The organisers of this year’s APEX/IFSA Global Expo say the event attracted nearly 2,500 airline leaders and innovators from around the world during the event on 9 to 11 September. Hosted by the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) and the International Flight Services Association (IFSA), and co-located with FTE Global, the show floor in the Long Beach Convention Center in California saw 120 airlines and airport operators represented, as well as many industry suppliers.
APEX/IFSA Global Expo is designed to bring industry together to shape the future of the end-to-end passenger journey, from ground to air and every touchpoint in between. Exhibitors at the event showcased the latest technologies and solutions, representing the full spectrum of the passenger experience, from in-flight entertainment (IFE) and connectivity (IFC), to cabin design.
The event also featured a series of CEO keynote addresses in which airline chiefs shared candid perspectives on the evolving global landscape and the bold steps being taken to reimagine the end-to-end passenger journey.
Stars of the show included Scott Kirby, CEO of United Airlines; Campbell Wilson, CEO of Air India; Dina Ben Tal Ganancia, CEO of El Al; David Neeleman, CEO of Breeze Airways; Andre Viljoen, CEO of Fiji Airways; and Steven Greenway, CEO of flyadeal.
“APEX/IFSA Global Expo stands as the thought leadership conference aviation event that defines the future of aviation. Transcending the concept of a trade show, APEX/IFSA Global Expo unites the industry’s most visionary leaders, boldest innovations, and most transformative partnerships to actively reimagine what remains possible,” said Dr Joe Leader, CEO of APEX/IFSA/FTE Group.
“From the show floor to the keynote stage, every interaction advances the global benchmark for the passenger experience,” he added. “The energy and momentum generated at this year’s Expo will continue to influence the industry in the months ahead, driving strategic transformation, accelerating innovation, and propelling aviation into its next era.”
IFSA developments
Across the show floor, the IFSA show attendees gained insights into the forces shaping the future of onboard services, from government affairs initiatives focused on allergens, traceability, and regulatory engagement, to strategies for branding and AI-powered in-flight digital innovation.
The onboard dining experience was brought to life for attendees, with live culinary showcases from global carriers including ANA, Fiji Airways, Turkish Airlines, and Saudia, who spotlit the growing influence of wellness, sustainability, and cultural authenticity in inflight catering.
This year also marked the debut of a dedicated Amenity Zone, strategically positioned between the IFSA and APEX show floors. Designed to elevate visibility for amenities suppliers and encourage meaningful engagement, the zone serves as a hub for partnership building, product discovery, and deal-making.
Crew clothing
The Professional Clothing Industry Association Worldwide (PCIAW) Airline Clothing Show returned to Long Beach, offering a visual showcase of airline uniforms, illustrating how style, brand identity, and innovation intersect to enhance the passenger experience.
Boosting the airport sector
Attendees were also engaged by FTE Global Expo’s multi-track agenda, which spanned six pillars: Terminal Design & Delivery; Airport Technology & Customer Experience; Digital Identity & Biometrics; Baggage Innovation; Commercial Strategy; and Future Airports & Sustainability. Across each track, attendees engaged with case studies, strategies, and solutions aimed at redefining the end-to-end travel experience.
Recognising excellence
APEX/IFSA Global Expo culminated with the prestigious APEX/IFSA Awards ceremony, where airlines and suppliers gathered to celebrate excellence across the aviation industry. Co-hosted by BBC’s Ben Thompson and aviation blogger Sam Chui, the ceremony brought together the global airline community in a shared celebration of achievement, creativity and progress. Winners were recognised across multiple categories.
APEX CEO Lifetime Achievement Award
This award honours industry leaders who have dedicated their lives to the enhancement of the passenger experience and advancing the industry. This award is reserved for individuals that have driven transformative change for the industry.
Dr Joe Leader presented United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby with the 2025 award, in recognition of his visionary leadership and his efforts in elevating the airline’s passenger experience to new heights. You can find out more in the September issue of Aircraft Interiors International.
2026 APEX World Class by Yates+ and Best in Service Awards
These awards honour the world’s top 10 airlines in terms of achieving the highest audited international standards, as well as the Best in Service recognition.
Airlines qualify for this award through a comprehensive process that includes an audit conducted by industry professionals from the Yates+ guest experience transformation consultancy. The methodology encompasses over 1,000 hours of audit analysis processing, a triangulated evaluation of one year of NPS scores and customer reviews, and a peer review conducted by academic and market intelligence experts.
The 10 winners for 2025 were All Nippon Airways, Emirates, Fiji Airways, Japan Airlines, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Saudia, Singapore Airlines, Turkish Airlines, and Xiamen Airlines.
APEX CEO Dr Joe Leader said of the winners: “Through APEX World Class, we celebrate the remarkable commitment of these airlines and lounges that redefine excellence in every aspect of the journey stepping beyond five-star benchmarks. Achieving this higher standard reflects dedication not only to outstanding service and comfort but to safety, sustainability, and customer satisfaction that resonate with travellers today. This distinction marks a significant stride toward a future where every flight should be benchmarked against a higher standard of world-class quality.”
2026 APEX Five Star and Four Star Airline Awards
These awards recognise the best airlines, based on verified passenger feedback collected via TripIt from over 1 million flights for a reliable measure of passenger satisfaction. Click here to find out how the airlines ranked.
2026 APEX Best Airline Awards
These awards honour the airlines that deliver the best passenger experiences in cabin service, entertainment, food & beverage, seat comfort, and wi-fi, as voted for directly by passengers.
The winners are:
- Best Entertainment: Emirates
- Best Cabin Service: Korean Air
- Best Food & Beverage: Qatar Airways
- Best Seat Comfort: Eva Air
- Best Wi-Fi: Delta Air Lines
2026 APEX/IFSA Awards
These awards celebrate new achievements and initiatives that have been successfully implemented over the past year, highlighting innovation and leadership across the airline industry. The winners are:
Best Inflight Connectivity
Air Canada
Best Inflight Entertainment
FlightPath 3D: Kids Map
Best Cabin Innovation
All Nippon Airways (ANA) – for The Room FX business-class seat
Best Inflight Food or Beverage
Fiji Airways: Pacific Rim Cuisine
Best Onboard Amenity
Delta Air Lines: Delta x Missoni Luxury Bedding
