FTE Smart Ramp & Baggage Innovation Summit 2026
The global platform advancing autonomous aircraft turnaround & baggage handling innovation.
Transformation of baggage and ramp approaches is where the next revolution for our sector will occur.
The FTE Smart Ramp & Baggage Innovation Summit is a new event supporting the industry revolution towards greater autonomy in aircraft turnaround & baggage handling to achieve new levels of efficiency and consistency.
Taking place alongside APEX FTE EMEA & Ancillary & Retailing in Dublin on 9-11 June 2026, the Summit unites airlines, airports, ground handlers, manufacturers, and solution providers to collaborate on one shared goal: creating safer, smarter, and more efficient ramp & baggage operations through innovation, automation, and cross-industry partnership. It will focus on supporting airlines and airports of all sizes, as well as their partners, with their modernisation efforts on the apron.
Market Demand: Airlines, Airports and handlers are actively seeking autonomous, sustainable and data-driven baggage and ramp solutions
The Challenge: Cutting through the noise to understand real learnings from first movers and connect with proven innovators inside and outside our sector who can deliver results
Market Reality: We will all get to where we are trying to get to a lot faster if we work to make headway together and not in silos
Our Origins
The Smart Ramp & Baggage Innovation Summit builds on the success of a number of pioneering Future Travel Experience led initiatives – the FTE Accelerating Collaboration & Engagement (ACE) platform and the FTE Baggage Innovation Working Group (BIWG), which unites 130+ airlines, airports, and supply-chain partners to deliver measurable baggage-handling innovation via proofs of concept and collaboration, plus the BOOST program which is a global coalition dedicated to accelerating baggage innovation that spun out of the FTE BIWG – launched during the FTE EMEA 2024 show in Dublin. In partnership with Royal Schiphol Group, Avinor, Heathrow, Brussels Airport and Incheon International Airport Corporation, BOOST aims to eliminate physical strain and improve working conditions for baggage workers by rapidly adopting advanced technologies.
Meanwhile Smart Ramp, launched in 2024 under ACE with nlmtd, advances autonomous and efficient aircraft turnaround through collaboration and real-world testing with leading partners such as IAG, Miami International Airport, ANA, Royal Schiphol Group, KLM, and Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) in areas such as autonomous vehicles, Time Stamping & AI Turnaround, Remote Control Boarding Bridges, Autonomous Connecting FOD detection and removal. Together, these initiatives converge physically at the Smart Ramp & Baggage Innovation Summit 2026 – a showcase of progress and a launchpad for the next phase of global ramp and baggage transformation.
Key Show Features
Event features will include:
Free tickets for Airports and Airlines
Physical exhibition zone & virtual showcase of new technologies and approaches from the most innovative suppliers.
Conference sessions – including a major BOOST segment, exclusive Smart Ramp output, Baggage Innovation Working Group POC learnings, and visions for the future from members and other innovators.
Speed Networking – meet the Airports, Airlines and Handlers who are willing to try new things
Competitions & Awards
Multiple co-located activities around the show – including FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub; Baggage Innovation Working Group; Smart Ramp and BOOST meetings; plus more.
Co-located with APEX FTE EMEA & Ancillary & Retailing
APEX FTE EMEA The region’s air transport innovation event brings together digital leaders, creative designers and progressive minds to reimagine travel. The 2026 theme will challenge the industry to break new ground across operations, customer experience, commercial, and sustainability.
APEX FTE Ancillary & Retailing Uniting senior executives from airlines, airports, and their partners, this event explores strategies and innovations shaping the future of airline and airport retailing. With unique insights from our Advisory Board and a carefully curated agenda, it offers an intimate environment to share ideas, network, and learn from peers driving commercial excellence.
Together, these three co-located events create the most comprehensive platform for air transport innovation – enabling more connections, more collaboration, and more value across digital, commercial, and operational domains. One pass provides full access across all events – unlocking a broader community, richer content, and opportunities for collaboration than no other standalone event can offer.
Exhibit at FTE Smart Ramp & Baggage Innovation Summit
Why exhibit? By exhibiting, you’ll position your organisation at the forefront of an industry-wide transformation – engaging directly with the airlines, airports, and ground handlers driving the adoption of autonomous, data-driven, and sustainable turnaround processes. This focused new event sits alongside APEX FTE EMEA and APEX FTE Ancillary & Retailing, connecting your solutions not only to operational leaders, but also to the digital and commercial decision-makers shaping the future of travel.
Exhibiting offers you the opportunity to:
- » Showcase your latest apron and baggage technologies, solutions and services to an audience actively seeking operational transformation.
- » Engage in high-quality, face-to-face discussions with senior leaders and technical experts from airlines, airports, and service providers.
- » Align your brand with the industry’s most progressive innovation network, building on the success of the FTE Accelerating Collaboration & Engagement (ACE) platform and the FTE Baggage Innovation Working Group (BIWG).
- » Gain added visibility through the co-located exhibition, reaching over 750+ global air transport professionals attending all three FTE events in Dublin.
- » Join a global movement focused on creating safer, smarter, and more efficient ramp and baggage operations.
If your organisation provides technology, equipment, or solutions that enhance turnaround efficiency, baggage performance, or airside safety – this is the perfect platform for you.
What to Expect in Dublin
Technology Showcase
Stakeholder Collaboration
Innovation in Action
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Real-World Demos
Live Innovation Displays
Who Attends?
The Smart Ramp & Baggage Innovation Summit brings together the global community of airlines, airports, ground handlers, manufacturers, and solution providers who are leading the next generation of ramp and baggage operations.
Attendees include:
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Airline and airport operations leaders driving improvements in turnaround performance, baggage handling, and airside efficiency.
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Ground handling organisations and service providers implementing automation, digitalisation, and safety innovation.
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Equipment and technology manufacturers developing the next wave of autonomous vehicles, robotics, and connected ramp systems.
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Baggage supply chain partners advancing smart infrastructure, RFID, data integration, and tracking solutions.
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Regulators, consultants, and industry bodies working to shape global standards for ramp safety, sustainability, and automation.
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Startups and innovators introducing new technologies and ideas that will transform ramp and baggage processes.
Together, this mix of experts and decision-makers creates a unique platform for collaboration, shared learning, and collective progress toward a smarter, safer, and more efficient future for ground operations.
Why Attend?
Gain first-hand insight into real-world projects transforming ramp & baggage operations.
Collaborate with innovators driving airside efficiency and automation.
Discover new suppliers, start-ups, and technologies entering aviation.
Shape future global standards and best practices for ramp automation.
Registration Rates
All registration packages include access to all areas of the event, including: The exhibition floor, all conference sessions, social events and catering, as well as our one-to-one networking app.
| REGISTRATION PACKAGES | Airline/Cruise/Bus/Rail | Airport/Gov Agency/Regulator | Supplier/Service Provider/Handler |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUPER EARLY BIRD RATES - ENDS 13 FEB 2026 | |||
| Standard Rate | Free of charge | Free of charge | €1,295 €995 |
| EARLY BIRD RATES - ENDS 1 MAY 2026 | |||
| Option 1 - Opt-in, commit to 3 meetings | Free of charge | €695 €495 | €1,495 €1,295 |
| Option 2 - Opt-out, no meeting commitment | €695 €495 | €995 €695 | N/A |
| POST BIRD RATES - FROM 2 MAY 2026 | |||
| Option 1 - Opt-in, commit to 3 meetings | Free of charge | €695 | €1,495 |
| Option 2 - Opt-out, no meeting commitment | €695 | €995 | N/A |
Student / Early Stage Startups
For students and startups in the early stages of development.
Early Bird Rate: €650
Post Bird Rate: €750
Accompanying Partner
Designed for life partners and significant others. Professional partners excluded.
Early Bird Rate: €250
Post Bird Rate: €350
Express Your Interest
Registration for FTE Dublin 2026 is not yet open. Complete the form below to be the first to receive event announcements, agenda updates, and exclusive early-bird offers.
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