FTE Global – the “CES of Aviation” which took place in Long Beach, California, on 9 to 11 September 2025 – concluded with the FTE Americas Innovate Awards. These landmark awards are truly unique and are the industry’s definitive innovation platform. Airlines and airports competed head-to-head with their peers, shining a light on their latest innovation efforts. There were three awards categories: Alaska Airlines and Air Canada were shortlisted for Most Innovative Airline Initiative; Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority and Tampa International Airport were shortlisted for Most Innovative Airport Initiative; and BagCheck & Brock Solutions, Journey Robotics, RozieAI, DataArt, and Cignal were shortlisted for Best New Transformative Concept. Each of the shortlisted entrants pitched on-stage in Long Beach in an effort to impress our judges – Steven Greenway, CEO, flyadeal; Rahel de Vriend, Head of Innovation Research & Scouting, TNW Programs; and Thomas Hoff Andersson, Managing Director & Chief Operating Officer, Munich Airport – and our audience, whose all-important votes decided who won.
Mark your diary for FTE Global 2026 – 8-10 September 2026, Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas >>Most Innovative Airline Initiative – Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines – a Partner of the FTE Baggage Innovation Working Group – received the Most Innovative Airline Initiative award, which was collected by Bernadette Berger, Director of Innovation, Alaska Airlines, after delivering a pitch on the carrier’s Smart Ramp program.
Alaska’s industry-leading Smart Ramp program transforms baggage handling and ramp operations at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport through AI computer vision, automated bag dispatch, and emerging robotics. By creating a “world-view” of ramp activity and simulating operations with a Digital Twin, the program enables proactive problem-solving, efficient routing for ramp agents, and more sustainable use of equipment – driving safety, efficiency, and on-time baggage delivery in one of the world’s most space-constrained airport environments.
Most Innovative Airport Initiative – Tampa International Airport
Tampa International Airport – a Corporate Partner of the FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub – was recognised for revolutionising airport parking management and decision-making through LiDAR solutions, with Douglas Wycoff, Director Digital Technologies & Innovation, Tampa International Airport, collecting the Most Innovative Airline Initiative award.
The airport has deployed advanced LiDAR technology across curbsides, roadways, and parking facilities. This privacy-safe, high-resolution 3D mapping enables real-time traffic analytics, hazard detection, and curbside optimisation, reducing congestion, enhancing safety, and supporting sustainability goals. By creating a live “digital twin” of its landside infrastructure, TPA is redefining smart airport design.
Best New Transformative Concept – Journey Robotics
Reeg Allen, President & CEO, Journey Robotics (a Partner of the FTE Baggage Innovation Working Group) collected the Best New Transformative Concept award. Journey Robotics was recognised for its robotic baggage handling solution that seamlessly integrates with existing infrastructure to automate the physically demanding and repetitive tasks of baggage handling.
The Journey Robotics automated baggage handling solution integrates with existing infrastructure to load and unload baggage carts and ULDs with precision and speed. Capable of handling bags up to 32kg at eight per minute, the system reduces manual workload, lowers injury risk, improves throughput, and enhances bag flow reliability. By eliminating one of the most physically demanding airport tasks, it boosts efficiency, safety, and sustainability without costly retrofits.
Mark your diary for FTE Global 2026 – 8-10 September 2026, Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas >>
