RX, the organisers of the Passenger Experience Conference (PEC) have announced that this year’s event will bring together speakers from more than 20 airlines – a record number for the PEC – including representatives from United Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, Saudi Airlines, and Fiji Airways.
The conference will also feature designers, technology providers and industry innovators from companies including Panasonic Avionics, Tangerine, Teague, and Caynova AG.
The one-day conference, which will take place on Monday 13th April 2026 at Hamburg Messe (the day before the AIX and WTCE shows open), is designed to deliver insights into creating optimal end-to-end passenger experiences, covering everything from data-driven digital journeys and next-generation inflight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC). to personalised wellness, inclusive and accessible cabin design, and strategies for more sustainable air travel.
Visitors can choose from over 30 speaker sessions across three focused streams:
- Digital First: Personal, Intelligent & Intuitive
- Wellness, Comfort & Human-Centric Design
- Sustainability & the Eco-Conscious Traveller
The sessions will explore themes such as how airlines are designing journeys that are more connected, inclusive and environmentally responsible.
“PEC 2026 is shaping up to be one of our most ambitious editions yet,” said Archana Dharni, event director of AIX. “With the largest-ever lineup of airline speakers and a programme that dives into every facet of the passenger journey, it’s truly a unique chance to explore the future of air travel. We can’t wait to welcome delegates to PEC to share ideas, challenge assumptions, and ignite the next wave of passenger experience innovation.”
Main stage highlights
The main stage at PEC will feature ‘The Great UXcape,’ a keynote panel starring Akuila Batiweti, chief customer officer at Fiji Airways; Rossen Dimitrov, chief guest experience officer at Saudia; and Steven Greenway, CEO of Flyadeal. The panel will discuss how any airline, from a low-cost carrier to long-haul full-service operator, can redesign every passenger touchpoint, blending technology, personalisation and connectivity to make journeys smoother and more intuitive.
In another highlight, Tero Taskila, CEO and chairman of Beond, the world’s first premium-class leisure airline, will present a talk titled ‘Executive travel: unrivalled luxury, unmatched performance,’ showcasing the work undertaken at the airline. He will explain how design, technology and craftsmanship combine to deliver an inflight experience that exceeds passenger expectations.
Sessions across three streams
Sessions in the Digital First; Personal, Intelligent & Intuitive stream will examine how technology is shaping smarter, more seamless journeys. Discussions will cover data-driven personalisation, next-generation IFEC, and how airlines can harness technology to create smoother, more intuitive passenger experiences.
Confirmed speakers include Dominic Green, director of inflight entertainment at United Airlines; Mohamed K. AbdelRehim, CEO of SKYFive Arabia; and Jonas von Kruechten, founder and principal advisor at the Dgtlsky consultancy.
The Wellness, Comfort & Human-Centric Design stream will explore themes of passenger wellbeing, accessibility, and inclusivity. Sessions will highlight strategies to reduce fatigue and travel stress, design cabins and services that accommodate diverse needs, and create truly human-centred experiences.
Speakers will include Clemens Strauss, VP of customer experience, product and marketing at Eurowings; Blake Emery, a board member of All Wheels Up; and Brent Jump, head of sales and marketing at Caynova AG.
The Sustainability & the Eco-Conscious Traveller stream focuses on practical strategies to enable greener air travel. Discussions will cover sustainable operations, intermodal connectivity, and innovations that enhance the passenger experience while reducing environmental impact.
Confirmed speakers include Paul Mills, former head of inflight services at Virgin Atlantic Airways, among others.
New sessions are being added to the programme regularly, with more to be announced ahead of the conference.
The day will close with a networking reception (free to attend for all PEC delegates), which will bring together industry professionals for an informal evening of conversation and networking over cocktails, global cuisine, and live music.
The Passenger Experience Conference (PEC) will take place on Monday, 13 April 2026, at Hamburg Messe, Germany, ahead of Aircraft Interiors Expo and World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo from 14–16 April 2026. Visitors and exhibitors at AIX and WTCE can upgrade their badge to attend the full day at PEC or join the evening networking reception.
