Air India, Mumbai Airport, Malaysia Aviation Group, Hamad Airport, Lufthansa, GMR and more to pitch on stage in Singapore for FTE APAC Innovate Awards

At the epicentre of FTE APEX Asia Expo, taking place in Singapore on 19-20 November 2024, will be the region’s largest and most respected innovation competition – the FTE APAC Innovate Awards. There are three awards categories: Air India, Malaysia Aviation Group and Lufthansa Innovation Hub are shortlisted for Most Innovative Airline Initiative; Mumbai International Airport, Hamad International Airport and GMR Innovex are shortlisted for Most Innovative Airport Initiative; and Neural Lab, AerVision Technologies and ZestIoT are shortlisted for Most Innovative Vendor Initiative. Each of the shortlisted entrants will pitch on-stage in Singapore in an effort to impress our judges and audience, whose all-important votes will decide who wins. Find out more about why they made the shortlist and what they will present in the pitch sessions.

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Most Innovative Airline Initiative shortlist

Air India’s AEYE Vision mobile app feature

Air India is shortlisted for AEYE Vision – an innovative feature in the airline’s mobile app, which is designed to elevate the customer experience using Artificial Intelligence, Augmented Reality, and advanced camera technology. This feature leverages the mobile device’s camera to streamline various travel-related tasks, transforming passenger interactions with the Air India app. Air India is the first airline to integrate these technologies in a single platform.

Hear more from Air India in the Premium Conference at FTE APEX Asia Expo, taking place in Singapore on 19-20 November 2024. Andrew Tan, Vice President Airport Development PMO (CEO’s office), Air India, is participating in a session focused on ‘How airlines and airports are combining technology, unique products and exceptional service to deliver world-class customer experiences’.

Meanwhile, on the Expo Stage, Mir Amer Hussain, Head – Product (Onboard) & IFE&C, Air India, is participating in a session dedicated to ‘Tapping into the latest IFEC advancements to differentiate your brand and create memorable experiences’, and Juli Ng, Divisional Vice President of Cabin Crew, Air India, is speaking in an Onboard Hospitality Forum Asia session on ‘Improving the inflight experience for passengers, and the latest onboard product innovations’.

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Lufthansa Innovation Hub (Singapore)’s bespoke APAC website content

Lufthansa Innovation Hub (Singapore) is shortlisted for its bespoke APAC website content developed in collaboration with Korean Artificial Intelligence startup Globaleur. This responds to Asian customers’ preference for browsing travel content to help with their decision-making. The innovative Proof of Concept (POC) with an Asian startup for the Asian customer ensures that offerings are localised. In the first quarter of the 12-month POC, the interaction rate on the main page jumped from 5% to 80%.

Hear more from Lufthansa Innovation Hub at FTE APEX Asia Expo, taking place in Singapore on 19-20 November 2024. Sidne Yeo, Asia Head, Lufthansa Innovation Hub, is participating in the ‘FTE Innovation Showcase’ with a presentation titled ‘From Artificial Intelligence to digital payments – how Lufthansa Innovation Hub is pioneering the future of travel for the Lufthansa Group’.

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Malaysia Aviation Group’s MCAT Solution – innovative catering platform

Malaysia Aviation Group is shortlisted for its MCAT Solution – an innovative platform designed to revolutionise inflight catering operations. MCAT Solution seamlessly displays real-time flight information, packing lists for each team involved, track and trace and inventory management, while simultaneously capturing this data to present on a dynamic performance dashboard. The mobile web app leverages data analysis and automation to simplify every step of the catering-to-aircraft process, from managing supplies and carts to distribution.

Most Innovative Airport Initiative shortlist

GMR Innovex’s Next-Gen Intelligent Airport Operating System (iAOS)

GMR Innovex is shortlisted for its Next-Gen Intelligent Airport Operating System (iAOS) – a ground-breaking platform leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and the Internet of Things (IoT) to transform airport operations. By creating a digital twin of the airport, iAOS offers a comprehensive, real-time view of airside, landside, and terminal activities, empowering airports to become smarter, more efficient, and passenger-centric. By leveraging AI, ML and IoT, iAOS has the potential to set a new industry standard for intelligent airport management.

Hamad International Airport’s ‘Noor’ Digital Human

Hamad International Airport is shortlisted for its ‘Noor’ Digital Humans powered by Generative AI. ‘Noor’ assists passengers with information related to flights, services, facilities, shopping and dining. It offers a personal human experience through voice-based conversation powered by leading-edge technologies such as Large Language Models (OpenAI/ChatGPT). ‘Noor’ can be deployed at scale across all major passenger touchpoints, and even on personal devices through wayfinding QR codes and apps. It is a successfully-deployed example of positive disruption, with AI augmenting humans to offer enhanced customer service.

Mumbai International Airport’s Digital Gateway initiative

Mumbai International Airport is shortlisted for its Digital Gateway initiative, introducing Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled eGates to enhance operational capacity and transform the passenger experience. This initiative increases the number of terminal entry points from 24 to 68. It has also decreased the average processing time per passenger by nearly 50%. Meanwhile, AI-enabled tailgating measures provide an enhanced level of security, ensuring that only authorised passengers gain access to secure areas, with cameras mounted on the departure entry linked to a trained Machine Learning model.

Most Innovative Vendor Initiative shortlist

AerVision Technologies’ AerMeal – AI-powered inflight catering quality control

AerVision Technologies is shortlisted for AerMeal – a cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence system designed to revolutionise quality control in inflight catering operations. Its primary focus is ensuring impeccable meal quality and safety before handover to airlines. AerMeal enhances operational efficiency and meal quality while contributing to the airline industry’s sustainability goals, addressing waste reduction and environmental impact. The system’s data-driven approach enables informed decision-making. By providing comprehensive data on meal quality and consumption, AerMeal enables more informed strategic decisions.

Neural Lab’s OpsAssist platform

Neural Lab is shortlisted for its OpsAssist platform. This innovative concept is designed to address the multifaceted challenges faced by the aviation industry and deliver improvements in several key areas. OpsAssist utilises advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) to automate and optimise decision-making processes and leverages real-time data analytics to monitor key operational areas. Neural Lab’s AI-driven initiative represents a comprehensive approach to modernising airport operations, addressing operational efficiency, customer experience, commercial performance, and sustainability.

ZestIoT’s app-less digital support tool for passengers

ZestIoT is shortlisted for its app-less digital support tool for passengers. The first-of-its-kind solution, piloted by Aeroporti di Roma at Fiumicino Airport, is designed to reimagine the journey from airport entry to aircraft boarding. It provides real-time updates on boarding status while helping passengers navigate the airport. ZestIoT’s seamless QR-based technology does not require passengers to download an app. It delivers engaging, meaningful content, providing passengers with real-time information about their flight’s boarding status, including its percentage progress. Additionally, it creates non-aeronautical revenue opportunities for airports and airlines.

Meet our judging panel

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