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Tag: Airline CEO

  • APEX/IFSA Global EXPO Showcases the Future of Aviation With Nearly 3,000 Industry ‎Professionals in Attendance

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    LONG BEACH, Calif., November 4, 2024 (Newswire.com)
    –
    Nearly 3,000 of the top airline industry decision-makers, including representatives from 90 airlines, walked the industry’s most comprehensive show floor, APEX/IFSA Global EXPO 2024. Co-located with Future Travel Experience (FTE) the record-breaking event featured 262 exhibitors across three shows representing the full spectrum of the passenger experience.

    Attendees experienced cutting-edge airline-related technologies, products, and services, such as advanced in-flight connectivity, next-generation in-flight entertainment (IFE) systems, innovative food and beverage offerings, sustainable amenity kits, biometric solutions, airport robotics, and much more.

    “APEX/IFSA Global EXPO 2024 stood as a remarkable convergence of aviation’s brightest minds, where game-changing innovations and in-flight service advancements were not only discussed but realized,” APEX/IFSA CEO Dr. Joe Leader stated. “With three days of airline-driven thought leadership on best-in-class supplier solutions, we introduced a new level of collaboration to advance passenger-centric technology. Additionally, the integrated, all-in-one show floor featured key elements of the passenger experience, bridging from Future Travel Experience airport to in-flight, showcasing the best in the aviation industry.”

    Industry-First Announcements

    At the APEX/IFSA Global EXPO 2024, Thales and Qatar Airways made an industry-first public announcement: Qatar Airways will equip its new Airbus A321 NX fleet with Thales’ FlytEDGE, a Cloud-native IFE platform. This collaboration introduced the Crystal Cabin Award-winning FlytEDGE IFE server, which utilizes Cloud computing technologies and an open software platform to enhance the passenger experience.

    Separately at the APEX/IFSA Global EXPO 2024, Riyadh Air and Panasonic Avionics launched a strategic partnership to transform in-flight entertainment. Riyadh Air will equip its fleet with Panasonic’s high-definition IFE systems, emphasizing seamless connectivity and personalized content. In a pioneering move, Riyadh Air introduced the industry’s first “no handset” philosophy across all classes of service, allowing all passengers to seamlessly control IFE using their smartphones and touchscreen.

    Exclusive Insights from C-Suite Keynotes

    At the APEX/IFSA Global EXPO, attendees had an exceptional opportunity to hear from leading airline CEOs and executives as they delivered keynote speeches that reshaped understanding of passenger service and the future of the travel experience. These industry leaders shared invaluable insights into how airlines were innovating to enhance customer satisfaction, streamline operations, and adapt to evolving passenger needs. Sessions were moderated by BBC News Correspondent & Anchor Michelle Fleury and Dr. Joe Leader. Speakers included:

    • Michael Rosseau, President and Chief Executive Officer, Air Canada 
    • Shai Weiss, Chief Executive Officer, Virgin Atlantic 
    • Con Korfiatis, Chief Executive Officer, Oman Air 
    • Matthew Klein, Executive VP and Chief Commercial Officer, Spirit Airlines 
    • Fiona Kiesel, Chief Guest Officer, Breeze Airways 
    • Samson Arega Bekele, Group Vice President Customer Experience, Ethiopian Airlines 

    Thought Leadership Conference Brings Together Top Industry Leaders

    Knowledge sharing and expert insights continued as part of the Thought Leadership Conference, sponsored by Panasonic, on the tradeshow floor which brought together leading figures from the aviation industry to discuss emerging trends and critical challenges. An overview of the sessions is as follows:

    • Seth Miller of PAXEX.AERO led a discussion on connectivity models and their impact on airline net promoter scores with Xia Cai of Qatar Airways, Matthew Klein of Spirit Airlines, and Alex Wilcox of JSX. ‎
    • Ingo Wuggetzer of Airbus was joined by Delta Flight Products’ Tyler Anderson Lennert, National Disability Authority and Center for Excellence in Universal ‎Design’s Jack Kavanagh, and PriestmanGoode’s Jo Rowan ‎to collectively present a cross-industry approach to ‎develop solutions for air travel for those with mobility impairments. 
    • Miguel Ferreira of TAP Air Portugal, Blake Rittenberg of JetBlue, and Dominic Green of United Airlines joined a panel led Maryann Simson of Jetway Communications to discuss forward-looking strategies and creative curation approaches intended to ‎revolutionize the IFE landscape by 2030.‎
    • Oren Butansky of EL AL and Nick Ewen of The Points Guy along with Mark Muren of United Airlines and Captain Wirush Theparak, Thai Airways explored strategies to maximize in-flight ancillary revenue through personalized passenger experiences, leveraging data and technology to boost loyalty and profitability.
    • Stephan Schulte of Lufthansa Group and Joshua Hirschheimer of Porsche Consulting focused on overcoming persistent supply chain challenges affecting onboard product innovation.
    • Riyadh Air’s Anton Vidgen, Aeroméxico’s Antonio Fernandez, Cathay Pacific’s Guillaume Vivet, Southwest Airlines’ Matthew Kiesel, ‎ and Delta Air Lines’ Ekrem Dimbiloglu joined a debate moderated by Jetway Communications’ Maryann Simson, on the future of in-flight entertainment preferences between traditional seatback screens and the BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) trend.
    • Duncan Jackson of FlightPath3D with Ekrem ‎Dimbiloglu of Delta Air Lines unveiled the first airline launch of FlightPath3D’s accessibility in in-flight maps, detailing how the innovative Accessibility Map aims to improve the travel experience for passengers with unique needs.
    • Lufthansa Group’s Laura Petry ‎and Spafax’s Dimitrios Tsirangelos explored the Connected Content Stream solution, a Crystal Cabin Award finalist, that not only enhance ‎passenger engagement but are also set to transform the travel experience by delivering ‎real-time content updates and personalized services directly to passengers’ devices. ‎
    • Mehdi El Kouch of Airbus, Fabien Pelous of Air France, Patrick Brannelly of Emirates, Paul Verhagen ‎of SAS, and Mustafa Mucahitoglu of Turkish Airlines joined a panel moderated by Robynne Trueman of PAX Tech that analyzed groundbreaking digital innovations for the next-gen airline cabin, ‎demonstrating how cutting-edge technologies and customer-centric design can ‎reshape passenger experiences.‎

    VIP Experiences: The JetZero Experience

    The APEX/IFSA Global EXPO also offered airline professionals access to exclusive VIP events such as The JetZero Experience on Sunday 27 October. JetZero, a pioneering aerospace startup based in Long Beach, showcased their innovative blended-wing body airplane capable of flying trans-oceanic routes and with up to 50% less fuel consumption than a traditional tube-and-wing aircraft. APEX/IFSA airline members and media were given a first-hand look at JetZero’s revolutionary airplane with a walkthrough of JetZero’s cutting-edge facility and discussions with the visionary team behind this aviation breakthrough. 

    APEX/IFSA Awards Ceremony Highlights Excellence in the Airline Industry

    On the last day of the APEX Global EXPO, top airline and supplier members celebrated their peers during the prestigious APEX/IFSA Awards Ceremony, where airlines were recognized for their efforts to enhance the passenger experience over the last year. Hosted collectively by Dr. Joe Leader, BBC News’ Michelle Fleury and The Points Guy’s Nicky Kelvin, the evening honored outstanding airlines and suppliers in the following categories:

    • 2025 World Class Rating: The top 10 airlines in the world awarded in this category achieved the highest audited international standards beyond APEX Five Star™ in safety, sustainability, service, and inclusiveness. Click here for the 2025 recipients. 
    • 2025 APEX Five Star™ and APEX Four Star™ Airline Awards: These airlines were recognized based on verified passenger feedback via TripIt over 1 million flights, representing the most reliable metric for passenger satisfaction. Click here for the 2025 recipients.
    • 2025 APEX Best In Airline Awards:  Recognizing the global airlines providing the best passenger experiences in Cabin Service, Entertainment, Food & Beverage, Seat Comfort & Wi-Fi as voted on by the passengers. Click here for the 2025 recipients. 
    • 2025 APEX/IFSA Awards: Celebrating the best of industry and innovation, APEX/IFSA Awards recognize the new achievements and initiatives that were successfully implemented in the past year. Click here for the 2025 recipients.
    • APEX CEO Lifetime Achievement Award: Dr. Joe Leader presented Air France-KLM Group CEO, Benjamin Smith, with the APEX CEO Lifetime Achievement Award. Through the industry titan’s visionary leadership, Air France-KLM has excelled in all its commercial, operations, and customer service functions, leading to impressive financial performance and taking the airline’s passenger experience to new heights. Click here for more information.
    • APEX Lifetime Achievement Award: Dr. Joe Leader also presented SVP of Non-Theatrical Sales at Paramount Pictures, Joan Filippini, with the APEX Lifetime Achievement Award at the APEX/IFSA Awards Ceremony. Her leadership revolutionized in-flight entertainment content distribution, driving Paramount’s revenues to unprecedented levels. Click here for more information. 

    The 2025 APEX/IFSA Awards Ceremony, which took place during this year’s APEX/IFSA Global EXPO, was sponsored by gategroup and Thales, and in part by BBC News, Blulabs, Formia, Jetliner Cabins, Paramount Pictures, Safran, and Touch.

    For a complete list of upcoming APEX, IFSA, and FTE events, please visit APEX Events. For more information about APEX, visit apex.aero, sign up for the APEX Daily Experience e-newsletter, or follow APEX on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. 

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    About the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX)

    As a global non-profit and one of the world’s largest international airline associations, APEX accelerates the industry with the backing of nearly every major airline and valued supplier. APEX reinvests all its resources to serving its members, strengthening the worldwide airline industry, advancing thought-leadership, fostering business opportunities via events, developing global initiatives, setting key airline standards, and highlighting well-deserved recognition across our industry. In conjunction with both the International Flight Services Association (IFSA) and Future Travel Experience (FTE), APEX serves the full spectrum of the end-to-end travel experience. 

    About the International Flight Services Association (IFSA)

    The International Flight Services Association (IFSA) is a global professional association serving the needs and interests of airline and railway personnel, caterers and suppliers who provide onboard services on regularly scheduled travel routes. Under the umbrella of APEX (Airline Passenger Experience Association) serving every major airline in the world, IFSA is dedicated to the advancement of the art and science of the multi- billion dollar in-flight and railway onboard service industry. For more information about IFSA, please visit ifsa.aero, or follow IFSA on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.    

    Source: APEX / IFSA

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  • Aviation Excellence Celebrated at the 2025 APEX/IFSA Awards Ceremony

    Aviation Excellence Celebrated at the 2025 APEX/IFSA Awards Ceremony

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    LONG BEACH, Calif., October 31, 2024 (Newswire.com)
    –
    Yesterday, the aviation industry celebrated the outstanding contributions to passenger experience by its member airlines and suppliers over the past year at the APEX/IFSA Awards Ceremony. This illustrious event in Long Beach, California, hosted by the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) and the International Flight Services Association (IFSA), saw individuals, airlines, and suppliers at the top of the industry rewarded for their dedication to service excellence and innovation.

    Recognitions and honors celebrated during the APEX/IFSA Awards Ceremony included:

    APEX CEO Lifetime Achievement Award: Dr. Joe Leader presented Air France-KLM Group CEO, Benjamin Smith, with the APEX CEO Lifetime Achievement Award. Through the industry titan’s visionary leadership, Air France-KLM has excelled in all its commercial, operations, and customer service functions, leading to impressive financial performance and taking the airline’s passenger experience to new heights. Read the release here.

    APEX Lifetime Achievement Award: Dr. Leader also presented SVP of Non-Theatrical Sales at Paramount Pictures, Joan Filippini, with the APEX Lifetime Achievement Award at the APEX/IFSA Award Ceremony. Her leadership revolutionized in-flight entertainment (IFE) content distribution, showcasing Paramount as a name that is as known in the sky as it is on the ground. Read the release here.

    APEX Top 100 Airlines: A Global Standard of Excellence: Powered by TripIt, the world’s leading travel management app, APEX proudly recognized the top 100 airlines, setting new benchmarks in passenger experience. Based on millions of flight reviews, these elite airlines are pioneering innovation and redefining air travel worldwide.

    • 2025 APEX World Class: Achieving a Five-Star rating is commendable but APEX World Class™ distinguishes itself through an intensive audit process conducted by Yates and Partners. The highest echelon of airline excellence, the World Class Awards are awarded to the top 10 airlines that lead the industry in safety, sustainability, service, and inclusiveness, based on extensive audit and customer assessment. The 2025 APEX World Class airlines are ANA, Emirates, KLM, Japan Airlines, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Turkish Airlines, and Xiamen Airlines. Read the release here.
    • 2025 APEX Five Star™ and Four Star™ Airline Awards: The APEX Five Star™ and Four Star™ Airline Awards are the only global awards based on neutral, third-party passenger feedback, rated and certified by an external auditing company. To maintain the exclusivity of the ratings this year, the criteria was tightened, limiting the APEX Five Star™ to the Top 40 airlines globally and the APEX Four Star™ category to the next 50 airlines. Together with the Top 10 APEX World Class airlines, these represent the Top 100 Airlines for passenger experience. Click here for the 2025 APEX Five Star™ and 2025 APEX Four Star™ Airline Award recipients.

    APEX World Class™ Lounge Awards audited by YATES+: Building off the original APEX World Class, YATES+ and the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) launched the APEX World Class™ Lounge Awards audited by YATES+ in September 2024. This pioneering program stands as the world’s first dedicated audit and recognition initiative specifically designed to elevate the global airport lounge guest experience. The 2025 APEX World Class™ Lounges are Japan Airlines First Class Lounge Haneda Internal Airport (Tokyo), Japan Airlines First Class Lounge Narita International Airport (Tokyo), Oman Air Business Lounge Muscat International Airport, The Pearl Lounge, Bahrain International Airport.

    2025 APEX Best™ in Airline Awards: These awards recognize the airlines delivering the best passenger experiences in Cabin Service, Entertainment, Food & Beverage, Seat Comfort & Wi-Fi as voted by the passengers across more than 600 airlines globally via TripIt®. The following airlines were selected by passengers as the top global airlines in their respective categories:  Delta Air Lines for Best Wi-Fi, Qatar Airways for Best Food and Beverage (presented in conjunction with IFSA), Qatar Airways for Best Seat Comfort, Singapore Airlines for Best Entertainment, and Xiamen for Best Cabin Service. Virgin Atlantic was also awarded 2025 APEX Best™ in Europe Award for Overall Airline. Click here for more information on the regional winners.

    APEX/IFSA Awards: Celebrating the best of industry and innovation, APEX/IFSA Awards recognize the new achievements and initiatives that were successfully implemented in the past year. The entries were first reviewed and scored by a panel of judges comprised of current APEX/IFSA members. The finalists were then judged during the EXPO by a panel of media judges.

    • 2025 APEX AWARD WINNERS:
      • JSX – Innovation Award for Best Inflight Connectivity
      • Lufthansa – Innovation Award for Best Inflight Entertainment
    • 2025 APEX/IFSA AWARD WINNER:
      • Qatar Airways – Innovation Award for Best Cabin
    • 2025 IFSA AWARD WINNERS:
      • Delta Air Lines with Formia – Best Onboard Amenity
      • Virgin Atlantic – Best Inflight Food or Beverage

    Click here for more information on the APEX/IFSA Awards.

    The 2025 APEX/IFSA Awards Ceremony, which took place during this year’s APEX/IFSA Global EXPO, was sponsored in part by BBC News, Blulabs, Formia, gategroup, Jetliner Cabins, Paramount Pictures, Safran, Thales, and Touch. Nicky Kelvin, Editor at Large of The Points Guy, was the Master of Ceremonies.

    For more information on the APEX Award Ceremony and photos of all the awards given out, please visit  apex.aero and follow APEX on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. 

                                                                                     ###

    About the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) 
    As a global non-profit and one of the world’s largest international airline associations, APEX accelerates the industry with the backing of nearly every major airline and valued supplier. APEX reinvests all its resources to serving its members, strengthening the worldwide airline industry, advancing thought leadership, fostering business opportunities via events, developing global initiatives, setting key airline standards, and highlighting well-deserved recognition across our industry. In conjunction with both the International Flight Services Association (IFSA) and Future Travel Experience (FTE), APEX serves the full spectrum of the end-to-end travel experience. 

    About the International Flight Services Association (IFSA)
    The International Flight Services Association (IFSA) is a global professional association serving the needs and interests of airline and railway personnel, caterers and suppliers who provide onboard services on regularly scheduled travel routes. Under the umbrella of APEX (Airline Passenger Experience Association) serving every major airline in the world, IFSA is dedicated to the advancement of the art and science of the multi-billion dollar inflight and railway onboard service industry. For more information about IFSA, please visit ifsa.apex.aero, or follow IFSA on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.    

    Source: APEX/IFSA

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  • The Airline Industry Gathered in California for a Historic Record-Breaking EXPO

    The Airline Industry Gathered in California for a Historic Record-Breaking EXPO

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    LONG BEACH, Calif., September 22, 2023 (Newswire.com)
    –
    More than 3,000 of the top airline industry decision-makers, including representatives from nearly 100 airlines, walked the industry’s most comprehensive show floor, APEX/IFSA Global EXPO. Co-located with FTE at the Long Beach Convention Center in California, the three-day record-breaking event saw nearly 250 exhibitors representing the end-to-end passenger experience. 

    Attendees experienced the latest airline-related technologies, products, and services such as advanced connectivity, new inflight entertainment screens, incredible assortment of airline food and beverage options, amenity kits focused on sustainability, biometrics, airport robotics, and more. 

    “We are thrilled to have hosted our biggest EXPO ever. This truly speaks on the deep commitment of the entire aviation industry and their ongoing efforts to continue elevating the passenger experience,” said Dr. Joe Leader, APEX/IFSA/FTE Group CEO. “Our event exclusively unites the industry as a relentless force and community as we look forward to future innovations, thought leadership progress, and overall end-to-end passenger experience advancements.”

    On Wednesday evening, top airline and supplier members honored their peers during the APEX/IFSA Awards Ceremony, an exclusive members-only event, where airlines were recognized for their efforts in enhancing the passenger experience over the last year. The ceremony was co-hosted by Leader, Aaron Heslehurst, BBC World News Talking Business Presenter, along with Mary Kirby, Founder, Editor and Publisher of Runway Girl Network. Outstanding airlines and suppliers innovating and improving the industry received awards and acknowledgment in the following categories: 

    • World Class Rating: Eight airlines were awarded in this premier category of air travel for attainment of international standards of safety well-being, sustainability, service, and inclusiveness. Click here for the awardees and more information on this honor. 
    • APEX Four Star Airline Awards and APEX Five Star Airline Awards: The Four and Five Star airlines were recognized as part of the only airline rating program based solely on verified and certified passenger feedback. Click here for a full list of winners. 
    • APEX/IFSA Awards: Airlines and suppliers who have successfully implemented new programs and services this year were honored. Click here for the full list of winners. 

    Click here for more information on the 2024 awards and winners.

    During the Ceremony, APEX honored Qatar Airways’ Group Chief Executive Officer His Excellency Akbar Al Baker with the 2024 APEX CEO Lifetime Achievement Award for his visionary leadership, setting industry benchmarks, inspiring global trends, and his dedication to the enhancement of the passenger experience.

    The last day featured a day-long Thought Leadership Conference emceed by Aaron Heslehurst, bringing together prominent aviation leaders who shared their insight on various topics, such as: 

    • Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer His Excellency Akbar Al Baker took center stage to discuss his management style, the carrier’s approach to the pandemic, sustainability, and challenges airlines face.
    • EL AL CEO Dina Ben Tal Ganancia focused on EL AL’s expanding route network, its recently unveiled partnership with Delta Air Lines, and shared her journey as a female CEO in the aviation industry.
    • Spirit Airlines President & CEO Ted Christie provided his thoughts on the JetBlue merger, the importance of technology for passenger experience, and air traffic control issues. 
    • SAUDIA CEO, Captain Ibrahim Koshy detailed SAUDIA’s post-pandemic recovery and shared insights into the airline’s growth strategy, its commitment to sustainability and reducing environmental impact, and also introduced several innovations and products. 
    • Fiji Airways Managing Director and CEO Andre Viljoen discussed the strategies of overcoming challenges, the leadership and organizational culture changes that were critical in surviving the pandemic and highlighted his personal leadership philosophy. 

    On the same day, the APEX/IFSA Board of Governors, an exclusive group of airlines executives including: Dina Ben Tal Ganancia, EL AL CEO; Andre Viljoen, Fiji Airways Managing Director & CEO; Alex Wilcox, JSX CEO; Paul Verhagen, SAS EVP & CCO; Captain Ibrahim Koshy, SAUDIA CEO; Ted Christie, Spirit Airlines President & CEO; and Zhao Dong, Xiamen Airlines Chairman, met to consider key industry priorities placed forward by the APEX Board of Directors and IFSA Board of Directors. Afterward, their top-level strategic guidance was presented to the membership of both associations with actions and accomplishment updates over the course of the year. Attendees also took part in breakout sessions that covered topics such Connectivity, Customer, and Content.

    For the full list of multiple industry gatherings APEX hosts around the world, please visit APEX Events. If you’re interested in learning more about APEX, visit apex.aero, sign up for the APEX Daily Experience e-newsletter, or follow APEX on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

                                                                                                        ###

    About the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) 

    As a global non-profit and one of the world’s largest international airline associations, APEX advances passenger experience with the backing of nearly every major airline and valued supplier over the past 42 years. In conjunction with both the International Flight Services Association (IFSA) and Future Travel Experience (FTE), APEX serves the full spectrum of the end-to-end travel experience. APEX reinvests all its resources to serving its members, strengthening the worldwide airline industry, advancing thought-leadership, fostering business opportunities via events, developing global initiatives, setting key airline standards, and highlighting well-deserved recognition across our industry. 

    About the International Flight Services Association (IFSA)

    The International Flight Services Association (IFSA) is a global professional association serving the needs and interests of airline and railway personnel, caterers and suppliers who provide onboard services on regularly scheduled travel routes. Under the umbrella of APEX (Airline Passenger Experience Association) serving every major airline in the world, IFSA is dedicated to the advancement of the art and science of the multi-billion dollar inflight and railway onboard service industry. For more information about IFSA, please visit ifsa.apex.aero, or follow IFSA on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.  

    About the Future Travel Experience (FTE)
    Established in 2006, FTE is an independent online media, events, creative, and industry change leader dedicated to working with airports, airlines and industry stakeholders to enhance the end-to-end passenger experience and business performance. It has become a renowned hub through its in-person and digital events, media, accelerator, working groups, and industry change initiatives where the world’s most progressive airlines, airports, vendors, government agencies, cruise and rail operators, destination partners, and various other travel industry stakeholders share their latest passenger experience and business performance plans and visions, to collectively define the future of this sector. FTE is part of the APEX (Airline Passenger Experience Association) and hosts four annual events around the world – FTE Global, FTE Asia EXPO, FTE Europe and FTE Ancillary. FTE supports the innovation efforts of the most progressive stakeholders in the air transport and travel space. 

    Source: APEX (Airline Passenger Experience Association)

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  • Qatar Airways’ Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, Honored With APEX CEO Lifetime Achievement Award

    Qatar Airways’ Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, Honored With APEX CEO Lifetime Achievement Award

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    LONG BEACH, Calif., September 21, 2023 (Newswire.com)
    –
    The Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) honored Qatar Airways’ Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, as the recipient of the CEO Lifetime Achievement Award on Wednesday, Sept. 20, during the APEX/IFSA Awards Ceremony at APEX/IFSA Global EXPO. This award recognizes industry leaders and their long-term efforts, commitment, and dedication to the enhancement of the passenger experience. APEX celebrates leadership visionaries who not only elevate their own brand, but also inspire progress across the aviation landscape.  

    “As only the sixth-ever APEX CEO Lifetime Achievement winner in our five-decade history, we salute His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, the driving force behind Qatar Airways’ meteoric rise from its inception to a global aviation titan. His relentless pursuit of excellence has ushered in groundbreaking in-flight entertainment, the revolutionary Qsuite experience, which ignited a competitive surge among global airlines in business class luxury, and a service quality that transcends the conventional five-star rating to achieve an APEX World Class status. His legacy epitomizes the power of dedication, innovation, and fervor in sculpting an unparalleled airline customer journey,” said Dr. Joe Leader, APEX CEO. 

    Under H.E. Mr. Al Baker’s visionary leadership, Qatar Airways has consistently set industry benchmarks and inspired global trends, including: 

    • Innovation in Passenger Comfort: The introduction of the Qsuite, which helped spark a trend of suite doors in business class across leading global airlines. 
    • World-Class In-Flight Entertainment: Offering one of the world’s most extensive in-flight entertainment libraries, prompting airlines worldwide to further enhance their onboard content portfolios. 
    • Pandemic Response and Health Measures: Maintaining the most global connectivity during the pandemic and instituting gold-standard health-check procedures, influencing airlines globally to elevate their health and safety measures. 
    • Customer-Centric Approach: Achieving global acclaim, Qatar Airways showcases a service ethos that prioritizes travelers’ needs and desires, setting a gold standard in passenger satisfaction. 
    • Diverse Culinary Offerings: In the realm of aviation gastronomy, Qatar Airways has set culinary trends with its gourmet in-flight dining. Collaborations with renowned chefs have further elevated its onboard menu offerings. 
    • Seamless Connectivity and Network Expansion: With its strategic vision, Qatar Airways has crafted a blueprint for global connectivity, optimizing flight routes and ensuring passengers experience minimal layover times. For extended layovers, the airline fostered national innovations, making a stopover in Qatar seamless for its travelers. 
    • Personalized Services for Diverse Accessibility Needs: Qatar’s flagship carrier stands out for its emphasis on inclusivity, offering tailored services that cater to the diverse needs of its global clientele requiring accessibility services. 
    • Pioneering In-Flight Connectivity: Leading the charge in technological advancements, Qatar Airways generously offers complimentary connectivity packages to its loyal passengers, raising the bar for in-flight digital experiences. 

    Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said, “I am deeply honoured to accept the CEO Lifetime Achievement Award from the Airline Passenger Experience Association. Over the last decades, Qatar Airways has grown to become one of the most recognizable and trusted names in the industry, synonymous with customer service quality and luxury. It is owing to the dedication of our employees across the world that our award-winning airline continues to outperform at the top level of our industry. I would like to thank the APEX team for their recognition and hope to continue surpassing all expectations for Qatar Airways in the years to come.” 

    During the event, H.E. Mr. Al Baker also accepted the airline’s 2024 APEX World Class Award, a step beyond APEX Five Stars, voted exclusively by passengers. In addition, the airline secured the APEX Award for Best Entertainment in the Middle East, as well as the APEX Award for Global Best Food & Beverage. The latter honor is based solely on verified and certified passenger feedback.  

    About the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX)  

    As a global non-profit and one of the world’s largest international airline associations, APEX advances passenger experience with the backing of nearly every major airline and valued supplier over the past five decades.  In conjunction with both the International Flight Services Association (IFSA) and Future Travel Experience (FTE), APEX serves the full spectrum of the end-to-end travel experience. APEX reinvests all its resources to serving its members, strengthening the worldwide airline industry, advancing thought-leadership, fostering business opportunities via events, developing global initiatives, setting key airline standards, and highlighting well-deserved recognition across our industry.  

    About Qatar Airways  

    A multiple award-winning airline, Qatar Airways won the “World’s Best Business Class” for the 10th time at the 2023 World Airline Awards, managed by the international air transport rating organization Skytrax. The airline continues to be synonymous with excellence, also taking home Best Airline in the Middle East, World’s Best Business Class Lounge and World’s Best Business Class Lounge Dining at the prestigious awards held during the 2023 Paris Air Show. Qatar Airways is an unprecedented seven-time winner of the “World’s Best Airline” voted by Skytrax (2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021 and 2022). 

    Qatar Airways currently flies to more than 160 destinations worldwide, connecting through its Doha hub, Hamad International Airport, voted by Skytrax as the “World’s Best Airport” in 2021 and 2022, consecutively. This year, Hamad International Airport has been ranked by Skytrax as the second-best airport in the world, and received the “Best Airport in the Middle East” accolade for the ninth time in a row, as well as “World’s Best Airport Shopping.”  

    Source: APEX (Airline Passenger Experience Association)

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