APEX FTE EMEA Conference

The Smart Ramp initiative, launched in partnership between FTE and innovation consultancy nlmtd, has the ultimate goal that aircraft turnaround can be achieved autonomously and more efficiently. Munich Airport, Lufthansa, Schiphol Group, KLM and Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) are all members of what is a truly global collaborative innovation initiative. Rapid progress has been made since the launch of Smart Ramp and in Dublin, members will meet to share current progress and learnings from the innovation challenges already planned including some 20 projects across eight airports in 2025.

This meeting is open exclusively to members of FTE Smart Ramp

In this members-only FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub meeting, our Corporate Partners can expect keynotes, interactive discussions, and quick-fire pitches from a selection of pioneering startups, plus plenty of opportunities to network with fellow innovators. The FTE Hub is a truly unique community, designed specifically for the individuals and organisations who are at the forefront of digital transformation and innovation in the aviation industry. Members openly share expertise, experiences and inspiration year-round through curated virtual and in-person meet-ups.

This meeting is open exclusively to Corporate Partners of the FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub.

Hosted by

The FTE Baggage Innovation Working Group (BIWG) brings together the most innovative and progressive baggage supply chain companies, airlines, and airports from across the industry to provide a unique platform for cooperation and industry advancement. It is the platform for developing new techniques, technologies, and business models to deliver tangible change in the baggage sector. There are over 130 BIWG members, all playing an active role in the industry’s leading learning and networking platform for those serious about baggage transformation.

This meeting is open exclusively to members of the FTE Baggage Innovation Working Group.

At FTE we pride ourselves on providing the very best in networking events; enabling our guests to unwind and connect with like-minded industry peers in a relaxed environment. To support this ambition, we have once again teamed up with passenger disruption experts Plan3, to invite attendees to join them on Tuesday 9 June for a City of Dublin walking tour.

Brought to you by passenger disruption experts:

Kick off the conference in style at our official Ice Breaker at House Dublin. This relaxed and vibrant evening offers your first opportunity to connect with fellow delegates while enjoying great food, fabulous drinks, and live music in a venue that blends boutique charm with energetic city flair.

Whether you’re keen to immerse yourself in Dublin’s culture, reconnect with industry peers, or simply unwind after travelling, this is the perfect way to start the event on a high note.

Now in their fourth edition, the FTE Innovate Awards are once again at the epicentre of the APEX FTE EMEA event. Building on the momentum of previous years, the Awards have been expanded to welcome participation from across the global aviation ecosystem, reflecting the international relevance of the initiatives being showcased and the growing global array of participants that the APEX FTE EMEA event attracts year-on-year.

During this session, the finalists in the ‘Best New Transformative Concept’ category will pitch on stage as they vie to secure the audience members’ votes. The winners will be announced during the FTE Innovate Awards presentation ceremony on Thursday 11 June.

Finalists:

The APEX FTE EMEA and Ancillary & Retailing Startup Pitch Session will provide a platform for high-potential startups to showcase their products and services that have been developed to enhance the customer experience, operational efficiency and commercial performance.

Make the most of the vital networking opportunities provided at the FTE Dublin Networking Reception, where delegates can enjoy demonstrations in the exhibition and network with their peers over drinks before our Awards ceremony.

It has been a time of real transformation across the industry, and we will honour and recognise those efforts in Dublin. 15 airlines and 15 airports will be shortlisted for the FTE World Ancillary & Retailing Awards 2026, with three in each category being honoured for outstanding achievement during the ceremony. We will also celebrate the members of the 2026 FTE EMEA Airline and Airport Power Lists.

Following this, the APEX Passenger Choice Award Winners ceremony will take place, recognising airlines from Europe, South America & North America for their outstanding CX efforts as voted for across 1.2 million flights through TripIt.

The “Summer in Dublin” informal social event, kindly hosted by The Travel Massive Dublin Chapter, is the perfect opportunity to continue your conference networking and connect with the local travel community. The not-for-profit Travel Massive Dublin has been hosting free-to-attend social events, insightful interviews, educational panels, and generally supporting the travel industry in Ireland since October 2013. Location to be confirmed soon.

This exclusive keynote will separate the noise from the signal. It is based in 2040 and will run through future scenarios of how AI will impact airlines, airports and travellers. Learn from AI best practices from top airlines and beyond.

Now in their fourth edition, the FTE Innovate Awards are once again at the epicentre of the APEX FTE EMEA event. Building on the momentum of previous years, the Awards have been expanded to welcome participation from across the global aviation ecosystem, reflecting the international relevance of the initiatives being showcased and the growing global array of participants that the APEX FTE EMEA event attracts year-on-year.

During this session, the finalists in the ‘Best Airport Initiative’ category will pitch on stage as they vie to secure the audience members’ votes. The winners will be announced during the FTE Innovate Awards presentation ceremony on Thursday 11 June.

Finalists:

Hear about the latest developments from across the FTE Communities – the FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub, FTE Baggage Innovation Working Group, and FTE World Ancillary & Retailing Working Group.

Now in their fourth edition, the FTE Innovate Awards are once again at the epicentre of the APEX FTE EMEA event. Building on the momentum of previous years, the Awards have been expanded to welcome participation from across the global aviation ecosystem, reflecting the international relevance of the initiatives being showcased and the growing global array of participants that the APEX FTE EMEA event attracts year-on-year.

During this session, the finalists in the ‘Best Airline Initiative’ category will pitch on stage as they vie to secure the audience members’ votes. The winners will be announced during the FTE Innovate Awards presentation ceremony on Thursday 11 June.

Finalists:

We wrap up two days of learning, networking and inspiration by inviting all attendees to relax and enjoy a farewell drink and see who comes out top in the FTE Innovate Awards 2026. Over the past two days, attendees will have heard from a variety of industry stakeholders, each pitching on stage in an effort to win votes and be named an FTE Innovate Awards winner. Now the votes have been tallied, we will announce and celebrate the FTE Innovate Awards 2026 winners.