the other hand, connects your employees where they are. To keep your flight attendants as connected as possible, it is essential to have access to a reliable and strong network.

Delivering a connected employee experience

Whether working to recruit or retain new employees, demonstrating a focus on a streamlined mobile experience is an opportunity to stand out in the crowd.

Opportunities to improve the employee experience abound, whether through expanding and enhancing your EFB program, equipping your airport crew with more dynamic equipment, or unlocking productivity across the world with flexible and affordable cellular service. And, as if improving your staff’s experience wasn’t enough, enhanced mobility also makes business sense. Over 60 percent of enterprise leaders with a defined mobility investment strategy see positive ROI within 12 months.

T-Mobile for Business has been partnering with the aviation industry for years, leading us not only to grow our expertise, but also to prioritize investments in network coverage at airports large and small, helping to ensure your team is connected.

t-mobile.com/business/aviation-connectivity

T-Mobile for Business is a Platinum Sponsor of FTE Global, hosted by Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) and taking place in LA on 19-21 September 2023.

Article originally published here:
Making connections: Mobility sets your aviation operations apart

The following article was published by Future Travel Experience

British Airways has announced a partnership with Alzheimer’s Society, including bespoke dementia training for customer-facing staff. This is part of BA’s “commitment to make travel accessible for everyone”.

British Airways has announced a new three-year partnership with Alzheimer’s Society, a charity that works with people living with and affected by dementia.

In addition to raising vital funds that will support life-changing services and ground-breaking research for people with dementia, the new partnership will also see the airline working closely with Alzheimer’s Society on a number of initiatives. These include bespoke customer service dementia training for customer-facing colleagues and the uptake of Dementia Friends across the organisation, an initiative that will help British Airways colleagues learn how to better support customers, family and friends affected by the condition. As the partnership progresses, British Airways will also review and implement changes internally to work towards making the airline even more dementia-aware.

“I’m delighted to announce this partnership between British Airways and Alzheimer’s Society,” said Sean Doyle, Chairman and CEO, British Airways. “This is a subject very close to my heart and many of us have experienced a loved one living with dementia and know the added anxiety that travel can bring. Through this partnership, we continue our commitment to make travel accessible for everyone while raising awareness and funds for the vital work this fantastic charity does.”

More than half a million customers who require additional assistance fly with British Airways each year, and the airline is working hard to ensure people affected by dementia feel more confident when they travel.

“The urgency to meet the challenge posed by dementia is greater than ever and we are delighted to be working with British Airways to help improve the travel experience for people affected by the condition,” said Kate Lee, CEO, Alzheimer’s Society. “We’re looking forward to being part of the journey.”

Article originally published here:
British Airways announces partnership with Alzheimer’s Society to support customers travelling with dementia

The following article was published by Future Travel Experience

Los Angeles World Airports – host of FTE Global (LA, 19-21 September 2023) – and Delta have celebrated the opening of the $2.3 billion Delta Sky Way project at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) – host of FTE Global (LA, 19-21 September 2023) – and Delta have celebrated the opening of the Delta Sky Way project at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The project represents a joint $2.3 billion investment of both LAWA and Delta funding to modernise one of the airline’s key global hubs.

Opening ahead of schedule and on budget, the final section of the project – a new enclosed passageway that creates a direct post-security connection between the upper floors of Terminal 3 and Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) – will eliminate the need for bussing between Terminals 2, 3 and TBIT, “greatly enhancing travellers’ satisfaction”.

“As with all our transformation projects, we are not only creating exceptional guest experiences but generating economic and growth opportunities for residents of LAX’s surrounding community,” said Karim Webb, President, Board of Airport Commissioners. “The Delta Sky Way project had a strong and impactful representation from the local workforce with more than 2,000 workers – or 30% of the project team – coming from local communities. I am inspired by the accomplishments of these workers, our LAWA team and partners who helped to make this project a success on budget and ahead of schedule.”

With the post-security Terminal 3 and TBIT passageway open, ticketed passengers and airport employees are able to journey from Terminal 1 to Terminal 8, post-security inside the airport. This highly beneficial update to LAX’s airside infrastructure provides new, unimpeded access to connecting flights.

“Having just celebrated the opening of LAX’s Terminal 3 West Headhouse and already hearing an incredible amount of positive feedback on that aspect of the project, I know we can expect similar praise on the new Terminal 3 and Tom Bradley International Terminal post-security connector,” said Justin Erbacci, Chief Executive Officer, LAWA. “This new passageway will significantly enhance the travel experience for millions of international and domestic guests. LAWA is thankful to its amazing partners Delta and Hensel Phelps and the entire LAWA team who rose to the occasion to deliver the Delta Sky Way project.”

Article originally published here:
Delta Sky Way project opens at Los Angeles International Airport “creating exceptional guest experiences”

The following article was published by Future Travel Experience

Austin-Bergstrom Airport (AUS) has started its West Gate Expansion project, which is one of the near-term ‘Journey With AUS’ developments to “modernise and improve the AUS experience for everyone”.

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) has started its West Gate Expansion project, which is one of the near-term ‘Journey With AUS’ developments.

“This is just the start of a series of transformative airport projects that will modernise and improve the AUS experience for everyone,” said Mayor Kirk Watson. “We know more is needed, and more is coming to make travel comfortable, exciting and easy. The ‘Journey With AUS’ will bring unique changes to the traveller experience as we navigate turning this 24/7 facility into an active construction site. The flurry of construction activities mixed with passengers and airport operations will be a big change for our community as we make progress on this project and other expansion projects, like a new concourse, but it will be worth it to have a home airport every Austinite can be proud of.”

The West Gate Expansion project will increase terminal space beyond its current gates 33 and 34 totalling an additional 84,500 gross square feet over three levels of apron, concourse and mezzanine space. The expansion will add amenities that children, families, and travellers of all ages will enjoy such as new food and retail spaces, public art through the ‘City of Austin Arts in Public Places Program’, more seating areas, the largest restrooms in the terminal, quiet places for relaxation and private rooms for nursing or pumping, and a third-level outdoor public patio with views of the city skyline. The project will construct three new gates that will eventually offset the closure of existing gates during future construction activities.

“This project will deliver much-needed relief for our travellers and our airport,” said Somer Shindler, Chief Development Officer, AUS. “This is just the beginning of our journey to invest billions of dollars into our airport over the next decade to serve the needs of travellers and airline partners today and in generations to come, all while driving economic prosperity for our community.”

Article originally published here:
Austin-Bergstrom Airport begins West Gate Expansion project to “modernise and improve the AUS experience for everyone”