A conference programme designed to transform the future of air transport
At the heart of FTE Global is a world-class conference programme designed to inspire, challenge and inform. More than just a series of presentations, it's where aviation's decision-makers come together to exchange ideas, explore emerging technologies and discover proven strategies for creating smarter operations and more seamless passenger journeys.
Spanning three dedicated tracks – Future Airports, Digital & Innovation, and Future Trends & Customer Journeys – the programme combines visionary keynotes, practical case studies, interactive discussions and cross-industry perspectives that you won't find anywhere else.
Hear directly from some of the most influential leaders in global aviation as they discuss the strategic priorities shaping the future of airlines and airports. These candid conversations will explore leadership, innovation, investment, transformation and what organisations must do today to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving industry.
One of the defining characteristics of FTE Global is our commitment to looking beyond aviation for fresh thinking and breakthrough innovation.
While airlines and airports have much to learn from one another, some of the world's most seamless, personalised and memorable customer experiences are being created in industries such as commercial space travel, luxury hotels, cruise lines, rail and bus transport, theme parks, retail, hospitality and entertainment. These sectors are redefining customer expectations through innovation, exceptional service and frictionless end-to-end experiences.
Explore what aviation can learn from these world-leading brands – and how those insights can help create smarter operations, more seamless journeys and unforgettable passenger experiences.
Discover how airlines and airports are reimagining passenger experiences through the intelligent combination of digital innovation and human service.
Sessions will explore:
Artificial Intelligence is rapidly becoming central to aviation operations and passenger experience.
This dedicated symposium will showcase practical learnings from organisations already deploying AI at scale, exploring how airlines and airports are transforming customer journeys, empowering frontline employees and improving operational efficiency.
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Explore the technologies and industry developments that could fundamentally change how we travel.
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Learn how industry leaders are advancing digital identity programmes and biometric-enabled journeys to deliver faster, more secure and increasingly frictionless travel.
Sessions will examine:
As aviation becomes increasingly connected, protecting passenger data and critical infrastructure has never been more important.
Industry experts will discuss evolving cyber threats, privacy considerations and strategies for building secure digital ecosystems that passengers can trust.
Discover how airports are being reimagined through smarter infrastructure, automation and entirely new transport concepts.
Topics include:
Technology alone doesn't transform organisations – people do.
This session explores how aviation leaders are overcoming workforce concerns, building confidence in emerging technologies and creating change management strategies that enable successful digital transformation across their organisations.
At the heart of FTE Global 2026, the Moonshot Competition will spotlight the industry’s most ambitious ideas that have the potential to fundamentally reshape aviation – from early-stage concepts to proven innovations already making a difference.
Five shortlisted finalists will take to the stage in Dallas to deliver 5-minute pitches, followed by live Q&A with our expert judges and audience.
Judges will be looking for ambitious concepts with genuine potential to revolutionise passenger experience, operations or business models over the short-, medium- or long-term.
With global travel demand accelerating ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 and the Los Angeles Olympic Games 2028, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) continues to innovate border processing through advanced technology and public-private collaboration.
This dedicated symposium will provide exclusive updates on CBP initiatives including facial biometrics, mobile applications and other technologies helping deliver secure, seamless and touchless passenger processing.
Automation is moving rapidly from concept to operational reality.
Hear from pioneers deploying robotics across aviation and explore what must happen for autonomous technologies to scale successfully.
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Effective collaboration depends on effective data sharing.
This symposium brings together industry stakeholders to define practical frameworks for sharing data securely and effectively across the aviation ecosystem.
Sessions will explore how organisations can move from discussion to implementation by identifying where data sharing creates measurable value and establishing realistic best practices for the future.
How intelligent can ramp operations become?
Industry leaders will examine the latest technologies transforming below-the-wing operations, including automation, AI, connected equipment and autonomous vehicles.
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The baggage journey is undergoing significant transformation through automation, AI and new operating models.
This dedicated track explores how the industry can overcome longstanding challenges while unlocking entirely new opportunities.
Key topics include:
Our 2026 programme spans three dedicated tracks. Choose a track below to explore the detailed session topics and speakers.
Focusing on how future airports will adapt, look, collaborate and operate, covering terminal design, biometrics, security, baggage and ramp operations.
Harnessing data, digital platforms, AI and robotics to reinvent operations, create new business models and transform the passenger journey.
Shaping the end-to-end travel experience from booking and terminal processing to inflight innovation and seamless border clearance.
Be part of the definitive forum shaping the next generation of air transport. Secure your place today to experience these transformative conference sessions live.
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