RX, the organisers of World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo (WTCE) have released a report that reports findings of the latest trends and insights that are influencing the future of onboard hospitality.
RX notes that global airline passenger traffic is rising 6.6% year-on-year and 78% of passengers are seeking greater convenience for their travel experience through their smartphones. This means that airlines are under increased pressure to deliver onboard experiences that meet evolving passenger expectations, especially through enhanced food, drink and hospitality offerings.
The report, titled ‘Elevating Passenger Experience in the Next Era of Onboard Hospitality’, highlights trends the WTCE team have identified that airlines should prioritise in order to stay aligned with changing passenger behaviours.
The report draws on the key themes of the WTCE show, including the growing use of AI in onboard services, innovative beverage and food concepts, accessibility, and sustainability. Each theme will be explored at the event through the use of insights from WTCE’s ‘ambassadors’, whose expertise helps airlines translate emerging trends into opportunities to enhance passenger loyalty, wellbeing, and commercial performance.
Attendees at WTCE (14-16 April 2026 at Messe Hamburg, Germany) will have the opportunity to engage with the ambassadors directly, gaining insights into how these themes can be translate into practical solutions onboard.
The ambassadors featured include:
- Matt Crane, Sustainability Ambassador. He is founder of the Aviation Sustainability Forum (ASF)
- Julianne Ponan MBE, Special Diets Ambassador. She is CEO & founder of Creative Nature
- Melissa Adamski, Travel Nutrition Ambassador. She is the director of Nutted Out Nutrition
- Kelly Stevenson, Beverages Ambassador. She is director of JetVine
- Kai Kosicki, Retail Technology Ambassador. He is founder of ExpAir
Through their contributions, the ambassadors play a key role at WTCE, offering actionable insights, highlighting emerging trends, and helping airlines understand how innovation can shape the future of passenger experience.
Shaping the future of onboard hospitality
The way passengers experience the cabin is changing faster than ever, says RX. Airlines are embracing innovation to create journeys that are safer, more inclusive, and more meaningful. The ambassadors’ insights reveal how airlines can turn the cabin into a key driver for brand distinction and wellbeing.
The new report reflects WTCE’s aim of supporting airlines and suppliers in delivering forward-thinking onboard products and services. It highlights emerging technologies, operational strategies and service innovations that will shape the next generation of inflight hospitality.
Shona Thomson, event manager for WTCE said: “The passenger experience is evolving from a service requirement into a tool for airlines to differentiate themselves and build loyalty. This report, featuring insights from our ambassadors, highlights how every aspect of onboard hospitality is essential in shaping the next era of travel.
By sharing these insights, WTCE aims to support airlines and suppliers turn innovation into practical solutions that enhance every stage of the passenger journey. Attending WTCE provides a unique opportunity to see these trends first-hand, discover forward-thinking solutions, and connect with the innovators shaping the future of inflight experience.”
You can access the full report here.
For more information and to register for the World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo, visit https://www.worldtravelcateringexpo.com/reg
