Future travel Experience

Plaza Premium Group has opened a brand-new, state-of-the-art airline lounge project developed for Saudia Airlines in Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 4, which aims to offer “a unique, tailor-made experience”. Plaza Premium Group has opened a brand-new, state-of-the-art airline lounge project developed for Saudia Airlines in Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 4. The brand-new lounge is designed exclusively for First and Business Class customers to elevate their pre-flight experience and enjoy a unique, tailor-made experience for Saudia Airlines guests. With floor to ceiling runway views and a capacity of 140 guests the lounge features include a dedicated VIP zone, designed with elegance, a plush sense of arrival and curated artwork to enhance and elevate the ambiance. Guests will be offered a premium dining experience serving cuisines including Middle Eastern signature dishes, carefully curated by chefs with culinary influences which circumnavigates the globe. The VIP Zone experience is further ele...

American Airlines is introducing a redesigned mobile app, which is being revamped to fulfil customers’ most-requested features. The aim is to deliver a seamless CX thanks to a more intuitive app layout. American Airlines is introducing a redesigned mobile app, which is being revamped to fulfil customers’ most-requested features. A redesigned look and feel on a new platform set the foundation for future app upgrades and new features to further enhance the customer experience. “We’re dialled in to delivering on new ways to make our customers’ travels with us as easy as possible, so improving their most powerful tool – the app – is a significant focus of ours,” said Heather Garboden, Chief Customer Officer, American Airlines. “Over the last year, our team has been taking feedback from customers to understand their pain points and wish lists to make sure we’re tailoring the next evolution of the app to deliver what they want most. This newly redesigned app is the first step in giving us a ...

Changi Airport Group is enhancing CX at Jewel with a Nintendo pop-up store and Mario Kart-themed installations. The aim is to further transform Jewel into “a premier destination for families and travellers”. Changi Airport Group – a Headline Partner of APEX FTE Asia Expo , Singapore, 11-12 November 2025 – is enhancing the customer experience at Jewel with a Nintendo pop-up store and Mario Kart-themed installations. Nintendo enthusiasts, Super Mario fans and families alike can look forward to new and exclusive Nintendo merchandise, and enjoy racing through Jewel to snap photos with Super Mario and friends until July 2025. The Jewel pop-up in Singapore is the only spot outside Japan where fans can grab items from games like Super Mario, Animal Crossing, The Legend of Zelda, Splatoon, and Pikmin. Fans can also purchase a limited-edition Nintendo themed t-shirt commemorating the Jewel store’s opening. Jewel has also transformed into a real-life Rainbow Road with the Mario Kart Jewel Circui...

Delta SkyMiles members and Uber customers in the U.S. can now link their accounts and start earning miles. The aim is to deepen the value of SkyMiles membership by enhancing the end-to-end experience. Delta SkyMiles members and Uber customers in the U.S. can now link their accounts and start earning miles. Once linked, members will automatically earn: 3 miles per eligible dollar spent on Uber Reserve trips 2 miles per eligible dollar spent on premium rides such as Uber Comfort and Uber Black 1 mile per eligible dollar spent on UberX rides to and from airports 1 mile per eligible dollar spent on $40+ restaurant and grocery orders with Uber Eats “SkyMiles Membership is about giving Delta’s loyal customers more ways to earn even more miles, fly with more ease, and experience more of what really matters to them,” said Prashant Sharma, V.P. of Loyalty, Delta. “Our new partnership with Uber not only expands the value of loyalty and makes it easier than ever for our members to get...

AviAlliance has announced plans to invest £350 million in the growth and decarbonisation of AGS Airports over the next five years, including a comprehensive transformation of Glasgow Airport’s main terminal. AviAlliance has announced plans to invest £350 million in the future growth and decarbonisation of AGS Airports over the course of the next five years following its recent acquisition of the group which comprises Aberdeen, Glasgow and Southampton airports. AviAlliance completed the acquisition of AGS Airports in January for an enterprise value of £1.53 billion and it has now outlined details of what will be the single largest capital investment programme in AGS since it was formed in 2014. “AGS plays a critical role in driving economic and social prosperity across Scotland and the UK,” said Kam Jandu, Chief Executive, AGS Airports. “We have ambitious plans for the long-term, sustainable growth of our airports, including the strengthening of our connectivity which underpins the succ...

Malta International Airport has appointed The Design Solution to support the first phase of the latest major development program at the airport, as it aims “to further improve the guest experience”. Malta International Airport has appointed The Design Solution (TDS) to provide specialist planning and design support for the first phase of the latest major development program at the airport. Working in partnership with Malta-based architects and project management specialists QP, the airport’s Eastern Expansion project has just been submitted for planning and involves an expansion to the check-in hall, as well as a major expansion of the departure lounge and the associated gate area. At the heart of the expansion program is the departure lounge expansion, a double-height space that will amplify the perception of spaciousness and create a more calming airport environment. “Our updated investment programme, particularly the Eastward Expansion, reaffirms our commitment to continue evolving ...

FTE World Innovation Summit attendees will receive an exclusive first-look at Pittsburgh International Airport’s landmark new terminal through guided tours and in-depth conference sessions. Read our full preview. Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) – host of the FTE World Innovation Summit , taking place on 13-15 May 2025 – is transforming travel with an ambitious, airport-wide modernisation. The centrepiece of these efforts is the pioneering new terminal program, with the brand-new facility – opening this year – designed to deliver a more intuitive, cohesive and carefully crafted passenger journey from curb to gate. FTE World Innovation Summit attendees will receive an exclusive first-look at the landmark new terminal through guided tours and in-depth conference sessions. In this deep-dive article, key PIT executives who will deliver specialist briefings at the event share what to expect in this exclusive terminal opening showcase. Design, Construction, Sustainability, Delivery ...

Datalex is introducing DLX Pay – a cutting-edge payment platform built exclusively with airline challenges in mind and designed to “give customers a more convenient and better payment journey”. Datalex, a leader in airline e-commerce solutions, has announced the launch of a new product, DLX Pay. In addition, Datalex has announced it has signed its launch customer, Air Transat, with a go-live planned for later this year. Research by McKinsey outlines that the airline industry could realise approximately $14 billion in value by 2030 by strategically addressing payments. DLX Pay aims to enable airlines to capture this value opportunity. “Datalex is on a mission to transform how airlines retail, and payments are a critical component of this,” said Jonathan Rockett, CEO, Datalex. “We see a significant opportunity ahead for airlines to make strides in this area. I am thrilled to announce the launch of DLX Pay and delighted that we will be bringing this product live with Air Transat later thi...

Journey Robotics is Emerging Technology Showcase Sponsor of the FTE World Innovation Summit. In this interview, its CEO Reeg Allen discusses transforming baggage handling through robotics and automation. Journey Robotics – a Partner of the FTE Baggage Innovation Working Group – is Emerging Technology Showcase Sponsor of the FTE World Innovation Summit , which takes place on 13-15 May 2025, hosted by Pittsburgh International Airport. In this interview, Reeg Allen, CEO, discusses how Journey Robotics is transforming baggage handling through robotics and automation. Journey Robotics is a Pittsburgh-based robotics and automation company specialising in airport automation. It is developing a drop-in, robotic baggage handling system that enables continuous, consistent, fast baggage handling with reduced dependency on human labour, resulting in decreased wait times, and improved passenger experience. “Journey’s touchless system streamlines operations while improving reliability and profitabi...

Alaska Airlines is introducing new chef-curated meals, building on its exclusive First Class menu. The airline is “working on its next culinary chapter that will take its already elevated meals to new heights”. Alaska Airlines is introducing new chef-curated meals designed to bring the flavours of an award-winning restaurant straight to your tray table. Building on the success of its exclusive First Class menu, the airline is continuing its partnership with acclaimed chef Brandon Jew, owner of San Francisco’s Michelin-starred Mister Jiu’s. Last autumn, the airline teamed up with the award-winning chef to launch three high-quality meals that aim to set a new standard for inflight dining. Now, First Class guests flying between San Francisco and New York’s JFK Airport can once again indulge in Chef Jew’s expertly crafted dishes, bringing a modern twist to Cantonese cuisine in the skies. New this year, Alaska Airlines is expanding the guest experience by adding Chef Jew’s dishes to First C...

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, The New Terminal One, and Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield Airports have selected Duty Free Americas as exclusive duty free operator for JFK’s New Terminal One. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (a Corporate Partner of the  FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub ), The New Terminal One, and Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW) Airports have selected Duty Free Americas as the exclusive duty free operator for JFK Airport’s New Terminal One. The new terminal will open in phases, beginning in 2026 with completion in 2030. The $9.5 billion all-international terminal will elevate the passenger experience with duty free shops that will be inspired by New York City’s skyline and landmarks, while featuring iconic global brands alongside local products. “Creating a uniquely New York sense of place across all new and renovated terminals is a fundamental tenet of the Port Authority’s transformation of JFK Airport into a world class global gateway,”...

Brussels Airport has announced significant infrastructure investments. The project features the construction of a new intermodal hub, expansion of the departure and arrival hall, a new hotel, and more. Brussels Airport plans significant investments in the airport infrastructure in the coming years. The project features the construction of a new intermodal hub, an expansion of the departure and arrival hall, a new hotel, a new drop-off zone, and a green boulevard with a park. This ambitious project signifies the dawn of the airport's third era, representing its largest investment in 30 years, since the completion of the current terminal and Pier B in the 1990s. These investments are necessary to cope with passenger growth in the coming years, and to continue providing sufficient capacity for a pleasant travel experience. The entire project should be completed by 2032 at the latest. The airport is gearing up for the future with an ambitious investment programme in passenger infrastru...