In this interview, Eric Léopold, Founder & Managing Director, Threedot, and Content Director, APEX FTE Ancillary & Retailing, discusses how agentic AI will redefine airline commercial models, the organisational shifts required, and more.


In this interview, Eric Léopold, Founder & Managing Director, Threedot, and Content Director, APEX FTE Ancillary & Retailing, discusses how agentic AI will redefine airline commercial models, the organisational shifts required, and more.

MSP is planning its largest concessions redevelopment in over a decade, covering 80,000 sq ft and paving the way for 47 new venues across both terminals, focused on more convenience and improved dwell space.

Heathrow has opened the UK’s first RELAY store in T2, introducing a versatile travel essentials concept from Lagardère Travel Retail that blends convenience, food‑to‑go and pharmacy services, with three more stores to follow.

Edinburgh Airport has opened a new Giraffe restaurant, offering global cuisine, 179 seats and a dedicated grab‑and‑go service, enhancing choice and convenience for passengers across all travel segments.

Turkish Airlines is reshaping airline retailing, moving from static fares to dynamic, contextual offers powered by data, AI and in‑house innovation. Discover how the carrier is redefining the modern commercial model.

Belfast International Airport and SSP Group have opened Flax & Soda, a new 280‑cover dining concept showcasing local flavours and culture as part of the airport’s £100 million transformation programme.
Content plans: Join us in Dublin for APEX FTE EMEA, APEX FTE Ancillary & Retailing – co-located to deliver the region’s most comprehensive gathering of air transport leaders.
Find out more >>Content plans: Focus on the future of baggage handling, Proof of Concepts updates & knowledge sharing
Find out more >>Content plans: AI, IOT & Robotics case studies & knowledge sharing
Find out more >>Content plans: AI, IOT & Robotics case studies & knowledge sharing
Find out more >>Content plans: Focus on the future of baggage handling, Proof of Concepts updates & knowledge sharing
Find out more >>Content plans: Join us at the 20th anniversary FTE Global, the “CES of Aviation” taking place in the new location of Dallas, Texas, on 8-10 September 2026, co-located with IFSA Global EXPO. Headline Partners include Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Southwest Airlines, and Dallas Love Field Airport.
Find out more >>Content plans: Focus on the future of baggage handling, Proof of Concepts updates & knowledge sharing
Find out more >>Content plans: AI, IOT & Robotics case studies & knowledge sharing
Find out more >>Content plans: Focus on the future of baggage handling, Proof of Concepts updates & knowledge sharing
Find out more >>Content plans: AI, IOT & Robotics case studies & knowledge sharing
Find out more >>Content plans: Focus on the future of baggage handling, Proof of Concepts updates & knowledge sharing
Find out more >>Content plans: AI, IOT & Robotics case studies & knowledge sharing
Find out more >>Content plans: Join us for APEX FTE EXPO Asia, 18-19 November 2026 – Uniting the world in Singapore for the largest end-to-end passenger experience and innovation expo
Find out more >>Content plans: Focus on the future of baggage handling, Proof of Concepts updates & knowledge sharing
Find out more >>Content plans: AI, IOT & Robotics case studies & knowledge sharing
Find out more >>
In this interview, Lucy Thomas, Head of Retail at Auckland Airport, discusses the importance of blending curated retail, digital engagement, omnichannel experiences and local identity to enhance customer experiences.

CVG Airport has welcomed the opening of VV The Italian Experience in Concourse B. The new restaurant offers travellers authentic Italian cuisine rooted in three generations of family heritage, from Puglia to Cincinnati.

Brisbane Airport is transforming its International Terminal with 13 new food & beverage outlets, expanded retail, and a new Dining Precinct, blending local flavours and global favourites for a more engaging CX.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and JFKIAT have announced that JFK T4 Retail Partners LLC has been selected to reimagine the duty free and specialty retail concessions for passengers at T4.

Brisbane Airport is transforming its International Terminal with 13 new food & beverage outlets, expanded retail, and a new Dining Precinct, blending local flavours and global favourites for a more engaging CX.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and JFKIAT have announced that JFK T4 Retail Partners LLC has been selected to reimagine the duty free and specialty retail concessions for passengers at T4.

Denver International Airport unveils a new Concourse A food court with Fat Sully’s Pizza, QDOBA, Chick-fil-A, and Shake Shack. The development adds over 250 jobs and enhances dining with local and national favourites.

Western Sydney International Airport appoints Lagardère AWPL as its official duty free and travel essentials partner. 11 stores will offer global brands and local products, providing convenience and a world-class retail experience.

Munich Airport is expanding its ‘Chinese Shopping Assistant’ service across all terminals, offering personalised support to Chinese travellers and enhancing retail engagement alongside a smoother passenger journey.

airBaltic is the first Starlink-connected airline to bring a global inflight shopping mall onboard. AirMall offers 20,000+ brands, personalised picks, loyalty rewards, and delivery – all through the Skynet WiFi portal.

Wizz Air, Immfly and gateretail have unveiled a unified digital cabin ecosystem, combining onboard retail, passenger connectivity, and operational data. The integration enhances service efficiency and personalisation.

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is partnering with SSP America to introduce a new wave of locally inspired dining in Terminal 4, blending authentic Arizona flavours with innovative concepts to elevate CX.
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