The world’s most pioneering airlines and airports 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 2024 Awards ceremony, which took place on 29 October in Los Angeles. The outstanding achievements among our FTE Americas Digital Transformation Power List nominees were also recognised during the evening. The awards ceremony took place during the FTE Global 2024 Networking Party at Hotel Maya, with the industry-leading FTE Global Pioneer Awards ceremony sponsored by Assaia.
During the ceremony, Daniel Coleman, Founder & CEO, Future Travel Experience, took the opportunity to announce that FTE Global 2025 will take place on 9-11 September at the Long Beach Convention Center in California.
FTE GLOBAL AIRLINE PIONEER AWARDS
International Airlines Group
International Airlines Group (IAG), whose member airlines include British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus, Vueling and LEVEL, was recognised for its impressive transformation journey – not only of its own operations, but also how our industry operates. It is collaborating with partners on trials covering robotics and automation, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning, and much more across the ramp, lounges and accessibility. IAG – a Corporate Partner of the FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub and a Partner of the FTE Baggage Innovation Working Group – has a vision to enable a fully automated airport experience. This vision sees customers empowered via their mobile device to create a seamless experience, as well as fully automated below-wing operations utilising automation & robotics. The overarching technology underpinning IAG’s innovation activities is AI and its efforts in this space are undoubtedly among the most impressive FTE has seen.
IAG is also a launch partner for FTE’s new Smart Ramp program, further highlighting its pioneering spirit. Smart Ramp is the latest initiative as part of the groundbreaking FTE Accelerating Collaboration & Engagement (ACE) platform. The focus on Smart Ramp operations has the ultimate goal that aircraft turnaround can be achieved autonomously and more efficiently.
Turkish Airlines
Turkish Airlines – a Corporate Partner of the FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub and a Partner of the FTE Baggage Innovation Working Group – aims to rank among the top 3 global airlines for digital passenger experience by 2033 and was recognised for a pioneering strategy, driven together with Turkish Technology – the airline’s innovation hub. This includes fintech, Artificial Intelligence (AI), biometrics, and an all-encompassing digital experience for passengers. A key focus on this journey for Turkish Airlines is building resilience into its 24/7 operation to support the growth and transformation of the airline, as well as its low-cost carrier AJet, with a different tech approach being taken for the new airline brand. Turkish Airlines’ digital strategy is exemplified by the recent launch of TK Wallet, a feature within the airline’s app and website that simplifies payment and refund processes for Miles&Smiles loyalty members.
Turkish Technology, the airline’s IT subsidiary, is crucial in its digital transformation. The focus is on providing advanced IT services, leading research and development in AI, analytics, fintech, and cybersecurity with a truly collaborative approach. This is demonstrated by the recent joint development of an advanced Air Cargo Revenue Management System with ICRON and Invent.
United Airlines
United Airlines – a Corporate Partner of the FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub – was recognised for its commitment to relentlessly championing innovation and technology to deliver a best-in-class customer experience. The airline recently signed the industry’s largest agreement of its kind with SpaceX to bring Starlink’s fast, reliable WiFi service to its mainline and regional aircraft fleet, for free. The new, gate-to-gate connectivity will unlock game-changing experiences at scale, such as access to live TV and streaming services, social media, shopping, gaming and more, on seatback screens and personal devices simultaneously.
Migration to the cloud, in partnership with Amazon Web Services, is supporting innovation using Machine Learning and Internet of Things (IoT) capabilities. Recently, as part of efforts to communicate with customers in real-time, United started using Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to send travellers information about their trip – the teams now use Generative AI tools to assist in giving travellers real-time updates during flight delays.
Meanwhile, United is exploring robotics solutions that have the potential to transform the way bags are moved in the airline industry, and is also embracing Urban Air Mobility.
FTE GLOBAL AIRPORT PIONEER AWARDS
Fraport
Fraport – an Airport Lab Network Partner of the FTE Baggage Innovation Working Group – was recognised for positioning itself at the forefront of digital transformation via the AI@FRA initiative. The airport operator is utilising Artificial Intelligence (AI) to make processes more efficient and redesign work environments. The overarching goal is to make Fraport fit for the future, while increasing the satisfaction of airlines and passengers and innovatively supporting employees. AI@FRA is organised in various core areas, each dedicated to strengthening the group’s digital competencies.
As a fundamental component of the ‘Fraport.2030’ strategy, AI@FRA demonstrates the group’s commitment to ensuring world-class performance in terms of operational efficiency and customer experience. This initiative is driving innovative solutions by focusing on AI and integrating it worldwide in Fraport’s multifaceted processes. In this way, the group is paving the way for intelligently networked airport operations in the future.
Fraport is also notable 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 by simply scanning their face.
Schiphol Group
Schiphol Group – a Corporate Partner of the FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub and an Airport Lab Network Partner of the FTE Baggage Innovation Working Group – was recognised for its pioneering approach to robotics and automation. Schiphol is a driving force behind the groundbreaking BOOST initiative designed to transform the future of baggage handling through robotics and automation, which has been developed in partnership with Future Travel Experience via the Baggage Innovation Working Group. Each airport partner in BOOST will tackle a specific technical challenge in automating the baggage process – Schiphol is investigating the most effective automated loading solutions. The airport is currently operating six cobots to load carts and is working on enhancing this technology. While further developing the current loading solution, it is also introducing the ‘Eltonomous’ as an alternative robotic loading solution for comparison.
Schiphol Group has laid out a future-looking vision to create fully autonomous airside operations by 2050. 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. Meanwhile, after a successful trial period, Schiphol is continuing to test autonomous mobility vehicles.
Pittsburgh International Airport
Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) – located in the ‘Robotics Capital of the World’ – is a pioneer in the robotics and automation space. PIT – a Corporate Partner of the FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub – has completed several trials of various autonomous and autonomy-enabling technologies over the past two years. These trials have been confined to the terminal, parking lots, and other passenger-facing areas and it is now moving towards testing autonomous technologies on the airfield, prioritising below-wing functions and support. The airport is also actively pursuing trials of ecosystems of autonomous technologies working together. While functional technologies that do one thing really well are relatively prevalent, PIT is exploring integrating these technologies to work together in a controlled environment.
As part of its collaborative approach to innovation, PIT last year launched a partnership with International Airlines Group (IAG) to explore exciting new solutions with the robotics and tech community. This has already seen them deploy Synaptic Aviation’s computer vision, opening up a wealth of new data. The cutting-edge technology uses Artificial Intelligence models for computer vision to monitor ramp operations via cameras stationed at a gate.
It was also announced at FTE Global that Pittsburgh International Airport will host the FTE World Innovation Summit on 13-15 May 2025. Learn more about the FTE World Innovation Summit in this message from Christina Cassotis, Chief Executive Officer, Pittsburgh International Airport.
FTE Americas Digital Transformation Power List nominees recognised
The outstanding achievements among our FTE Americas Digital Transformation Power List nominees were also recognised during the awards ceremony. The Americas edition champions the most transformative change enablers within the airline and airport industry in the Americas for their outstanding efforts to lead how their organisation has embraced digital innovation. In 2024, FTE is more committed than ever to supporting digital transformation efforts in the industry through the FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub, which is a truly unique community designed specifically for the individuals and organisations who are at the forefront of digital transformation and innovation in aviation. The FTE Hub is focusing on three key themes this year – Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics, and Internet of Things (IoT) – and in alignment with that, the Power List recognises those that are leading key digital transformation efforts.
Read more about the FTE Airline Digital Transformation Power List Americas nominees >>
Read more about the FTE Airport Digital Transformation Power List Americas nominees >>