Auditorium Conference Agenda
FTE and APEX conferences are renowned for being the most forward-looking in the industry and our 2020 Virtual Expo speaker line-up was the most impressive we have put together in our collective history. It delivered a memorable learning experience by providing progressive insights from industry leaders, technology giants, disruptors, parallel industries, academia and startups and our plans are just as ambitious for our 2021 event.
Unparalleled disruption for the air transport and travel sector is underway because of COVID-19. Our virtual conference will provide critical insights and learnings to all attendees to help them understand the future trends and successful transformation strategies that will help businesses survive, bounce back, and future-proof their propositions.
The conference will be split into CEO, Airport, Inflight, Commercial and Digital sessions, which will focus on a wide range of the most pertinent topics, including: Health Passports & Biosecurity; Touchless & Socially Distanced Travel; Digital Transformation & Automation; Cost Reduction & Operational Efficiency; Reimagined Guest Experiences; Protecting & Empowering Workforce; Offsite & New Processing Practices; and Commercial, Retail & Ancillary Innovation to help create new revenues streams at the earliest opportunity. Our case study focused approach will help to champion innovations from around the world, all in keeping with our “Relaunching global air transport” theme.
The conference will include dedicated Asia-Pacific, EMEA and Americas content, and interactive conference sessions will run throughout the day to ensure that everyone can get the most out of the education on offer regardless of their location or time zone. Our auditorium sessions will also be complemented by our On-Demand Speaker Zone, where we will have a wealth of specially recorded presentations ready to go as soon as attendees visit the event, plus as a new addition for 2021 we will host free-to-attend sessions for all attendees and will provide a wealth of quality education sessions on our Expo floor.
The Agenda
Our 2021 Auditorium Agenda is currently under development, but to give you a sense of the quality and focus of our sessions please find below our 2020 agenda.
Tuesday 8th December 2020 - Day 1
Welcome by
Daniel Coleman
Founder & CEO
Future Travel Experience
Joe Leader
CEO
APEX & IFSA
Julie Baxter
Editor
Onboard Hospitality
Opening Keynote Session
Fireside Chats – “Transforming air transport post-COVID-19”
Akbar Al Baker
Group CEO
Qatar Airways
Interviewed by
Aaron Heslehurst
News Anchor & Presenter
BBC World News
Opening Keynote Session
Fireside Chats – “Transforming air transport post-COVID-19”
Embracing technology and digital transformation to optimise operations in the post-COVID-19 world (automation, AI, robotics)
Format
Each speaker delivers a 10-minute presentation, followed by a Q&A.
Moderator
Ryan Ghee
Head of Strategy & Development
Future Travel Experience
Driving digital transformation across the Singapore Airlines Group post-COVID-19
Jerome Thil
VP Digital Innovation
Singapore Airlines
How has Japan Airlines adapted its technology and digital plans following the impacts of COVID-19?
Tomohiro Nishihata
Managing Executive Officer
Japan Airlines
Adapting the ‘Smart Airport’ vision in order to thrive in the post-pandemic world
Chris Au Young
General Manager of Smart Airport
Airport Authority Hong Kong
Reimagining the end-to-end guest experience to deliver a safe, seamless and touchless journey
Format
Each panellist delivers a short overview of their organisation’s recent activities and plans for the future, followed by a Q&A discussion.
Topics
Pre-travel, Airport, Inflight, Arrivals, Post-travel.
Moderator
Marta Dimitrova
Editor & FTE Hub Community Manager
Future Travel Experience
Panellists
Vivian Lo
GM Customer Experience and Design
Cathay Pacific Airways
Sujata Suri
VP Strategy and Customer Experience
Hamad International Airport
Hon Lung Chu
Head of Singapore and BD Southeast Asia
Volocopter
Candice Iyog
Vice President – Marketing & Customer Experience
Cebu Pacific Air
Questions to consider
- What are the new collaboration possibilities across the journey from booking to kerb?
- How should airport architecture and facilitation efforts adapt to the new normal?
- In what new ways can technology support every element of the experience pre, during and post flight?
- How should passenger interactions with staff and crew evolve going forward?
- What steps can be taken at every point of the journey to deliver a safe, seamless and touchless experience?
- Can we deliver a great hospitality whilst we adhere to the measures necessary to keep travel moving in the post covid-19 world?
Premium Attendee “Virtual Networking Session” - Asia-Pac
An authentic, human experience with real-time, face-to-face interaction that makes this virtual networking approach feel as natural and fun as it should be. Attendees can navigate their way around a networking arena and join tables where interaction is focused around specific industry topics, so you can meet, engage and share ideas and experiences with other peers interested in the same subjects as you. There are never more than eight participants at a table to keep conversations manageable, and you can move between tables to broaden your learning and the number of contacts you make.
Learn more
Exclusive: Tech-enhanced virtual workshop: Transforming mobility through digital innovation
This unique workshop will be delivered in partnership with digital transformation enabler Neutral Digital, whose expert team will create a customised and highly interactive break-out space where advanced digital technologies (including VR, AR and XR) will be showcased to inspire the audience on the myriad possibilities presented by immersive and interactive digital technologies.
Moderator
Christian Grou
Partner
Neutral Digital
PANELLISTS
The airline view:
Jae Grant Maloney
Future Technology Advisor
Air France KLM
The airport view:
Ersin Inankul
Chief Digital and Commercial Officer
İGA İstanbul Airport
The startup view:
Paul Dupont
VP Sales
Pointr
The ancillary revenue view:
Markus Knauer
Head of Digital Innovation
Heinemann
The technology provider view:
Jonas von Kruechten
Head of Strategy and Business Development
AERQ
Questions for panellists
- characterise your work and how digital innovation / transformation has and is shaping your work
- illustrate this with a selected amount of past projects
- Potential solutions and technologies to enhance passenger experience, increase travel safety and support ancillary revenue for airlines and operators in the ground and in the air if deployed, illustrate with project examples
- Touchless / AR · VR · MR · XR / voice / facial recognition / AI etc?
- Any projects to illustrate / project the trajectory and future developments?
Creating new tech-led revenue streams to support new business models
OPTION 1
Moderator
Each speaker delivers a 10-15 minute presentation, followed by a Q&A.
Moderator
Daniel Coleman
Founder & CEO
Future Travel Experience
Panellists
The airline perspective:
Aldric Chau
Head of Retail, eCommerce and Travel Partnerships
Cathay Pacific Airways
The airport perspective:
Jayne Wear
Head of Omnichannel
Auckland Airport
What are the onboard innovations resulting from COVID-19, and changing passenger priorities, that will stand the test of time?
OPTION 2
Topics to be covered
Hygiene, aircraft cleaning, crew utilisation, loading efficiencies, IFEC, interiors, wellness, catering, retail, sustainability and more.
Moderator
Dr Stathis Kefallonitis
Founder & President
branding.aero
Panellists
Linda-Patrice Celestino
Vice President Guest Experience and Delivery
Etihad Airways
Tom Sanderson
787 Customer Leader
Boeing
Andres Castaneda
Chief Marketing Officer & Chief Experience Officer
Aeromexico
Questions to consider
- Has the COVID-19 crisis helped bring positive change regarding sustainability; e.g. reduced waste through pre-ordering and circular economy?
- What is the role of the passenger in the new tomorrow? How will trends and expectations shape what it is to come next?
- Are there modifications to the cabin interior that can be achieved in the short-term with a moderate budget rather than capital-intensive changes which are likely to take several years to introduce?
- How might airlines adapt approaches they make to service on domestic versus international flights in the long term?
- As airlines put more planes back in the sky can the current cleaning regime be maintained and improved, and how does the panel see new standards of inflight cleanliness becoming a part of every journey?
- What about the challenges of onboard product – blankets, duvets, pillows, etc; will we need to rethink the practicalities as we move into a new normal?
- What more can we do to bring back the joy of travelling and deliver a real hospitality experience onboard?
- How will the role of technology continue to evolve onboard?
Exclusive: The FTE APEX Business Model Transformation Think Tank
The FTE APEX Business Model Transformation Think Tank will explore and identify how airlines, airports and their partners can embrace new approaches and collaborate more closely to solve long-running industry challenges and frustrations that have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 crisis. Reducing cost bases, improving processes, and creating new revenue-generating opportunities throughout the end-to-end air travel experience will be among the core areas of focus.
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the fragility of the air transport industry as well as the need for industry stakeholders to work more closely together to future-proof their business strategies and models. With this in mind the Think Tank team, consisting of a selection of industry experts, will consider what airports, airlines and their partners can do differently going forward to help drive a faster and stronger recovery for all. They will explore new potential business models, agree recommendations and, in the longer term, explore the viability of real-world trials to test out the efficacy of the proposed new models. The initial recommendations will be presented during FTE APEX Virtual Expo.
THINK TANK CAPTAIN
Satyaki Raghunath
Chief Strategy & Development Officer
Bengaluru International Airport
THINK TANK TEAM MEMBERS
Christina Cassotis
CEO
Pittsburgh International Airport
Juha Jarvinen
CCO,
Virgin Atlantic & President Emeritus, APEX
Javed Malik
Group Chief Operations Officer
AirAsia
Robert Carey
Chief Commercial & Strategy Officer
easyJet
AREAS OF FOCUS
- Services – in this “new normal” should airlines (or other third-parties) take direct responsibility for baggage, check-in, lounges, boarding, inflight catering, transport (or TNCs), etc, and which services should they outsource to airports or suppliers and can the revenue be shared?
- Baggage – are there opportunities to collaborate on baggage delivery services to reduce the reliance on traditional baggage handling systems, reduce associated costs, and create new revenues?
- Retail/F&B – are there opportunities for airlines and airports to collaborate on end-to-end mobile-based retail and F&B services?
- Media Content/Entertainment – are there opportunities to collaborate and leverage new media partnerships to offer passengers paid-for access to entertainment for consumption at the airport, onboard IFE-less aircraft, and post-travel?
- Loyalty Programmes – are there opportunities to collaborate on joint airline/airport loyalty programmes to improve the passenger experience and create new revenue streams?
- Health Screening/Biosecurity – are there opportunities to collaborate more closely to drive the development of an industry-wide health screening platform to support the industry’s recovery from the COVID-19 crisis and future health crises?
Delivering touchless travel and a socially distanced airport experience
OPTION 1
Format
Following two five-minute presentations highlighting how each presenter’s organisation has embraced technology to deliver a low-touch or touch-free airport experience and support social distancing measures throughout the airport terminal, the moderator will lead a panel discussion exploring best practice around touchless technology and social distancing in the airport environment, important lessons learned to date, and the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic could have on the airport experience in the medium to long term.
Moderator
Samuel Ingalls
Principal
Barich, Inc
Presenters
Aaron Beeson
Director of Innovation
ANA – Aeroportos de Portugal, SA
Julie Rath
VP, Customer Experience & Reservations
American Airlines
Additional Panellists
Pierre Charbonneau
Director, Passenger Experience and Facilitation
International Air Transport Association (IATA)
Antoine Rostworowski
Deputy Director General, Programmes and Services
ACI World
What is the business case for inflight connectivity advancement post-COVID-19?
OPTION 2
Format
In a frank and open session environment the moderator will interview a series of key executives in the inflight connectivity space before bringing them all together in a group discussion to reflect on their individual views, and to forge recommendations for the audience on how the industry can deliver the best connectivity experience, empowering airlines to connect their passengers with confidence, and realize a host of operational, and commercial, performance benefits.
Moderator
Maryann Simson
Director
APEX Media
Interviewees
Frederik van Essen
Vice President Aero
Intelsat
Derrick Cunningham
IFEC Program Manager
Alaska Airlines
Tara Bamburg
Manager, Inflight WiFi and Entertainment
Southwest Airlines
Questions to consider
- At a time when airlines are struggling for profitability, what are the business models to support investment in inflight connectivity now?
- There is growing passenger demand and expectation for reliable inflight connectivity that is free, so how can the industry deliver on that?
- What are the new ways in which inflight connectivity can be used to bolster customer loyalty and net promoter scores (NPS)?
- At a time when travel needs positive word of mouth more than ever, how can connectivity empower airlines to turn wavering customers into brand ambassadors?
- How can the industry work with airlines to craft services that fit each airline’s unique needs and create network efficiencies while optimising service performance?
- When will there be enough system capacity to realistically deliver a premium IFC experience that airlines can confidently offer to EVERY passenger onboard?
- What are the most effective ways to drive utilisation of inflight connectivity onboard by passengers?
- What are the most creative ways in which airlines can maximise operational benefits from onboard connectivity, and how far can they go with IoT efforts in the cabin?
- What are the creative ways in which airlines can commercialise their connectivity investments to the maximum?
- Is connectivity essential now for crew to deliver service?
- Is onboard connectivity now more important to passengers than traditional IFE?
Premium Attendee “Virtual Networking Session" - EMEA
An authentic, human experience with real-time, face-to-face interaction that makes this virtual networking approach feel as natural and fun as it should be. Attendees can navigate their way around a networking arena and join tables where interaction is focused around specific industry topics, so you can meet, engage and share ideas and experiences with other peers interested in the same subjects as you. There are never more than eight participants at a table to keep conversations manageable, and you can move between tables to broaden your learning and the number of contacts you make.
Learn more
CEO Fireside Chats – “Transforming air transport post-COVID-19”
Format
In-depth CEO interviews. Delegates will have the opportunity to submit questions in advance.
Moderator
Joe Leader
CEO
APEX & IFSA
INTERVIEWEE
Ed Bastian
Chief Executive Officer
Delta Air Lines
CEO Fireside Chats – “Transforming air transport post-COVID-19”
Format
In-depth CEO interviews. Delegates will have the opportunity to submit questions in advance.
Moderator
Joe Leader
CEO
APEX & IFSA
INTERVIEWEE
Jeff Knittel
Chairman and CEO
Airbus Americas
FTE APEX Biometrics Summit – Part 1 (Case Studies)
OPTION 1
Format
Part 1 of the FTE APEX Biometrics Summit will include a selection of forward-thinking case studies from across the industry, highlighting how some of the most pioneering organisations are utilising biometric technology to deliver operational and customer-focused improvements.
Moderator
Daniel Coleman
Founder & CEO
Future Travel Experience
Opening Keynote
How will U.S. CBP work, and collaborate, to further secure and enhance the travel experience while protecting the privacy of all travellers?
Diane J. Sabatino
Deputy Executive Assistant Commissioner, Office of Field Operations
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
CASE STUDIES
How Star Alliance and NEC’s biometric data-based identification platform will improve the travel experience for frequent flyers
Christian Draeger
VP Customer Experience
Star Alliance
Raffie Beroukhim
Senior Vice President, Chief Experience Officer
NEC Corporation of America
What is the strategy behind the unique technology and policy approach to biometrics being taken at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport?
Dave Wilson
Director, Airport Innovation
Port of Seattle
Digitalisation of Inflight Experience as a Catalyst for Sustainable Recovery
OPTION 2
Overview
How can digital transformation in the cabin act as an accelerator for the reset and recovery of the aviation industry? In this session we will explore how connected service innovations can help airlines rebuild passenger confidence in the short-term, and support longer-term recovery, by satisfying passenger preference and opening new ancillary opportunities.
Format
Each panellist will deliver a short presentation, considering the impact of digitalisation from their own, unique perspective, followed by a moderated Q&A session.
Moderator
Daniel Coleman
Founder & CEO
Future Travel Experience
Panellists
Philip Balaam
President
Inmarsat Aviation
Babar Rahman
Vice President - Global Marketing, Sponsorships and IFE
Qatar Airways
Joe Bentley
Chief Technology Officer
Panasonic Avionics
Topics to consider
- How are digital services currently being harnessed to promote trust and rebuild passenger confidence?
- The contactless passenger journey has focused attention on the role of the passenger’s own mobile device as a ‘remote control’ for that journey. To what extent is this a permanent change?
- Will the pandemic change passenger expectations for digital inflight experience? Which services, in particular, we will see ‘going digital’?
- How can digitalisation help drive financial recovery for airlines? How important are digitalised ancillary services going to be to the commercial recovery of the industry?
- Which specific technologies will be most influential in shaping the future of passenger experience, looking ahead?
- Just how far are airlines going to have to stretch in this new world to create margins? Will they really have to become digital businesses that just happen to fly planes?
- What one development around digitalisation in the cabin is the industry is most looking forward to becoming a reality?
What will the next generation of airport facilities look like post-COVID-19, and what technologies will they utilise?
OPTION 1
Moderator
The airport view:
David Blackwell
Executive GM Technology & Innovation
Adelaide Airport
The airline view:
Mike Byrom
Vice President, Airport Services
Spirit Airlines
The technology supplier view
Chris Forrest
Vice President, Airports & Unmanned Aerial Systems
Collins Aerospace
The architect’s view
Antoinette Nassopoulos-Erickson
Senior Partner
Foster + Partners
Questions and topics to consider
- How much automation, biometrics and other technologies can we expect to see in the airport of the future?
- How should airport architecture and facilitation efforts adapt to the new normal?
- Can the industry move beyond traditional airport processing and into offsite processing; e.g. remote bag-drop?
- How can airport facilities create a sense of place while maintaining a safe and sanitised airport experience?
- Can we successfully create flexible terminal designs that can adapt to the changing needs of the world around us?
- How are the needs of airlines and airport stakeholders changing post-COVID-19, and how should new airport facilities change to meet those needs?
Navigating Content Disruption
OPTION 2
Overview
Consumers are increasingly turning towards connected television, movie and audio streaming platforms, thereby transforming the landscape of how content is available and the ways distributors, content owners and storytellers reach target audiences. In this session we will hear how a traditional broadcaster is innovating to create new products and services to meet the needs of the audience, and how a technology company continues to innovate in content on digital platforms. We will also hear from airlines on how the reduced volume and window of availability of content is impacting the offering today and their plans for the future, and how their partners are meeting this need. Finally, we will hear from a new connectivity provider to airlines and other platforms on how emerging satellite technology will meet the need to provide vast amounts of seamless Wi-Fi to deliver content with an at-home experience.
Format
Following a scene-setting presentation from the moderator, the panellists will discuss transformational activity in the IFE content space, and the right approaches for airlines and their partners to take going forward.
Moderator
Paul Harper
Director
Harper & Co
Panellists
The broadcaster, studio and distributor perspective:
Jon Farrar
Global VOD Director
BBC Studios
The perspective of the LCC that is becoming a network carrier and going global:
Jag Sandhu
Product Owner, In-flight Entertainment and Connectivity (IFEC)
WestJet
The CSP perspective:
Paul Colley
SVP Technology
Spafax
The connectivity provider perspective:
Ben Griffin
Vice President – Mobility
OneWeb
Topics to be discussed
- What are the long-term ramifications of the reduction in supply of content to certain channels like airlines?
- What impacts will there be from the change in behaviour of the customer (who is getting more and more content, games and audio through their own subscriptions) due to their experience at home and in the mobile world?
- What will be the impact of the change in availability of the window for the content which is available, and how will airlines move their budgets and focus accordingly?
- How do airlines and CSPs see their content offering changing in the next five years and what is going to be the biggest enabler to achieve this?
- What opportunities and threats do these changes pose for airlines and suppliers, and what areas should they each be investing in now when money is scarce?
- What is the biggest issue CSPs have right now, and what do they want to see resolved to deliver an experience for the future?
- Is inflight Wi-Fi going to be able to meet the need from airlines to offer the experience their customers want from streaming platforms?
- What does the industry need to see from the streaming platforms to be able to manage the demand?
- Will we benefit from technology advancements to support mobile devices on the ground with smaller data needs; e.g. Gen Y with small data plan but still wanting to stream away from home?
- Connectivity providers offer a real opportunity to reduce a long and convoluted supply chain, which studios are happy to offer content sooner through. Does the type of connectivity matter; e.g. LEO, GEO and who should lead this to make the difference to enable content owners to get content to a new audience, airlines to meet the customer need, and a CSP to remain relevant and provide a real time delivery service?
Tomorrow’s world: Future proofing strategies for the post-COVID-19 world – insights from global disruptors and progressive industry minds
Format
Each speaker delivers a five-minute presentation highlighting their vision for the future. Following this, all of the panellists will participate in an interactive Q&A discussion.
Moderator
Rohit Talwar
CEO
Fast Future
Panellists
Sara Luchian
Director of Passenger Experience
Virgin Hyperloop One
Mark Cousin
CEO
Acubed by Airbus
Rick Belliotti
Director, Innovation and Customer Experience Design
San Diego International Airport
Premium Attendee “Virtual Networking Session” - Americas
An authentic, human experience with real-time, face-to-face interaction that makes this virtual networking approach feel as natural and fun as it should be. Attendees can navigate their way around a networking arena and join tables where interaction is focused around specific industry topics, so you can meet, engage and share ideas and experiences with other peers interested in the same subjects as you. There are never more than eight participants at a table to keep conversations manageable, and you can move between tables to broaden your learning and the number of contacts you make.
Learn more
Wednesday 9th December - Day 2
Opening Keynote Session
CEO Perspectives on the Global Industry Recovery
Format
In an honest, and fast moving discussion, our renowned moderator will interrogate a panel of global industry figures to ascertain their ideas, and insights, on the methods by which air-transport can achieve the fastest possible recovery whilst innovating, and collaborating, in new ways to reach greater heights in the future.
Moderator
Zeinab Badawi
Presenter
BBC World News
Panellists
Jeffrey Goh
CEO
Star Alliance
Luis Felipe de Oliveira
Director General
ACI World
Alexandre de Juniac
Director General and CEO
International Air Transport Association (IATA)
Joe Leader
CEO
APEX & IFSA
Jóhanna á Bergi
CEO
Atlantic Airways
FTE APEX Commercialising IFEC Symposium
What are the most effective ways of driving commercial returns from an IFEC platform?
OPTION 1
Format
Following scene-setting from the moderator, a panel will discuss their experiences and suggestions around the subject at hand.
Moderator
Mikael Grönlund
Independent IFEC advisor
(former IFEC Program Manager at Scandinavian Airlines)
Panellists
Brian Richardson
Director, Strategic Partnerships
ViaSat
Kuan Chin
Senior Product Manager
Global Eagle
Laura Ross
Senior Program Manager, Digital Solutions
Boeing
Norman Haughton
Director, IFEC Product & Analytics
Air Canada
Topics to be debated
- How can you personalise IFEC platforms to help drive passenger spending?
- How can airlines extend the IFE engagement window and what revenue opportunities might this create?
- What role can dynamic content play in driving new revenue opportunities?
- How can airlines benefit from OTT advertising opportunities, particularly around subscription-based streaming services?
- Can we really expect passengers to pay for a connected experience onboard when Wi-Fi access is ubiquitous in their everyday life?
- Is there an appetite among passengers to pay for content onboard, and what kind of content is most likely to sell?
- What should suppliers in this space be doing to support airlines’ ancillary revenue ambitions?
- What are the future business models for acquiring and monetising IFEC, and how are vendors helping and hindering the efforts of airlines to transform their proposition in this space?
- What are the best approaches to commercialise IFEC platforms on fully connected and non-WIFi-enabled aircraft alike?
- Has the financial impact of COVID-19 ended the idea of providing free WiFi for all passengers in all classes?
Also
Commercialising next-generation inflight maps; Li-Fi technology; leveraging the “connected crew” opportunity; digitalising inflight F&B and retail sales; revenue opportunities presented by virtual reality (VR) technology; the relationship between IFEC and loyalty; delivering a consistent, fleet-wide IFEC product; tapping into the “destination” opportunity.
SPECIAL KEYNOTE
OPTION 2
The future of air transport – key shifts and priorities in a post-COVID-19 world
Rohit Talwar
CEO
Fast Future
Advanced automation and self-service strategies at airports
OPTION 2
Moderator
Marta Dimitrova
Editor & FTE Hub Community Manager
Future Travel Experience
CASE STUDIES
The growing importance of robotics, AI, biometrics, self-service and big data to operations and customer service at Incheon International Airport
Jungy Han
Manager, Smart Airport Team
Incheon International Airport Corporation (IIAC)
Real world examples of advancing the role of self-service equipment to better serve the touchless and ancillary needs of airlines and airports in the post-COVID world
Annemarie Graham
Partner Director, Airlines & Travel
Worldpay
Graham Webb
Project Manager
ICM Airport Technics
Premium Attendee “Virtual Networking Session” - Asia-Pac
An authentic, human experience with real-time, face-to-face interaction that makes this virtual networking approach feel as natural and fun as it should be. Attendees can navigate their way around a networking arena and join tables where interaction is focused around specific industry topics, so you can meet, engage and share ideas and experiences with other peers interested in the same subjects as you. There are never more than eight participants at a table to keep conversations manageable, and you can move between tables to broaden your learning and the number of contacts you make.
Learn more
Inspirational CEO keynotes (EMEA) – Fireside Chat
Fireside Chats – “Transforming air transport post-COVID-19”
Ben Smith
CEO
Air France KLM
interviewed by
Aaron Heslehurst
News Anchor & Presenter
BBC World News
Inspirational CEO keynotes (EMEA) – Fireside Chat
Fireside Chats – “Transforming air transport post-COVID-19”
Shai Weiss
CEO
Virgin Atlantic
interviewed by
Joe Leader
CEO
APEX & IFSA
Inspirational CEO keynotes (EMEA) – Fireside Chat
Fireside Chats – “Transforming air transport post-COVID-19”
Jost Lammers
CEO and Chairman of the Management Board
Munich Airport
interviewed by
Victoria Moores
European Editor/Bureau Chief
Air Transport World
FTE Debate: How can you effectively scale innovation to deliver wide-reaching value in the post-COVID-19 world?
Format
In this quick-fire Q&A session, the panellists will explore the real-world value of innovation teams, departments and labs, and explore the best models to deliver innovation in large-scale corporate organisations. Should every organisation have a dedicated innovation lab or department? How can you measure the value of innovation? And should innovation be on the list of priorities for every airline and airport?
Moderator
Simone van Neerven
Founder, reBel.la & former Head of Innovation
Vueling
Panellists
Abhi Chacko
Head of Innovation & Commercial IT Services
Gatwick Airport
Serdar Gürbüz
SVP, Digital Innovation & Analytics Solutions
Turkish Airlines
Salah Makkouk
Transformation Lead for Innovation & Partnership
The Emirates Group
Daniel McCoy
Chief Innovation Officer
Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
Biosecurity in the post-pandemic world: Safety, security and sanitisation – examples of best practice
Key areas of focus
Onsite COVID-19 testing; health passports; airport and aircraft sanitisation; protecting passengers and workforce; preparing for future outbreaks.
Format
A series of case study presentations will be delivered to set the scene before the panellists collectively discuss the latest biosecurity developments, challenges and advancement opportunities.
Moderators presentation
The Future of travel in a part-vaccinated world
Shashank Nigam
Founder & CEO
SimpliFlying
OPENING PRESENTATION
Lufthansa together with Centogene and Fraport opened the world’s first, and largest, commercial COVID-19 test centre in Frankfurt Airport in June and followed with others in HAM, DUS, MUC, VIE and one more scheduled to open in November at BER airport. They are committed to testing as part of the LH Infection Protection Strategy and establishing an airline product strategy based on this. What insights can be shared on the first tested flights with antigen tests from VIE to TXL, new tests on the horizon, and infection statistics from their centre in FRA (currently >400,000 tests performed)?
Dr. Bjoern Becker
Senior Director Product Management Ground & Digital Services
Lufthansa
Volkmar Weckesser
PhD, CIO
Centogene
How will CommonPass grow from successful trials with Cathay Pacific and United Airlines to a wide network of digital health pass acceptance?
Simon Talling-Smith
Senior Adviser
The Commons Project Foundation
Enabling digital transformation to deliver enhanced customer experiences and operational efficiency at airports
OPTION 1
Moderator
Daniel Coleman
Founder & CEO
Future Travel Experience
Special Keynote
A vision of modernization, resiliency, and cost savings for the airport sector enabled by the cloud post covid-19
Phil Silver
Transportation Leader
Amazon Web Services
How Etihad Airways and Avalon airport are rebooting passenger service through touchless technology.
Aaron Hornlimann
CEO and Co-founder
Elenium Automation
Technology and design innovation by APEX members to support the needs of the cabin of the future
OPTION 2
Moderator
Stephanie Taylor
Business Development Manager
APEX Media
Case Studies
Enabling airlines to embrace change – by digitalising the aircraft cabin
Sangsoo Lee
Managing Director
AERQ
Arnd Kikker
Managing Director
AERQ
The Future Of Aviation – Enabling digitalisation to simplify business
Ralph Wagner
CEO
AXINOM
What is the Collins Aerospace long-term perspective now on the cabin of the future, and how will it evolve it’s offering to support that view?
Brian St. Rock
Director, Advanced Technology & Laboratories
Collins Aerospace
Building your digital cabin now
Jan-Peter Gaense
Head of LHG & Passenger Experience Solutions
Lufthansa Systems
Premium Attendee “Virtual Networking Session” – EMEA
An authentic, human experience with real-time, face-to-face interaction that makes this virtual networking approach feel as natural and fun as it should be. Attendees can navigate their way around a networking arena and join tables where interaction is focused around specific industry topics, so you can meet, engage and share ideas and experiences with other peers interested in the same subjects as you. There are never more than eight participants at a table to keep conversations manageable, and you can move between tables to broaden your learning and the number of contacts you make.
Learn more
CEO Fireside Chats – “Transforming air transport post-COVID-19”
Bradley D. Tilden
President and CEO
Alaska Airlines and Alaska Air Group
interviewed by
Joe Leader
CEO
APEX & IFSA
CEO Fireside Chats – “Transforming air transport post-COVID-19”
Justin Erbacci
CEO
Los Angeles World Airports
interviewed by
Ryan Ghee
Head of Strategy & Development
Future Travel Experience
Pioneering digital case studies
Format
A series of presentations with follow-up questions with each speaker.
Moderator
Marta Dimitrova
Editor & FTE Hub Community Manager
Future Travel Experience
CASE STUDIES
How Abu Dhabi Airport is driving Digital Transformation in a post COVID19 world
Mohamad Al Agha
Head of IT Business Solutions, Digital Transformation
Abu Dhabi Airports
Driving digital transformation in the era of liquid customer expectations
Esamatti Vuolle
Head of Digital Channels
Finnair & oneworld digital board member
Introducing new technologies and approaches at CVG to elevate passenger experiences and to support key partners like Amazon and DHL post-COVID-19
Brian Cobb
Chief Innovation Officer
Cincinnati / Northern Kentucky International Airport
Biometrics Summit Part 2
How can we overcome the challenges to mass adoption of biometrics, and has the business case changed following the COVID-19 pandemic?
OPTION 1
Format
Following an exclusive joint presentation from the TSA & US CBP a group of senior industry stakeholders, including experienced biometric innovators, will be asked to provide their perspectives on the above question, which forms the focus of this session.The aim is to provide answers to the challenges identified, along with a suggested path forward.
Moderator
Joe Leader
CEO
APEX & IFSA
Exclusive Joint Presentation: Secure, Touchless Travel of the Future: CBP and TSA Expand Partnership to Advance Facial Biometrics
Jason Lim
Identity Management Capability Manager
Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
Nael Samha
Director, Passenger Systems & Biometrics
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Panel of industry experts:
Isabelle Moeller
Chief Executive
Biometrics Institute
Kris Ranganath
CTO, Advanced Recognition Systems and Digital Platform
NEC Corporation of America
Greg Forbes
Managing Director Airport Experience
Delta Air Lines
Questions to consider
- Following COVID-19, will biometrics play a key role in delivering the contactless airport experience that passengers will desire?
- Following the high number of redundancies caused by COVID-19, will airlines and airports look more closely at automation to fill the manpower void as passenger traffic returns?
- How can we address concerns about data security and privacy around biometrics in air travel?
- What are the key ingredients to making biometrics a palatable part of an airline or airport’s business case?
- How can we get key organisations like U.S. CBP and TSA on the same page about integrating biometric technology?
- How does airport infrastructure need to be adapted to support biometric-enabled queue-less travel?
- How can the industry address problems with different levels of lighting impacting readership/capturing of images?
- How can you deal with passengers trying to hack the system – such as using images on a phone screen or disguises?
- Is biometric-powered processing the right approach for all airports, large and small?
- How can we avoid stakeholders taking different approaches with their biometric efforts and delivering different messages to policy makers?
- Can we establish trust with passengers and regulatory bodies through open and transparent working relationships to help drive the business case forward?
- What role can biometrics play in the travel experience beyond the airport (e.g. inflight, hotels, cruise terminals, offsite check-in etc)?
- Will biometrics become tied to ‘health passport’ efforts?
Inflight catering evolution post-COVID-19 according to ACA & IFSA
OPTION 2
Moderator
Sandra Pineau-Boddison
Partner
The Hayward Partnership
Panellists
Stephen Kingsley
EVP - Strategic Development
Flying Food Group & Vice President International Flight Services Association (IFSA)
Vanessa Lindstrom
Director – Food Safety and Regulatory Compliance
United Airlines & Board Member, International Flight Services Association (IFSA)
Adam Simmonson
Head of Compliance
dnata catering, United Kingdom
Ulrike Enneking
VP Quality
LSG Group
Topics to be covered
- A Call to Action from Caterers
- COVID-19 from an Airline Catering Perspective
- Unifying the Airline Catering Relationship
- Enhanced Caterer Preparation Safety for COVID-19
APEX Official Airline Ratings & CEO Lifetime Achievement Award
APEX (the Airline Passenger Experience Association), the only non-profit membership trade association dedicated to improving the entire airline passenger experience, will announce the airlines around the world honoured with four- and five-star Official Airline Ratings.
The 2021 APEX Official Airline Ratings™ recognises airlines in four categories:
- Global Airlines
- Major Airlines
- Regional Airlines
- Low Cost Carriers
The APEX Official Airline Ratings™ were created based on neutral, third-party passenger feedback and insights gathered through APEX’s partnership with TripIt® from Concur®, the world’s highest-rated travel-organising app.
APEX CEO Lifetime Achievement Award winner
Ed Bastian
Chief Executive Officer
Delta Air Lines
“Virtual Closing Networking Reception” for all premium attendees
An authentic, human experience with real-time, face-to-face interaction that makes this virtual networking approach feel as natural and fun as it should be. Attendees can navigate their way around a networking arena and join tables where interaction is focused around specific industry topics, so you can meet, engage and share ideas and experiences with other peers interested in the same subjects as you. There are never more than eight participants at a table to keep conversations manageable, and you can move between tables to broaden your learning and the number of contacts you make.
Learn more
Industry messages of support
The team at FTE APEX, staying true to their beliefs of bringing the aviation industry together at scale, connecting the ecosystem with smart, exciting and creative methods of engagement, have not stood still. I believe they are creating a truly unique opportunity for suppliers, airlines, airports, solution providers, product developers and manufacturers, by embracing and adapting key technology developments, which will spur new thinking and many more creative approaches to how we can all experience products and services in our new contactless world. So come on, join the new world of distanced, but connected, engaging experiences through the FTE APEX Virtual Expo.
“This industry needs a major virtual trade show this year while it cannot meet in person and FTE is exactly the right organisation to be delivering it this December. I look forward to being involved, and to all the engagement and announcements I know that FTE APEX Virtual Expo will generate.”
“The recent FTE APEX virtual events have been extremely helpful for the airline ecosystems to share information, to cope with the Corona situation, and to prepare for the new normal. Taking that premise to the next level with the FTE APEX Virtual Expo is exciting indeed and the Japan Airlines team look forward to being involved”.
“More than ever at a time like this, the industry needs to come together to collaborate and find ways of working that can facilitate new revenue streams and efficiencies. I strongly encouraged the FTE Team to pursue its virtual strategy because very few air transport stakeholders can travel to conventions this year, but we still need to engage. I think FTE APEX Virtual Expo will draw a huge crowd and become one of the most important initiatives in FTE’s 15-year existence.”
FrontM participated in the recent FTE APEX Ancillary Virtual Event. Throughout the whole lifecycle – before, during and after the event – the FTE team were professional, friendly and focused on helping our participation be as successful as possible. Since our pitch slot, we have had great conversations with a number of prospects and other attendees, which we wouldn’t necessarily have been able to have without FTE. Highly recommended!
FTE and APEX did a great job delivering timely content to a broad global audience through their recent webinars, in one of which I was proud to participate. I am really looking forward to the FTE APEX Virtual Expo this December. Given the current situation with the pandemic, this is a creative way to offer all industry stakeholders the chance to come together to talk, to listen, to learn and to engage in ways that will advance our common causes.
“The FTE APEX team have done a brilliant job with their virtual pivot, and I really enjoyed being part of their recent Ancillary webinar. The FTE APEX Virtual Expo looks like a great logical next step, and I am sure it will deliver a lot of value to all involved.”
“We are in a new normal everywhere. SEA will be sharing new ideas and approaches to help overcome the challenges created by COVID-19 at the FTE APEX Virtual Expo. We will be looking forward to hearing others share their experiences, and learn from each other. “
We are incredibly excited to host this truly dynamic and global virtual event, and we are looking forward to offering much more than straightforward webinars, which have become commonplace in recent months. The industry wants more than that now and FTE APEX Virtual Expo will provide the sector with a large-scale digital trade show that will creatively offer real engagement, networking and business development opportunities for everyone involved.
FTE APEX Virtual Expo will act as a beacon for our industry’s recovery and bring global stakeholders together en masse to inspire one another. Our stakeholders want to connect and engage to share ideas, propositions, visions and learnings. This announcement also marks another important milestone in the integration efforts between APEX and FTE. Our ambition is to deliver a unified approach and increase the value the association provides to the entire air transport industry, both in the air and on the ground.
FTE APEX VIRTUAL EXPO 2021
Future Travel Experience (FTE) and the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) will jointly host the industry trade show with the widest global attendance in 2021, FTE APEX Virtual Expo. Through a diverse exhibition showcasing the industry’s most forward thinking vendors and all-encompassing conference sessions, Virtual Expo will deliver a wealth of networking opportunities and inspiration across the most pertinent topics – from transforming the travel experience through digital health passports and automation at the airport, through to enhancing the onboard experience through inflight entertainment and connectivity, interiors, service and catering, hospitality and retail.
Date: - May 2021
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