Apex/ifsa Global Expo 2025 Spotlights The Future Of Airline Passenger Experience

The APEX/IFSA Global EXPO 2025, held from 9 to 11 September at the Long Beach Convention Center in California, brought together nearly 2,500 airline executives, suppliers, and innovators to examine the evolving dynamics of passenger experience. Organized by the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) and the International Flight Services Association (IFSA), and co-located with FTE Global, the event offered three days of discussion, demonstrations, and deal-making that highlighted how technology, design, and service trends are shaping the industry.

The EXPO covered the full scope of the passenger journey, from airport touchpoints to in-flight services. This year’s agenda featured CEO-level keynote sessions, moderated by BBC anchor Ben Thompson, where senior leaders discussed the challenges of a shifting global landscape and shared strategies to adapt passenger experience to evolving traveler expectations.

Show floor highlights and new additions

The exhibition floor was one of the largest in the event’s history, hosting 120 airlines and airport operators. Innovations spanned in-flight entertainment and connectivity, cabin design, onboard catering, and digital engagement tools. A new Amenity Zone was introduced between the APEX and IFSA floors, serving as a central hub for partnerships and product showcases.

The IFSA section emphasized the future of onboard services, including allergen traceability, regulatory updates, and the role of artificial intelligence in digital food and beverage solutions. Culinary demonstrations from carriers such as ANA, Fiji Airways, Turkish Airlines, and Saudia showcased growing trends in wellness, sustainability, and authenticity in airline dining.

The Professional Clothing Industry Association Worldwide (PCIAW) also returned, presenting a dedicated Airline Clothing Show that highlighted the role of uniforms in branding and passenger perception.

Co-located FTE Global sessions expanded discussions to airport strategy, with six thematic tracks including digital identity, baggage innovation, terminal design, and sustainability. These sessions provided case studies and global insights into how airports and airlines are adapting infrastructure and technology to meet future demand.

Also read → Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker honoured with APEX CEO Lifetime Achievement Award

Awards and recognition

APEX/IFSA Global EXPO culminated with the most anticipated awards ceremony of the season, the prestigious APEX/IFSA Awards Ceremony, where airlines and suppliers gathered to celebrate excellence across the aviation industry. Co-hosted by Ben Thompson and Sam Chui, the industry’s most-followed aviation blogger, and sponsored by Thales & West Entertainment, the ceremony brought together the global airline community in a shared celebration of achievement, creativity, and progress. Winners were recognized across multiple distinguished categories, each reflecting the industry’s highest standards in innovation, service, and passenger satisfaction.

• APEX CEO Lifetime Achievement Award: Dr. Joe Leader presented United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby with this prestigious honor, recognizing his visionary leadership and efforts in elevating the airline’s passenger experience to new heights.
• 2026 APEX World Class by YATES+ and Best in Service Awards: YATES+ honors the world’s top 10 airlines achieving the highest audited international standards as well as the Best in Service recognition.
• 2026 APEX Five Star and Four Star Airline Awards: Recognizing airlines based on verified passenger feedback collected via TripIt, from over 1 million flights, these honors reflect the most reliable measure of passenger satisfaction.
• 2026 APEX Best Airline Awards: Honoring airlines delivering the best passenger experiences in Cabin Service, Entertainment, Food & Beverage, Seat Comfort, and Wi-Fi, as voted directly by passengers.
• 2026 APEX/IFSA Awards: Celebrating new achievements and initiatives successfully implemented over the past year, highlighting innovation and leadership across the airline industry.

For travel trade professionals, the event underscored that passenger experience is increasingly defined by cross-sector collaboration, digital transformation, and responsiveness to traveler needs. While the aviation sector continues to navigate uncertainty, the EXPO highlighted a clear focus on innovation, inclusivity, and service differentiation as levers for growth and competitiveness.

The article APEX/IFSA Global EXPO 2025 spotlights the future of airline passenger experience first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.