APEX FTE EMEA 2026
Shaping the future of aviation by delivering digital and operational innovation
The definitive gathering of airline, airport and technology leaders driving digital transformation, CX and operational innovation at scale.
Returning to Dublin in June, APEX FTE EMEA 2026 will once again bring together the air transport industry’s most progressive airlines, airports and solution providers under the theme ‘Transformative Approaches & Business Models’. The event will take place alongside the co-located APEX FTE Ancillary & Retailing, creating a broader ecosystem for insight-sharing and collaboration across the industry.
APEX FTE EMEA will showcase the first-movers and practical case studies shaping the future of operational and digital innovation, including a new dedicated track focused on Smart Ramp & Baggage Innovation. The co-located APEX FTE Ancillary & Retailing adds an additional commercial dimension to the event, enhancing opportunities for cross-sector partnerships and networking. Across three days, attendees will gain inspiration from industry pioneers, explore a boutique exhibition of cutting-edge solutions, and connect through high-energy networking and social experiences.
Whether your focus is digital transformation, operational excellence, or future-ready business models, APEX FTE EMEA 2026 is where the ideas, people, and partnerships shaping the next generation of air transport innovation come together.
A snippet of airlines and airports already registered to attend
Two Conference Tracks at APEX FTE EMEA 2026
Conference agenda preview now live
Get an early look at what’s ahead for APEX FTE EMEA and Ancillary & Retailing this June, including the first conference themes, focus areas and content highlights shaping the co-located events. From AI and digital transformation to baggage innovation, customer experience, retailing and ancillary revenue, the events will once again provide an unrivalled platform for learning, networking and fresh industry thinking.
Preview:
Smart Ramp & Baggage Innovation Summit
A dedicated programme within APEX FTE EMEA focused on the future of ramp and baggage operations. The Smart Ramp & Baggage Innovation Summit will unite airports, airlines, ground handlers and solution providers to explore how innovation, automation and data-driven strategies can improve safety, efficiency and operational resilience across the airside environment. Further content and new features will be revealed in the lead-up to the event.
Digital Transformation Track
The Digital Transformation track will spotlight how airlines, airports and their partners are harnessing cutting-edge technologies to boost operational performance and elevate the end-to-end travel experience. From artificial intelligence and automation to advanced data collaboration, this track will explore the innovations reshaping air transport and showcase the first movers leading the industry forward.
FTE Innovate Awards 2026 – The definitive aviation industry innovation competition
Now open to airlines, airports and solution providers worldwide
Now in their fourth edition, the FTE Innovate Awards are firmly established at the epicentre of the APEX FTE EMEA event, and they will return even bigger and better at this year’s show. For the first time, the FTE Innovate Awards in Dublin are open to airlines, airports, vendors and startups from across the globe.
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.
Following the success of recent regional editions – with standout winners and finalists including the likes of Alaska Airlines, SunExpress, Berlin Brandenburg Airport, Tampa International Airport and more – the Innovate Awards are established as the industry’s largest and most respected innovation competition, and the ultimate platform for recognising those driving the aviation industry forward.
In Dublin this June, airlines, airports, startups and established solution providers from around the world will compete head-to-head to showcase game-changing innovations that deliver real-world impact, with the finalists pitching live on stage to expert judges and a highly engaged industry audience.
Find out more here
What to Expect in Dublin
Conferences
Hear from visionary leaders, disruptors, and innovators shaping the next generation of air transport. Three conference tracks will explore digital transformation, customer experience, operational excellence, sustainability, and more.
Exhibition
Discover cutting-edge technologies and solutions that can redefine the passenger journey, boost efficiency, and unlock new commercial opportunities. Meet suppliers, startups, and partners all under one roof.
Extensive Social Programme
From informal meet-ups and networking receptions to the unmissable FTE EMEA Awards Party, every occasion is designed to help attendees unwind, share ideas, and build genuine connections in a relaxed, inspiring atmosphere in the heart of Dublin.
Two Co-located Events
Your pass also grants access to the APEX FTE Ancillary & Retailing, uniting digital, commercial, and operations professionals under one roof.
AI-Powered Networking App
Our intelligent matchmaking platform helps you meet the right people before, during, and after the event – maximising every opportunity for collaboration and business growth.
Awards Programme
Celebrate the organisations and innovators driving meaningful change across the air transport industry in the FTE EMEA Innovate Awards – where finalists pitch live and the audience decides the winners.
Who Attends?
The event attracts a senior, diverse, and international audience representing every corner of the aviation ecosystem.
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Airlines and airports leading digital transformation, operational efficiency, and customer experience initiatives
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Technology companies, OEMs, and suppliers showcasing solutions that enhance performance, safety, and sustainability
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Retail, hospitality, and brand partners driving commercial growth and new revenue models
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Startups and disruptors rethinking processes and introducing breakthrough ideas
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Consultants, investors, and academics shaping future business models and innovation strategies
Together, this mix of decision-makers and innovators makes APEX FTE EMEA 2026 the most collaborative and forward-thinking gathering of its kind in the region.
Exhibit at APEX FTE EMEA 2026
The APEX FTE EMEA exhibition provides a perfect platform to view under one roof the latest products, solutions and services that can help redefine the end-to-end passenger experience, optimise operational efficiency & sustainability efforts, and create new commercial propositions both on the ground and in-flight.
Don’t miss your chance to stand out at the region’s most forward-thinking air transport show.
- Showcase your solutions to an engaged, senior audience from across EMEA and beyond.
- Position your brand among the industry’s most innovative players and disruptors.
- Access our largest-ever gathering of startups and decision-makers under one roof.
Key Topics to be Addressed in the Conference
Explore how cutting-edge technology and innovation will shape the future of air transport.
What Our Community Says
Hear directly from the airline, airport, and industry leaders who make APEX FTE EMEA the definitive event for air transport innovation.
“It has been very valuable for us to network with our airport partners here at APEX FTE Dublin, as well listening into what the future is going to be bringing us, considering the customer experience and evolution of the airport environment. We also had a chance to meet with some service providers, which may be contributing to our products and …offers. So, it’s a great opportunity to meet with stakeholders from the airport environment and exchange ideas. In terms of networking, I think it’s wonderful that we are given the opportunity to set up some catch-up times with the other attendees, and it gives us an opportunity to meet with senior executives of the airports and other companies too. I’m pleased that we’ve been attending APEX FTE Dublin for a long time now and we will hopefully be back again next year. ”
“It has been a marvellous and very well organised event, with great speakers and excellent networking. I think it is a very personal show with the opportunity to meet many potential partners. I have really enjoyed it. ”
“The experience here at FTE EMEA and FTE Ancillary & Retailing has been really great. What I have most enjoyed is the networking opportunities, which have enabled us to make many new connections and will potentially lead to new commercial relationships. ”
“The event has been very good, with lots of interesting new companies to talk to. Some of the tech on display is excellent, so I have been delighted to spend time here and hopefully there will be some opportunities for us afterwards with new companies. I would thoroughly recommend attending FTE EMEA and FTE Ancillary & Retailing – it has …been very enjoyable, with lots of good new relationships being built here. ”
“It’s been a good few days for us here at APEX FTE Dublin, with excellent networking and the opportunity to discuss our solutions with the airlines and those that are looking at the ancillary products. I’ve actually had the opportunity to attend some of the conference sessions as well and they’ve been very fruitful, with a lot of insight into …AI and automation. The social events at APEX FTE Dublin are fantastic – we always get off to a great start with the ‘Ice Breaker’, which is perfect for informal networking. This is our third year attending and we are committed to attending again next year. A big thumbs up for FTE. ”
“My overall experience here at APEX FTE Dublin has been very good. It’s a well-balanced event, with great content, well attended, and excellent networking. It’s nice and easy to connect with people here and I have found the networking opportunities fantastic. The social events have been in great venues, really well managed, and we have made a lot of good …connections. APEX FTE Dublin is definitely an event I would come back to. ”
APEX FTE EMEA 2026 Registration
Join us in Dublin for the industry’s most forward-thinking APEX EMEA show.
Register NowVital Event Information
APEX FTE EMEA 2026 will be the region’s most forward-thinking passenger experience and ancillary-focused event. The show will bring together the most progressive airlines, airports, vendors, startups, and other stakeholders to learn, collaborate and be inspired on how to transform commercial and operational performance through innovation, automation, AI, digital, partnerships and new business models.
- Event:
- APEX FTE EMEA 2026
- Date:
- to June 2026
- Location:
- RDS Dublin, Ireland
Why attend APEX FTE EMEA?
Why exhibit at APEX FTE EMEA?