Marta Dimitrova
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Articles by Marta Dimitrova
FTE launches new podcast to explore the realities of successful innovation
The new FTE Podcast, hosted by FTE’s Managing Director Max Gosney, launches with IAG Transform as its first guest, sharing insights into aviation innovation, industry partnerships and the challenges behind successful technology adoption. Future Travel Experience has launched a new podcast designed to bring together aviation leaders to share practical insights into the innovations shaping the passenger journey, and speed the path to successful implementation.
Introducing FTE’s new Managing Director Max Gosney: “We must practice what we preach when it comes to accelerating innovation”
Max Gosney, Managing Director, Future Travel Experience: “My role now is to reinforce and build on the FTE values… What are we about and how do we deliver more of that secret sauce to our customers? I will always be challenging myself to bring in new ideas and formats that deliver real value to our attendees.
Harry Reid International Airport deploys Assaia’s ApronAI
Assaia has announced at Future Travel Experience Global this week that Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) will be deploying the company’s ApronAI technology to enhance turnaround management. Integrated through Saab’s Aerobahn Surface Management Suite, ApronAI will provide LAS with improved real-time insights and control over surface operations, supporting one of the busiest airports in the US as it meets increasing operational demands.
eSIM Go partners with Lufthansa Group to deliver on-brand global travel eSIM services
eSIM Go has announced a new partnership with Lufthansa Group (LHG) to provide eSIM mobile data services to passengers across four of its airlines. The partnership was announced during the FTE EMEA and FTE Ancillary Retailing event, which took place on 11-13 June 2024 in Dublin. Having successfully proven the business case with the positive launch of a SWISS eSIM service earlier this year, LHG is committed to replicating the model for Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines and Brussels Airlines.
Alaska Airlines announces partnership with CELITECH at FTE EMEA - becoming first North American airline to offer eSIM technology
Alaska Airlines has become the first airline in North America to integrate eSIM technology into its booking platform through a new partnership with CELITECH, the only eSIM creator made and hosted in the USA. This collaboration enables travelers to purchase an eSIM directly when booking their trips on alaskaair.com, enhancing their connectivity and travel experience.
Royal Schiphol Group, nlmtd and Future Travel Experience unveil BOOST: a global coalition for accelerating baggage innovation
Royal Schiphol Group, an Airport Lab Network Partner of the FTE Baggage Innovation Working Group (BIWG), and innovation consultancy firm nlmtd, are proud to announce the launch of BOOST, a groundbreaking initiative designed to transform the future of baggage handling through robotics and automation. The initiative was unveiled during the FTE EMEA event in Dublin this week and aims to bring together a global coalition of airports to drive baggage innovation collaboratively.
Lufthansa partners with Meta to offer Mixed Reality headsets in new Allegris Business Class
Lufthansa and Meta, the parent company of Facebook, have partnered to offer Meta Quest 3 Mixed Reality (MR) headsets to the carrier’s business class passengers flying in its newly-introduced Allegris Business Class.
Changi Airport to adopt four new autonomous baggage handling vehicles by Aurrigo
Changi Airport Group (CAG) – a Headline Partner of FTE APEX Asia Expo, Singapore, 19-20 November 2024 – has agreed to bring in a fleet of four autonomous baggage handling vehicles to pilot underwing operations at Changi Airport, developed by Aurrigo, an exhibitor at the co-located FTE EMEA and FTE Ancillary & Retailing events, Dublin, 11-13 June 2024.
FTE APEX Asia EXPO 2022 Exhibitor & Sponsor Preview - from digital identity and baggage to IFEC and onboard hospitality
FTE APEX Asia Expo returns to Singapore at the Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre on 9-10 November 2022 after a three-year hiatus. Firmly established as Asia-Pacific’s biggest free to attend passenger experience and business performance expo, the event is being delivered with the support of headline partners Changi Airport Group, Singapore Airlines, Star Alliance and Onboard Hospitality.
Eric Leopold to be Content Director for the FTE Ancillary & Retailing show, co-located with FTE EMEA in Dublin next May 23-25
Future Travel Experience (FTE) is delighted to announce that Eric Leopold, Founder & Managing Director, Threedot, will work with us closely for next year’s FTE Ancillary & Retailing show, which will be co-located with FTE EMEA in Dublin on 23-25 May 2023.
United partners with Jaguar to launch all electric gate-to-gate airport transfer service
United Airlines and Jaguar North America have launched the first gate-to-gate airport transfer service powered by an all-electric fleet in the US Starting this month at Chicago O’Hare International Airport, select MileagePlus Premier members can enjoy chauffeured rides between their connecting aircraft in the 2023 Jaguar I-PACE HSE, the first all-electric performance SUV from Jaguar.
Birmingham Airport expands partnership with Veovo to enhance real-time partner collaboration
Birmingham Airport has upgraded its airport management and aeronautical billing system to Veovo’s Intelligent Airport Platform, allowing for greater partner collaboration and faster decision-making across the airport. Veovo’s web-based Flight Management and Airport Operational Database (AODB) connects data from multiple airport, air traffic and airline systems to provide staff with real-time situational clarity from wherever they are, allowing for faster aircraft turnaround.
Emirates updates onboard menu with investment in new vegan choices
To coincide with World Vegan Day on 1 November 2022, Emirates has announced a multimillion-dollar investment into new vegan menu choices onboard. The airline aims to further enhance the customer experience with a curated menu of gourmet vegan dishes in First and Business Class, while Economy Class menus also have a refreshed selection of plant-based produce. Vegan options are available to order and pre-order onboard, as well as in Emirates Lounges.
9 airport innovators recognised in the FTE Airport Transformation Power List Asia-Pacific 2022
The mortgage-servicing rights market just keeps on ticking even as the overall housing market takes a licking. And while depository banks that are fueling that growth, concern is mounting over Ginnie Mae MSRs held by nonbanks. Mortgage advisory firms Prestwick Mortgage Group and partner Mortgage Capital Trading (MCT); Incenter Mortgage Advisors; and MIAC Analytics are out with a total of 10 bulk mortgage-servicing rights (MSR) offerings with bid-due dates in October.
Fraport and Lufthansa establish new joint venture
Fraport and Lufthansa have formed a new joint venture, named ‘FraAlliance’, which aims to improve the quality of products and services at Frankfurt Airport. Each company holds a 50% share in the new venture, and they intend to use FraAlliance to strengthen their existing cooperation on strategic and operational matters at Frankfurt Airport and to deepen their long-standing partnership in relation to enhancing services at Frankfurt Airport’s Terminal 1.
Virgin Atlantic takes delivery of first A330neo
Virgin Atlantic has taken delivery of its first Airbus A330neo aircraft, which will make its debut on the airline’s Heathrow to Boston route. As FTE recently reported, the aircraft features a brand new innovation in Virgin Atlantic’s Upper Class offering – the ‘Retreat Suite’ – at the front of the cabin which can be combined to create a social space for up to four people to dine together.
Startup spotlight: ThorDrive - winner of FTE Startup Idol 2022
Autonomous vehicles are playing an important role in improving and future-proofing airport operations by increasing efficiency, safety and sustainability. One company that is advancing the use of autonomous vehicles at airports is ThorDrive – the winner of the inaugural FTE Startup Idol 2022 competition, which took place at FTE Global 2022 with the official support of JetBlue Technology Ventures.
Aeroporti di Roma launches innovation hub
Aeroporti di Roma has officially launched its 650 sqm Innovation Hub, located inside Rome Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci International Airport’s Terminal One. The Innovation Hub acts as a business accelerator, focusing on the development of innovative solutions for airports.
Belfast Airport and SSP trial service robots
Belfast International Airport is trialling a robot service technology to enhance colleague and customer experience. The trial – the first of its kind in partnership with SSP UK – sees six service robots deployed later this month at the Sip & Stone Restaurant and Bar. Working with GW Robotics & Stephens Catering, SSP will test the effectiveness of using the service robots to help servers with their day-to-day tasks, allowing them more time to focus on delivering outstanding customer service.
10 airport innovators recognised in the FTE Airport Transformation Power List Asia-Pacific
Future Travel Experience is excited to unveil the FTE Airport Transformation Power List Asia-Pacific 2022, following last week’s release of our Airline Power List. Here we shine a light on those who are pioneering new approaches that have the potential to improve travel for passengers and make the industry more efficient and commercially successful.
[Video interview] LAWA CEO shares plans for creating a digital marketplace as part of $15bn modernisation programme
Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) is in the midst of an ambitious $15 billion Capital Improvement Program that will modernise terminals at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and provide an elevated passenger experience, ahead of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
TSA awards $1.7 million contract to upgrade full-body scanners
The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has awarded a $1.7 million contract to technology provider Liberty Defense for the development of a prototype High-Definition Advanced Imaging Technology (HD-AIT) upgrade kit for testing on an Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) passenger screening system.
Air New Zealand unveils refreshed app
Early in the COVID‐19 pandemic, there was a concern that cyberbullying incidents (online threats, mistreatment or harassment) would increase because children were spending more time online. Also, in the midst of a brewing firestorm, the politicization of the link between the COVID‐19 virus and its presumed origination led to a pointed rise in sinophobia (anti-Chinese sentiment) and a documented increase in harassment, bullying, and even personal and property victimization against Asian Americans.
Changi Airport reopens T2 departure hall
Changi Airport Group (CAG) has reopened the southern wing of its newly revamped Terminal 2 (T2) departure hall, following the resumption of arrival operations at the terminal in May this year. The reopening marks the latest step by CAG to support travel recovery. The additional capacity provided will help airlines to grow their business ahead of demand, in the lead-up to the year-end travel peak.
Air New Zealand unveils refreshed app
Air New Zealand’s mobile app has undergone a complete rebuild to allow a continuous stream of new features to be added on a regular basis, starting with the launch in early November. The new features will be created based on live feedback and input from customers and what they’d like to see to improve their digital travel experience.
Delta and Joby to pioneer home-to-airport eVTOL transfer services
Delta Air Lines has announced that it is embarking on a multi-year, multi-market commercial and operational partnership with Joby Aviation to deliver home-to-airport transportation service to Delta customers.
10 airline innovators recognised in the FTE Airline Transformation Power List Asia-Pacific 2022
Three environmentally friendly industrial stocks to buy for war or peace are seeking to give birth to breakthroughs that will position them for bright futures. The three environmentally friendly industrial stocks to buy are pursuing goals such as increasing agricultural productivity, manufacturing electric-powered farming equipment and recycling fibers to produce packaging.
10 airline innovators recognised in the FTE Airline Transformation Power List Asia-Pacific
Future Travel Experience is excited to unveil the FTE Airline Transformation Power List Asia-Pacific 2022. Here we shine a light on those who are pioneering new approaches that have the potential to improve travel for passengers and make the industry more efficient and commercially successful.
Connect Airlines on the leading edge of “smarter, greener travel”
Initiatives | Sustainability // Oct 2022 Following his keynote address at last month’s FTE Global 2022 event, FTE caught up with Connect Airlines’ CEO John Thomas to discuss the carrier’s ambition to be the first zero emission airline in the US by 2025. Using the De Havilland Q400 turboprop aircraft, Connect will use significantly less fuel translating into 35% lower CO2 emissions versus regional jets and 50% lower CO2 emissions versus narrow-body jets.
Korean Air to use Shell’s sustainable aviation fuel from 2026
Korean Air has recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with global energy company Shell to purchase sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The MOU explores the supply and purchase of SAF from Shell at major airports in Asia Pacific and the Middle East from 2026 for five years.
ADR deploys first fully functional vertiport in Italy
Aeroporti di Roma, Volocopter, UrbanV, and Atlantia have conducted the first crewed eVTOL public test flight in Italy, while presenting the country’s first advanced air mobility (AAM) testing vertiport and hosting an interactive booking process on Volocopter’s VoloIQ digital platform. The test comes one year after the first eVTOL prototype was showcased in Italy.
Biometrics passenger processing trial begins at Perth Airport
Perth Airport has begun trials of new biometric technology delivered by Amadeus for passengers travelling on selected Singapore Airlines flights. Perth Airport’s CEO Kevin Brown said the trial, being run in partnership with Singapore Airlines, is part of Perth Airport’s move towards greater use of touchless technology and enables a more seamless journey for passengers from check-in to boarding.
LAX opens reimagined T3 concourse
Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) has completed the third phase of Los Angeles International Airport’s (LAX) $2.3-billion modernisation programme with the opening of the new Terminal 3 concourse. Terminal 3 and the satellite concourse, which was built in 1961, was torn down in 2020 to make way for an entirely new facility. The demolition of the terminal during the COVID-19 pandemic allowed the project to accelerate by 18 months, with varying phases completing ahead of the original 2024 schedule.
AirAsia enhances facial recognition system at KLIA2
Ampio Pharmaceuticals Inc (OTCMKTS: AMPE) has hit the OTC with a thud closing out its first day of trading on the exchange down another 62% and a new 52 week low of $0.016. On October 4 AMPE asked shareholders to vote "FOR" the proposal to authorize a reverse stock-split in advance of the Ampio Special Stockholder meeting on October 13, 2022.
AirAsia enhances facial recognition system at KLIA2
AirAsia has enhanced its facial recognition system, FACES, by integrating it with Malaysia Airports EZPaz technology at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA2), offering an end-to-end contactless journey for passengers. FACES is now available across key customer touchpoints including mobile enrolment, check-in counter, pre-security check and boarding, for select domestic travel in the start-up phase.
easyJet trials digital onboard experience
easyJet has selected technology provider AirFi to support its ambitions to deliver an industry-leading, digital onboard experience.
Exclusive preview of DFW Airport’s digital twin technology
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) has embarked on a ground-breaking digital twin project for the maintenance and operations of its recently renovated Runway 18R/36L and Terminal D. Built using the WillowTwin software platform by digital twin company Willow, the technology is enabling the airport to make proactive, data-led decisions in real-time to meet its sustainability, efficiency and resiliency goals.
DFW Airport opens stores with grab-and-go technology
Three innovative concessions have opened at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), featuring grab-and-go technology. When shopping in the new stores, customers need to scan their credit card to enter, select their items and then are automatically charged for their purchase when they exit the store.
easyJet reveals roadmap to achieve net-zero by 2050
easyJet has unveiled a new ambitious roadmap to achieve net-zero carbon emission by 2050. The plan will see the airline reach net-zero through a series of elements, with the ultimate ambition to be flying on zero carbon emission hydrogen-powered aircraft. easyJet is already working with partners across the industry, including Airbus and Rolls-Royce on several dedicated projects to accelerate the development of zero carbon emission aircraft technology.
Virgin Atlantic to join SkyTeam alliance in 2023
Virgin Atlantic and SkyTeam have announced that the airline will join as SkyTeam’s newest member in early 2023. Virgin Atlantic will become SkyTeam’s first and only UK member airline, enhancing the alliance’s transatlantic network and services to and from Heathrow and Manchester Airport. Virgin Atlantic customers will benefit from a consistent, seamless customer experience, across 1,000+ global destinations.
ADR adopts fully autonomous delivery robot
Aeroporti di Roma (ADR) has adopted a new fully autonomous delivery robot from startup company Ottonomy. The autonomous delivery project is part of ADR’s long-term strategy, aimed at maintaining the highest levels of service and enhancing the passenger experience using technology and innovation.
[Video interview] CVG’s CIO discusses redefining the role of the airport by investing in emerging talent and technological advancement
VIDEO During the recent FTE Global 2022 show in Las Vegas, FTE visited Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport’s booth on the exhibition floor, where the company showcased its Innovation Partner Program and the startups it is currently working with, including Donovan Energy, EASE, OttonomyIO and ThorDrive.
Submit your entry for the FTE Airline & Airport Transformation Power List Asia-Pacific 2022
Investors globally are wondering - after CPI sent the 'peak inflation' narrative to the bottom of the ocean and Powell's Jackson Hole speech (and this FOMC statement and press conference) crushed the 'Fed Pivot' narrative - what other potential indicators/signals (aside from a multi-month slowdown in inflation of course) could prompt Powell and his pals to back off their uber-hawkishness?
Submit your entry for the FTE Airline & Airport Transformation Power List Asia-Pacific 2022
Following our Transformation Power List initiatives for the Americas and EMEA regions, FTE is now excited to launch the nomination process for the FTE Airline/Airport Transformation Power List Asia-Pacific 2022. The Airline and Airport Power Lists will each recognise the most transformative change enablers – e.g. CDOs and CIOs – within the airline/airport industry in the Asia-Pacific region.
Orlando Airport opens $2.8 billion Terminal C
Orlando International Airport (MCO) has officially opened its $2.8 billion Terminal C, after nearly five years of construction. The project features 15 additional gates to increase MCO passenger capacity by 25% or 10-12 million annual passengers. “This day has been a long time coming but we’re finally here. Terminal C is open and what a benefit it is to the community,” says Kevin Thibault, Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority.
Qatar Airways opens new frequent flyer lounge at LHR T4
Qatar Airways has enhanced the passenger experience at London Heathrow Terminal 4 by opening a new Frequent Flyer Lounge, exclusively for Privilege Club members and oneworld alliance partners. Situated in Terminal 4, the Frequent Flyer lounge is open to Qatar Airways Privilege Club members, with access extending to Joint Business Partners like British Airways Executive Club members, and other oneworld Alliance loyalty members. The lounge boasts modern interiors overlooking the tarmac.
Torino Airport launches zero-emission aircraft turnaround
Torino Airport has deployed an electrically powered fleet to carry out aircraft handling operations with reduced environmental impact.
American Airlines unveils new Flagship Suite seats
American Airlines has announced that it will unveil new Flagship Suite premium seating and a reimagined aircraft interior for its long-haul fleet with the new deliveries of its Airbus A321XLR and Boeing 787-9 aircraft, beginning in 2024. The Flagship Suite seats will offer customers a private premium experience with a privacy door, a chaise lounge seating option and more personal storage space.
FTE Global 2022 in pictures
Economic data this morning was mixed enough to perhaps be goldilocks for The Fed (better than expected claims data and Empire Fed survey trumped by weak and revised down retail sales, weaker industrial production, and falling capacity utilization): not bad enough to warrant a pause and not strong enough to encourage The Fed to hike 100bps next week. This sent Sept odds of a 100bps hike down, but odds of a 75bps hike in Nov higher...
FTE Global 2022 in pictures - more exclusives, more launches and more innovation than ever before
More than 1,000 senior industry figures representing airlines, airports, government agencies, industry vendors, technology giants and startups gathered at Future Travel Experience Global 2022 in Las Vegas between 6-9 September. The industry came together to learn, collaborate and be inspired on the next moves to transform passenger experience, business performance and sustainability strategies.
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