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Top baggage trends to watch in 2026: AI, robotics and automation, baggage tracking, computer vision and much more

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Our comprehensive focus on the key baggage trends set to shape the industry in 2026 and beyond features compelling insights from FTE Baggage Innovation Working Group (BIWG) Captains and a wide selection of BIWG Partners. The baggage domain is entering a pivotal phase of transformation. As passenger volumes continue to rise, airports and airlines are increasingly rethinking traditional operating models and embracing smarter, more scalable solutions. Technologies such as robotic loading aids, autonomous vehicles, and advanced bag tagging and tracking are moving rapidly from pilot to practice, promising gains in efficiency, resilience and passenger confidence. Our comprehensive focus on baggage innovation spotlights the top baggage trends to watch in 2026, with compelling insights from FTE Baggage Innovation Working Group (BIWG) Captains and a wide selection of BIWG Partners. Air Canada, GOAA, Southwest, Barich Inc, BNP Associates, YVR, BEUMER Group, Introba, and BAGTAG on AI, robotics a...
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How YVR, Aer Lingus and ADR are creating truly unique and memorable customer experiences

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In this report from APEX FTE Dublin 2025, discover how YVR, Aer Lingus, and Aeroporti di Roma are shaping the future of travel by blending cutting-edge tech with human connection to deliver a truly unique CX. In a headline session at the co-located APEX  FTE EMEA  and  Ancillary & Retailing  2025 events, which took place on 10-12 June in Dublin, industry leaders gathered to discuss the future of passenger experience, focusing on the integration of technology, human interaction, and cross-sector inspiration to create seamless and personalised journeys for travellers. Dr. Joe Leader, Group CEO, APEX/FTE/IFSA, led a panel of experts – including Eric Pateman, Vice President, Passenger Experience and Chief Experience Officer, Vancouver Airport Authority; Enda Kavanagh, Product Manager (Inflight Customer Experience), Aer Lingus; and Giorgia Marizza, Acceleration Program, Open Innovation & Digital Specialist, Aeroporti di Roma – who shared their visions and strategies for transforming...
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Lufthansa Group, Air France-KLM and Threedot discuss advanced approaches to Modern Airline Retailing and Offer & Order management

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A key session at the recent APEX FTE Dublin 2025 event focused on ‘Advanced approaches to Modern Airline Retailing and Offer & Order management’, featuring Lufthansa Group, Air France-KLM and Threedot. A key session at the recent co-located APEX FTE EMEA and Ancillary & Retailing events focused on ‘Advanced approaches to Modern Airline Retailing and Offer & Order management’. Moderator Eric Léopold, Founder, Threedot, and APEX FTE Ancillary & Retailing Content Director, opened with a presentation on the ‘State of Airline Retailing’. He emphasised that Modern Airline Retailing is about value creation through new processes and systems, and the most advanced airlines have started the final stage of the transformation. Dr Jost Daft, Head of Order Transformation, Lufthansa Group, shared how Offers & Orders enable the foundation that airline retailing needs. He explained that transformation starts with clarity, collaboration and commitment, while true transformation onl...
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Miami International Airport to usher in new era of luxury travel with first-of-its-kind private terminal

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Miami International Airport has held a ground-breaking ceremony for a new private terminal for commercial travellers – PS MIA – which is scheduled to open in spring 2026, “ushering in a new era of luxury travel”. Miami International Airport – a Corporate Partner of the FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub – has held a groundbreaking ceremony for a first-of-its-kind new private terminal for commercial travellers – PS MIA – which is scheduled to open in spring 2026. PS MIA will restore and redesign the historic former Pan American Airways (Pan Am) headquarters into a private terminal that will include five private suites, two salons with dining options, a central outdoor courtyard, and a day spa with beauty treatments and massages. The Pan Am building has been a Miami-Dade County-designated Historic Site since 2014. PS MIA is dedicated to preserving the building’s iconic mid-century brutalist architecture and will seamlessly integrate finishes and furniture that reference important...
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Schiphol to welcome new American Express Centurion Lounge with “focus on both comfort and premium service”

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Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is to welcome the opening of The Centurion Lounge by American Express in 2026, which will “focus on both comfort and premium service” for eligible card members. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol – a Corporate Partner of the FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub – is to welcome the opening of The Centurion Lounge by American Express in 2026. The Centurion Lounge, a premium place for eligible card members to rest between piers E and F, is the first lounge announced to be operated by a global credit card company at Schiphol. It will offer eligible card members a premium experience with a local Dutch inspiration. The Centurion Lounge is being designed in a stylish palette of blue, green and earth tones, inspired by Amsterdam’s canals and characteristic architecture. The interior exudes craftsmanship and combines modern design with art made by local creators. Large windows mean lots of light and a view over the lively Kiss & Ride area at Schiphol. “We are proud ...
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Riyadh Air enters strategic partnership with Almatar to integrate modern retailing capabilities

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Riyadh Air has signed a strategic partnership with Almatar to integrate modern retailing capabilities. The aim is to deliver dynamic travel experiences through real-time pricing, personalised offers, and more. In a significant step towards enhancing the use of cutting-edge technology in travel and innovation, Riyadh Air – Saudi Arabia’s new digital-native airline – has signed a strategic partnership with Almatar, Saudi Arabia’s leading online travel agency, to enable direct integration with the company’s modern retailing capabilities. This partnership marks a new chapter in digital aviation, empowering both parties to deliver richer and more dynamic travel experiences through real-time pricing, personalised offers, and seamless booking across Riyadh Air’s growing international network. “Riyadh Air is committed to redefining the air travel experience by setting a new global standard through continuous innovation,” said Vincent Coste, Chief Commercial Officer, Riyadh Air. “Partnering wit...
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Delta refreshes culinary offering as part of efforts to provide an elevated onboard experience

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Delta Air Lines is elevating its onboard experience in celebration of its Centennial year, with several enhanced food and beverage offerings now being introduced to provide travellers with a taste of summer. In its Centennial year, Delta Air Lines remains dedicated to providing an elevated onboard experience that puts comfort, luxury and customer choice at its centre. This is highlighted by the airline’s recent expansion of its Missoni partnership in Delta One, launching an exclusive Delta One collection inclusive of bespoke bedding on international flights and a suite of amenities, and now several enhanced onboard food and beverage offerings. “Summer is a season of adventure and relaxation for many of our customers,” said Stephanie Laster, Managing Director of Onboard Culinary Experience, Delta. “It’s a time when indulgence takes centre stage, which we actively work to extend to the food, meals and beverages that enhance the journey. With this in mind, we’re excited to evolve our onbo...
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