A highlight of the APEX/IFSA Global EXPO was the presentation of the 2024 APEX CEO Lifetime Achievement Award to His Excellency Akbar Al Baker, Group CEO of Qatar Airways.
The recent APEX/IFSA Global EXPO, co-located with FTE at the Long Beach Convention Center in California, has set records with more than 3,000 attendees, nearly 100 airline representatives, and nearly 250 exhibitors. This three-day event showcased the latest technologies, products, and services related to the passenger experience in the aviation industry. Attendees had the opportunity to explore advanced connectivity solutions, new in-flight entertainment systems, a diverse range of airline food and beverage options, sustainability-focused amenity kits, biometrics, airport robotics, and much more.
During the event, the APEX/IFSA Awards Ceremony recognized airlines and suppliers for their exceptional efforts in enhancing the passenger experience. Categories included:
World Class Rating: Eight airlines were honored for achieving international standards of safety, well-being, sustainability, service, and inclusiveness.
APEX Four Star Airline Awards and APEX Five Star Airline Awards: These airlines were recognized based on passenger feedback, making it the only rating program solely determined by verified and certified passenger experiences.
APEX/IFSA Awards: Airlines and suppliers implementing new programs and services this year were celebrated.
Dr. Joe Leader, Group CEO, APEX/IFSA/FTE said, “We are thrilled to have hosted our biggest EXPO ever. This truly speaks to the deep commitment of the entire aviation industry and their ongoing efforts to continue elevating the passenger experience. Our event exclusively unites the industry as a relentless force and community as we look forward to future innovations, thought leadership progress, and overall end-to-end passenger experience advancements.”
A special highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of the 2024 APEX CEO Lifetime Achievement Award to His Excellency Akbar Al Baker, Group Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Airways. He received this prestigious award for his visionary leadership, setting industry benchmarks, inspiring global trends, and his dedication to enhancing the passenger experience.
The final day featured a Thought Leadership Conference with prominent aviation leaders discussing various topics:
· Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer His Excellency Akbar Al Baker shared insights into his management style, the airline’s approach to the pandemic, sustainability efforts, and industry challenges.
· EL AL CEO Dina Ben Tal Ganancia discussed EL AL’s expanding route network, partnerships, and her experiences as a female CEO in the aviation industry.
· Spirit Airlines President & CEO Ted Christie addressed the JetBlue merger, the importance of technology for the passenger experience, and air traffic control challenges.
· SAUDIA CEO, Captain Ibrahim Koshy, detailed SAUDIA’s post-pandemic recovery, sustainability initiatives, environmental impact reduction, and introduced innovations and products.
· Fiji Airways Managing Director and CEO Andre Viljoen discussed strategies for overcoming challenges, leadership and organizational culture changes during the pandemic, and his personal leadership philosophy.
Read More Stories…CDB Aviation handovers three A321neo jets on lease to KLM
Additionally, the APEX/IFSA Board of Governors, consisting of airline executives, met to discuss industry priorities, providing strategic guidance for both associations. Breakout sessions covered topics such as connectivity, customer experience, and content. The record-breaking APEX/IFSA Global EXPO 2023 highlighted the aviation industry’s commitment to advancing the passenger experience through innovation, collaboration, and excellence.
