Not too long ago, passengers considered in-flight charging ports a pleasant surprise. Today, in-flight charging ports are an expected amenity for millions of passengers. Exceed their expectations with scalable, cutting-edge power solutions from Astronics, the industry’s trusted, low-risk power experts. Astronics delivers the highest available power with maximum efficiency, unmatched installation flexibility, and the lightest weight. This helps airlines reduce emissions and achieve best-in-class total cost of ownership. Keep your passengers connected, happy, and powered up with Astronics.
PAX Tech
Mississauga, Ontario
Canada
Website: www.pax-intl.com
PUBLISHER
Aijaz Khan
E-mail: aijaz@globalmarketingcom.ca
EDITORIAL OFFICES
Jane Hobson, Managing Editor
Tel: (1 416) 997-3914
E-mail: jane@pax-intl.com
Robynne Trueman, Business Editor
Tel: (1 705) 471-4110
E-mail: robynne@pax-intl.com
Alex Preston, Senior Editor
Tel: +44 (0) 7969 092913
E-mail: alex@pax-intl.com
ART DEPARTMENT
Jessica Hearn, Art Director
E-mail: jessica@globalmarketingcom.ca
PAX International and PAX Tech are published a total of 10 times a year by PAX International, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. International Distribution.
As the industry gathers in Long Beach, California, for APEX and FTE Global EXPOs, PAX Tech is proud to be a media partner for the co-located events, bringing you exclusive insights on the latest industry innovations and achievements in this September issue. In our United Airlines profile, we hear from CEO Scott Kirby as he prepares to accept the prestigious APEX CEO Lifetime Achievement Award during the event this week. We offer a close-up on content in this issue as we highlight the inflight content and CSPs coming to the show floor. Spafax’s Maura Chacko talks trends shaping inflight content strategies for airlines and content service providers, while Stellar Entertainment reveals what pop culture trends can impact the IFE content that airlines select. Plus, DIRECTV’s Kimberly de Flesco discusses the growing demand for live programming inflight and its power of connection.
Connectivity also takes the spotlight as Viasat’s Chris Demange explores the many models of inflight advertising available to airlines to enable the
delivery of free onboard Wi-Fi. “It is important to understand that there are many flavors of free; many business models to consider, including options that help the airlines offset the cost of the service,” Demange tells PAX Tech.
With an emphasis on the Americas in this edition of the magazine, DKA Aerospace’s CEO King W. Lee highlights the company’s goals for growth in the North American market. “Our distribution network in North America will deliver products faster to our customers, so they do not need to wait 10+ weeks to receive and integrate our products into their operations. This brings tremendous value,” he says in the interview.
This issue also looks at how FORMIA is engaging young travelers with content that bridges the physical and digital to build brand loyalty. Plus, updates from Omnevo, Anuvu, Diehl Aviation and others.
Refer to our “What’s Hot” section for insight into what exhibitors are showcasing this year and do not forget to say hello when you see the PAX team on the EXPO floor.
See you soon!
Robynne Trueman Business Editor
PAX Tech
12 UNITED’S BIG PICTURE MOMENT
Under Scott Kirby’s leadership and vision that redefines IFE, connectivity and passenger-centric technology, United is on track to be the global leader in total seatback screens
18
PARTNERSHIP TOUCHDOWN
Porter Airlines teams up with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats to celebrate local connections while expanding service at Hamilton International Airport
22 SHAPING CONTENT STRATEGIES
Spafax’s Maura Chacko highlights the latest trends shaping inflight content strategies for airlines and content service providers
24 PURSUING INNOVATION, CELEBRATING PROGRESS
SVP Strategy Lee Clark provides a closer look at why Rosen Aviation is a vital partner in aircraft cabin development and OEM interiors programs
With Scott Kirby driving innovation in IFE, connectivity and passengercentric tech, United is flying toward global leadership in seatback screens. Read more on page 12 about the APEX CEO Lifetime Achievement Award winner.
26 KEEPING IT CURRENT
Stellar Entertainment shares how tracking pop culture trends shapes inflight content strategy
28
VALUE EXPOSURE
Simon Cuthbert, VP, Content Licensing & Distribution, Anuvu, highlights the strategy and challenges of bringing streaming partners onboard its airline customers
FORMIA’s Roland Grohmann and Marisa Pitsch explore blending the physical and digital to transform the family inflight journey
DIRECTV IN FLIGHT is transforming live IFE programming by expanding its services to international flights to and from the United States
CONNECTIVITY
CEO Michael Raasch highlights Omnevo’s strategy for boosting passenger engagement during every stage of the journey
Viasat’s Chris Demange discusses the many models of inflight advertising available to airlines to enable the delivery of free onboard Wi-Fi
48
Airlines are raising the bar in Premium Economy and Business Class with seats that combine comfort, quality and smart functionality
Astronics’ Dennis Markert talks supporting passenger productivity in the premium cabin by meeting the unique needs of business travelers through power distribution
Carsten Laufs, SVP Product Innovation and Digitalization, highlights Diehl Aviation’s strides in sustainability with emphasis on delivering an eco-friendly passenger experience
DISTRIBUTION STRATEGIES
DKA Aerospace CEO King W. Lee highlights the company’s goals for growth in the North American market
52
DATES
A preview of the 2026 APEX, FTE and IFSA event schedules, with key dates to note when planning for the year ahead
This winter, Porter is your best way to fly nonstop to top international sun destinations, with new flights to Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Nassau, Grand Cayman and Costa Rica! Actually enjoy economy! Here comes the sun! New! Mexico, the Caribbean & Costa Rica
To/from Toronto Pearson & Ottawa Airport
Cancun | Puerto Vallarta | Nassau | Grand Cayman | Costa Rica
To/from Hamilton Airport
Cancun | Puerto Vallarta | Nassau
Vietjet Thailand launches Blueview IFE onboard
Vietjet Thailand is set to enhance the passenger journey with the upcoming launch of its inflight entertainment service. Powered by Bluebox Aviation Systems’ Blueview digital services platform and delivered via the Bluebox Wow system, the service will soon be available across the fleet of 18 Airbus narrow-body aircraft, with plans to expand to the incoming 737 MAX aircraft. Supported by regional advertising specialist Bright Sky Media, the IFE service is designed to offer an engaging onboard experience.
“We are always looking for innovative ways to delight our customers and add value while retaining our lowcost service. Adding this superb capability from Bluebox across our fleet will ensure every customer experiences even more benefits of travelling with Vietjet Thailand,” said Pinyot Pibulsonggram, Vice President of Commercial and Customer Service at Vietjet Thailand.
“We are delighted to have been chosen by Vietjet Thailand to deliver an exciting new IFE service. The Thai VietJet Air team’s enthusiasm for this project already has us looking forward to a fun launch, and it is clear that advertising brands lined up by Bright Sky Media are excited to reach this valuable audience,” said Kevin Clark, CEO, Bluebox.
ABOVE becomes Tier 1 distributor for Disney Entertainment inflight content
ABOVE has been approved as a Tier 1 delivery platform for inflight entertainment to distribute Disney Entertainment content.
The designation enables ABOVE to receive Disney assets in advance of theatrical release, allowing early work on localization, quality control and screening. This early access improves operational planning and supports more efficient content readiness for airline partners and CSPs.
The ABOVE platform is fully cloud-native, providing seamless, end-to-end workflow capabilities, spanning editing, localization, packaging and delivery. It also supports consistent reliability and security compliance with studio requirements. Efficiency is built into the system architecture through automation, enabling cost reductions and supporting rapid refresh cycles with a 48-hour SLA.
ABOVE is engineered for compatibility with all major IFE systems, and its infrastructure is designed to scale and adapt as airline and studio needs evolve.
Blueview digital services platform for VietJet Thailand
CineSend partners with Viasat on metadata management
CineSend has announced its partnership with Viasat to transform metadata management across its inflight entertainment platform.
With the integration of CineSend’s modern media workflow tools—including the Aero API Service, intelligent verification and cloud-hosted orchestrator— Viasat can streamline operations, accelerate onboarding and deliver a smarter passenger experience.
“We are thrilled to partner with Viasat to deliver a metadata solution that not only meets their current needs but anticipates future challenges,” said Colin Carter, CEO, CineSend.
Encore and Moon-Keys International Content launch kids’ animation IFE partnership
Encore has partnered with Paris-based Moon-Keys International Content to introduce a slate of multilingual children’s animation to its global inflight entertainment network, expanding family-friendly options onboard.
The collaboration launches with four animated series produced or distributed by Moon-Keys, available in multiple language dubs to support international accessibility and engagement:
• “Gus, The Itsy Bitsy Knight” follows a young guardian-in-training on magical adventures.
• “Monchhichi Tribe” reimagines the classic franchise in a vibrant forest world.
• “Team Dronix” combines drone racing, engineering, and STEM-focused teamwork.
• “The Legendaries” explores magic, monsters, and redemption in a mythic realm.
“We are pleased to collaborate with Moon-Keys International Content to further expand our family and kids’ portfolio,” said Edwin Cheung, VP of Sales at Encore. “These titles bring fresh storytelling and broad cultural appeal to our network, ensuring young travelers are entertained wherever they fly.”
“Monchhichi Tribe” is one of four animated series part of the collaboration
Size does matter...
A dozen 4K OLED displays ranging from 13-inch to the world’s largest 97-inch
Ultra sleek profiles measuring just 1-inch in depth.
United brings full seasons of Apple TV+ hits onboard
United has announced that full seasons of select Apple TV+ global hits will now be available for free on the airline’s 130,000+ seatback screens and in the United app, including award-winning shows such as “Severance,” “Shrinking,” “Ted Lasso,” “Slow Horses”, “Silo” and more.
United has made a series of investments in the seatback experience in recent years, including installing seatback screens in every seat as part of its United Next growth plan and most recently announcing an updated aircraft interior that includes Bluetooth-enabled, 27-inch, 4K OLED seatback screens. The introduction of Apple TV+ aligns with United’s plans to have 300,000+ screens across its fleet as it takes delivery of hundreds of new aircraft and retrofits existing aircraft.
United passengers can enjoy thousands of hours of new entertainment content every month, and the addition of more premium originals from Apple TV+ gives travelers more options to watch during journey.
“We are setting a new standard for a premium inflight experience, and our first-of-its-kind collaboration with Apple TV+ gives fliers more high-quality content options on the latest high-definition seatback screens,” said Mark Muren, United’s Managing Director of Product, Identity and Loyalty.
JetBlue refreshes seatback entertainment for fall
JetBlue is bringing updated content to passengers this September and October
JetBlue is introducing updated entertainment offerings onboard this fall, starting with the popular dating series “Chicken Shop Date” on seatback screens this month. Updated IFE content offerings will also include a variety of books with the Class is in Session category for academic accolades on display from Bronson Alcott High School (Clueless) to Shiz University (Wicked). JetBlue also offers a wide variety of familyfriendly content, including more than 40 children’s movies and 230 episodes of children’s TV series.
A selection of “Bluey” episodes will come onboard JetBlue flights for the first time this fall and new content continues to come to the Nickelodeon channel, which launched earlier this year and features “PAW Patrol,” “Spongebob Squarepants” and “The Tiny Chef Show.”
As Hispanic Heritage Month kicks off in mid-September, films include “Coco,” “In the Heights” and “Flamin’ Hot,” as well as New York favorites in the new I <3 NY category.
From October, passengers can enjoy seasonal favorites like the JetBoo category featuring films “Megan 2.0,” “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” and “Practical Magic.”
United is bringing Apple TV+ content to passengers via its seatback screens and in the United app
IFE
UNITED’S BIG PICTURE MOMENT
Under Scott Kirby’s leadership and vision that redefines IFE, connectivity and passengercentric technology, United is on track to be the global leader in total seatback screens
by JANE HOBSON
This month, Scott Kirby, Chief Executive Officer of United Airlines, will be recognized with the prestigious APEX CEO Lifetime Achievement Award. This honor celebrates a career defined by bold decisions, resilience during crisis and a vision for shaping the passenger experience in ways that will influence aviation for decades to come.
For Kirby, though, the recognition reflects more than personal success.
“I often say I have the easiest job at United: to make our employees proud of our airline and the company we have built together,” he tells PAX Tech in an August interview.
“If they feel proud, they take care of everything and want to ensure that our passengers feel that way too.”
Kirby emphasizes that United’s progress comes from its people.
“The way I see it, this award is for our employees. The dedication from our team is what enables us to make our passengers’ days, every day, and deliver on our United Next strategy to be the world’s biggest and best airline in the history of aviation.”
A legacy of bold choices
Kirby’s leadership has consistently defied industry convention. While many airlines are shifting away from investing in seatback entertainment, United is doubling down, setting itself on course to become the airline with the most seatback screens in the world. By the end of this year, United is expected to hold the top position globally for most seatback screens— a decision that Kirby describes as both practical and responsive.
As of today, United Airlines oper-
ates nearly 140,000 seatback screens across more than 720 aircraft. Over the next few years, the fleet is projected to exceed 300,000 screens. With the delivery of new 787s and A321XLRs, United will be introducing cuttingedge Astrova 4K OLED displays. On the 787, these will debut alongside the Polaris Studio Suite, featuring 27-inch screens (largest of any carriers in U.S.) and 19-, 16-, and 13-inch screens throughout the other cabins.
“It is a feature passengers love, but it is also a feature that makes our
Scott Kirby, Chief Executive Officer, United Airlines
employees proud,” he says. “Every time I fly and walk up and down the aisle, about three-quarters of the screens are on. Even if people are not watching a show, the latest movie release or listening to our library of podcasts, they are checking out the map or have the screen on in the background.”
The airline is not just outfitting its entire fleet with seatback screens—it is making them larger and more advanced. United unveiled its Elevated interior for new 787-9 aircraft this spring. United Elevated will include two Business Class suites, the greatest number of total premium seats in United’s fleet, Starlink connectivity, wireless charging, Bluetooth connectivity and 27-inch, 4K OLED screens in Business Class—“the largest among U.S. carriers,” Kirby shares.
Living room in the sky
Kirby says the airline sees seatback screens as more than a source of entertainment but an opportunity to build relationships. United uses seatback IFE screens to give its passengers personal, real-time information about the flight, such as connecting flight information.
“The screens are also a way for us to connect with and inform our passengers. We know the more transparent we can be, the better.”
United has built an entirely new business on this foundation of deepening connection with its passengers. Kinective Media, launched in June 2024, is the first airline media network that uses insights from travel behaviors to connect passengers to personalized, real-time advertising and offers onboard. Kirby says it aims to ensure that the ads passengers see
are “relevant, personal and useful.”
Kinective Media uses anonymized passenger data to deliver personalized content and offers across screens, apps, lounges and airports. The platform protects privacy with opt-out controls and scales to provide dynamic, relevant inflight experiences.
Once Starlink internet comes online across the fleet, free for MileagePlus members, United will take its digital experience even further, bridging the critical link between seatback screen and PED content experiences.
“The whole seatback screen becomes more dynamic and becomes a version of your phone at 35,000 feet, allowing us to connect uniquely and directly with every single passenger,” Kirby says. “We want to offer a ‘living room in the sky’ experience for our passengers, and these screens enable that.”
United Airlines will become the first to integrate Spotify’s app experience across seatback screens
From personal experience to corporate strategy
For Kirby, IFE is personal. His own experiences–one in particular–helped shape the decision to equip every aircraft with seatback screens.
“I made the final decision to put IFE onboard all aircraft while I was in a jet bridge. I had been in [Economy] with the kids, and my wife, Kathleen, was up front with our four-year-old, Sean. He was bouncing up and down with excitement to tell me that he had played someone in battleship on the flight and won two of three games. My wife said it was the best flight she would ever have with him. I was already leaning that direction, but Sean and Kathleen cinched the deal.”
Guided by the passenger mindset, United’s inflight interface now
updates quarterly with a streamlined layout and personalized recommendations. Features include FlightPath3D maps and smart content tiles.
Defining the premium journey
United’s Polaris Studio Suites feature 27-inch OLED screens, wireless charging and Bluetooth audio, reflecting its premium cabin ambitions. Kirby describes the design as more than an upgrade, but a philosophy of surprise and delight.
“We are always innovating, but I actually think innovation is an overused term. Our job is to constantly surprise passengers with something new and exciting that they have never seen on any airline before,” he explains.
The new United Elevated aircraft
interiors embody that mission.
“Before we announced Elevated, we were already delivering a best-inclass international experience and flying to the most places across the Atlantic and Pacific. To continue to win what I call ‘brand loyal passengers,’ you have to continue to raise the bar and deliver,” Kirby says. “These investments set our airline up to win into the next decade and beyond.”
Impactful partnerships
Partnerships with technology leaders strengthen United’s inflight strategy. The airline recently became the first to integrate Spotify’s app experience across seatback screens, enhancing entertainment with curated music and podcasts.
“Spotify is a leader in innovative
United is on track to be the global leader in total seatback screens
At Diehl Aviation, we aim to make air travel accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Our products are designed with inclusivity in mind, ensuring a seamless and comfortable flight experience for all passengers, including those with reduced mobility.
With Airpax from Diehl Aviation, two lavatories can be easily converted into a large, barrier-free restroom – making it comfortable for persons with reduced mobility and wheelchair passengers to use.
entertainment experiences. Including its content on our industry-leading inflight entertainment system was a natural opportunity,” Kirby says.
The first-of-its-kind collaboration delivers 450+ hours of content now available to passengers for free on the airline’s 130,000+ seatback screens. Starting next year, United passengers will be able to log into the Spotify app on the seatback screen, allowing them to access their existing playlists, podcasts and audiobooks to continue listening where they left off. On Starlink-equipped aircraft, MileagePlus members can stream Spotify content on their PEDs with gate-to-gate connectivity.
“There are many other new partners we will be announcing shortly that will bring that ‘living room in the sky experience’ to our passengers,” Kirby adds.
Resilience in crisis
Kirby’s tenure as CEO coincided with some of the airline’s most turbulent
years, including the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. One date in particular remains etched in his memory.
“October 1, 2020—this is the day that our first round of CARES Act funding expired and because the pandemic was still raging, it also meant that if we wanted to stay in business and preserve our employees’ careers for the long-term, we would have to resort to short-term furloughs.”
The experience shaped his longterm strategy.
“That was also the day that I made a commitment to myself that postCOVID, we would do everything possible to position the airline to never again have system-wide furloughs. And to do that, we would have to carry more cash, have industry-leading profit margins and pay down our debt.”
By eliminating that fear, Kirby believes employees can focus entirely on delivering for passengers.
“Since then, I made a commitment first to myself, and then to
all of them, that we would build an airline where they can sleep well at night, even when there are risks and challenges in the world.”
Looking down the runway
Looking forward, Kirby promises that United will continue pushing boundaries.
“We are going to wow and surprise you. We are already doing things that no other airline in the world has ever done, and we are working on the next two-to-three generations of ‘Wow!’ moments.”
Technology, transparency and proactive communication will remain at the core of the airline’s strategy.
“One goal I have for our ops and technology teams is that they are as proactive as possible. I say, anytime there is a delay or cancellation, pretend I am on the flight and I have called to ask what is going on. I want to proactively tell all of our passengers that exact same story every single time,” Kirby explains
A recognition of vision
Receiving the APEX CEO Lifetime Achievement Award is a recognition of Kirby’s passenger experience leadership. As the second U.S. airline CEO to receive the honor in APEX’s five-decade history, the award stands as both a reflection of his vision and a testament to the airline’s employees.
With the largest fleet of seatback screens soon to be in the sky, new premium experiences rolling out and a strategy grounded in resilience and transparency, United is positioned to deliver on its promise of a “living room in the sky,” representing the cultural shift that has inspired the global airline industry.
For Kirby, the award is a recognition of what United has built together. And for travelers worldwide, it signals that the journey with United is only just beginning.
United Airlines’ Polaris Studio Suites feature 27-inch OLED screens, wireless charging and Bluetooth audio, reflecting its premium cabin ambitions
Strategic partnership TOUCHDOWN
Porter Airlines teams up with the Hamilton TigerCats to celebrate local connections while expanding service at Hamilton International Airport
by JANE HOBSON
Porter Airlines is taking its commitment to Canada’s Southern Ontario region sky-high with a long-term partnership with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Announced alongside the carrier’s expanding service from Hamilton International Airport (YHM), the collaboration blends the excitement of Canadian football with the airline’s signature premium experience, bringing the brand closer to the community on the ground while growing its presence in the air.
“This partnership is a reflection of our long-term commitment to the Hamilton region,” says Edmond Eldebs, Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Porter.
Eldebs tells PAX Tech that align-
ing with a beloved institution like the Tiger-Cats allows the carrier to strengthen local connections and showcase its presence in the community as it expands service from YHM.
He says, “It is more than a sponsorship—it is a shared vision for celebrating regional pride, enhancing the fan and passenger experience, and deepening our brand roots through meaningful engagement.”
Reinforcing premium hospitality
One of the most visible elements of the partnership will be the Porter Hangar (opening for the 2026 season) at Hamilton Stadium.
“Our goal is to bring Porter’s elevated service style beyond the
aircraft cabin,” says Eldebs. “The Porter Hangar at Hamilton Stadium is a prime example, it is a premium hospitality space that blends the excitement of game day with the generosity, comfort and charm passengers know from our flights. We are bringing this to a live sports experience by creating unique spaces where fans feel special from the moment they arrive.”
Beyond the stadium, the collaboration extends through exclusive digital content and co-branded storytelling, reflecting the airline’s emphasis on authentic and transparent service.
The Porter Hangar at Hamilton Stadium will bring the airline’s signature comfort and style to fans, creating a premium game-day hospitality experience
Edmond Eldebs, Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, Porter Airlines
ONE STANDARD THREE MODELS
“Co-branded storytelling is a powerful way to create emotional connections,” Eldebs explains. “A behind-the-scenes digital series gives fans a deeper look into the Tiger-Cats’ journey, mirroring the transparency and care we bring to our service. It is a fresh approach to marketing that prioritizes authentic content. By aligning with a team that shares our community-first mindset, we are strengthening loyalty and driving engagement among fans and flyers.”
Local connections
Operationally, Porter has optimized its schedule from Hamilton to make game-related travel easy. It has tailored its Hamilton schedule to offer convenient, direct access to major Canadian cities such as Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver—allowing fans to follow the team across the country. The recent redevelopment of the airport terminal has also opened opportunities for Porter branding throughout the facility, connecting with travelers from the moment they arrive.
Porter’s investment in Hamilton fits into its broader Southern Ontario growth strategy.
“Porter is the only airline offering comprehensive schedules at all three major airports in the Golden Horseshoe—Toronto Pearson, Billy Bishop and Hamilton International,” Eldebs says. “This uniquely positions us to serve a wide range of travelers with varying needs across the region. Hamilton complements our strategy by providing convenient access for people in that community, as well as the western Greater Toronto Area, Niagara and other surrounding regions.”
The advantages of Hamilton International Airport extend beyond geography. Eldebs points to several operational benefits: fast turnaround times, less congestion and a more relaxed passenger experience from curb to gate.
“These efficiencies enable us to deliver a reliable, streamlined operation that supports our growth without
HAMILTON TICATS AT A GLANCE
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats, also called the “Ticats,” are a Canadian Football League (CFL) team based in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. The club traces its roots back to 1869, accumulating 15 Grey Cup titles, making it one of the most successful and storied football teams in the country.
A pillar of the local sports scene and owned by Hamilton Sports Group, the Tiger-Cats are known for their longstanding tradition of excellence, both on the field and in the community through local initiatives.
The Ticats are also known for their passionate fan base and distinctive black-and-gold team colors. The Ticats play home games at Hamilton Stadium, where games days are a lively celebration of sport and community pride.
compromising service quality,” he says, adding that, “For both leisure and business travelers, Hamilton is a convenient option that aligns perfectly with Porter’s commitment to making air travel easier and more enjoyable. The introduction of passenger jet bridges this fall is another improvement that will create additional benefits.”
With a strong local presence, a
growing flight network and innovative fan engagement initiatives, Porter’s collaboration with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats leverages community partnerships to enhance brand loyalty while supporting operational growth. Whether in the stands or in the skies, Porter is creating experiences that keep fans—and passengers—coming back for more.
Porter Airlines is strengthening local ties through its partnership with the beloved Tiger-Cats
SHAPING CONTENT STRATEGIES
Spafax’s Maura Chacko highlights the latest trends shaping inflight content strategies for airlines and content service providers
by ROBYNNE TRUEMAN
Passenger expectations and trends shaping inflight content strategies for airlines are constantly evolving. Some of these trends include a diversification of format preferences, such as shortform content and podcasts, particularly as the industry moves further toward wireless and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) IFE models that allow passengers to engage with content the same way they would on the ground.
As Maura Chacko, SVP Content Experience, Spafax, explains, the accelerated shift toward wireless and BYOD is accelerating the need for adaptive and new content formats as well as faster delivery pipelines to match passenger expectations for a streaming platform experience.
“They expect their IFE system, particularly when streamed to
their own device, to be on demand, fresh, updated frequently and easy to navigate,” she tells PAX Tech.
As a result, Chacko emphasizes that there is a diversification of format preferences for inflight with limited series, documentaries, digital native formats, influencer content (and kidfluencer content) and podcasts all growing in popularity.
Flexible content formats
BYOD reshapes how suppliers like Spafax think about content packaging and merchandising, with a cloud-based content delivery pipeline pushing content service providers further. With encrypted, adaptive bitrates and API driven automated workflows, it is possible to make content available within hours, instead of weeks.
Chacko explains that passen-
gers want flexibility and curated content that is relevant to their route, time of day and mood.
“Short-form content is certainly popular on the ground and mirrored in the air, particularly when aligned with the route length,” she says. “Our data shows that passengers increasingly engage with shorter content on domestic or regional flights, especially when paired with intuitive content discovery tools.”
Factors such as airline demographic, route and flight duration allow Spafax to make strategic decisions about its partnerships and the type of content it delivers.
“We are able to expand beyond major studios and traditional IFE
Maura Chacko, SVP Content Experience, Spafax
Passenger expectations and trends shaping inflight content strategies for airlines are constantly evolving
While Gen Z and Gen Alpha gravitate toward short form, digital-native content formats, Millennials and Gen X continue to drive engagement with prestige TV, wellness and reality formats
distributors for bespoke and exclusive partnerships with OTT streaming platforms, podcast networks and digital content creators around the world for global, regional and local content that is fresh and exciting,” says Chacko.
Generational and demographic trends
Also shaping the airline content in demand today are generational content consumption trends, which Chacko says are more pronounced than ever before.
While Gen Z and Gen Alpha gravitate toward short form, digital-native content formats (podcasts, musicdriven content, gamer programs and e-sports), Millennials and Gen X continue to drive engagement with prestige TV, wellness and reality formats. Boomers often prefer classic films and
mainstream dramas, Chacko explains.
Tools like SpafaxIQ (a data analytics dashboard that allows airlines to understand how passengers navigate the GUI, entertainment preferences and content discovery) and Data Fusion (which identifies the most relevant advertising content for specific airlines, routes and demographics) allow Spafax to provide segmented content strategies based on the user trends in the analysis.
“We can match these shifting preferences and continually evolve our strategy and content offering so it feels intuitive, personalized and inclusive,” she explains.
The most relevant content strategy considers both the role of local and global content in engaging diverse passenger demographics. Global content provides recognizable titles and wide
appeal, says Chacko, whereas local content creates relevance and connection.
“What is relevant in Asia Pacific may not resonate as well in North America or the Middle East, and vice versa, so we tailor our strategy based on insights and analysis from the data for a curated offering of globally recognized titles and local films, series, podcasts and influencer content,” she explains.
SpafaxIQ helps Spafax find the right balance of content to appeal to each airline’s passenger demographics, while also accounting for its routes and flight sectors.
In the cloud(s)
Advances in content delivery are also reshaping inflight content strategies as traditional three-month supply chains are giving way to realtime, cloud-enabled ecosystems.
Chacko calls the connected entertainment experience, including late load updates, live streaming, near-live updates and other innovations such as Spafax’s Live Ticker, “game-changing” for the supplier’s content strategy.
“We can now publish updates and ads within hours,” she explains. “With new platforms like [Thales’s] FlytEDGE and our proprietary tools, we are reducing onboard lead times and ensuring passengers get the freshest content available.”
These faster lead times allow airlines to deliver content that is relevant to what is currently trending on the ground, such as live sports updates or the season finale of popular reality television shows.
To stay ahead of the curve, Chacko says airlines must invest in flexibility—both technologically and editorially—as well as a clear marketing and promotion strategy for content.
“Airlines that combine smart data usage with compelling content storytelling and IFE-specific marketing communications strategies will define the next phase of the passenger experience,” she predicts.
PURSUING INNOVATION, CELEBRATING PROGRESS
SVP Strategy Lee Clark provides a closer look at why Rosen Aviation is a vital partner in aircraft cabin development and OEM interiors programs
by ALEX PRESTON
There is a telling sentence on Rosen Aviation’s website:
“Rosen’s mission is, simply, ‘Advocacy,’ which forms the basis for the way we are organized, the way we think and the way we behave.”
As Lee Clark, Senior VP Strategy, explains, this is more than just a statement of purpose for a company with more than four decades of expertise behind it. “We know the OEM relationship and know how to make it successful for both parties,” he tells PAX Tech. He highlights the expansive network and ease of communication as just one benefit of working closely in a collaborative partnership with Rosen. “We view ourselves as an integrated
element within the customer’s organization, not just a team assigned to an account. Project collaboration and technical support are as easy as walking down the proverbial hall.”
Call on the experts
In a perfect world, Rosen would be involved at the earliest ideation stages, says Clark, long before any drawings, statements of work or engineering requirements have been drafted. While this does happen at times, the company’s point of entry into a project can vary significantly.
According to Clark, the value of being introduced in the concept phase is immense, which is why
the company constantly pushes to be brought in as early as possible. Doing so, he says allows Rosen to help shape requirements from a technology expert’s perspective.
“We do not expect OEMs or operators to be experts in contemporary communication protocols, the latest video processing or mechanical analysis of raw sound waves for in-seat audio systems–we expect them to be experts in building and operating safe, efficient aircraft,” he states.
Through that lens, Clark says he wants customers to lean into Rosen more heavily, and trust in the company’s design and delivery expertise.
Lee Clark, Senior VP Strategy, Rosen Aviation
The Maverick VR First Class/ Business Class demo from Rosen Aviation
“Innovation does not happen in isolation, which is why our approach leverages transparency and collaboration within the cabin supplier ecosystem,” he explains.
Short supply, high demand
One of the greatest obstacles in the path of innovation is aligning systems with OEM production cycles and certification processes. The reality, Clark notes, is that evolving cabin technologies, especially in a truly value-added way, takes time and collective resources–two things that are in short supply and high demand for most OEMs and operators.
To overcome this, Rosen first aligns
R&D with production and certification road maps. In the example of a customer scheduled for a major block change in five years, and with plans to integrate new IFE or CMS systems, Clark stresses the need to “start working with us to develop solutions now.”
“With how quickly technology evolves, you may only get a small window of opportunity before the process needs to start all over,” he cautions.
The second step is for OEMs and operators to place a heavier emphasis on engineering development, namely non-recurring costs, and to repay development costs throughout the life of the program. As Clark points out, the cost to develop new
technologies is rarely small or insignificant, and overcoming this barrier frees up development immensely.
Looking ahead, Clark says that the industry, is doing all the right things, working towards the same goal: satisfied passengers—and more of them.
“It is key to remember that we are all essentially collaborating to solve and overcome the same challenges. We might compete on a micro level, but really our collective successes bring value to us all on a macro level. And not just Rosen and suppliers like us, but OEMs, operators and integrators too,” he emphasizes. “We need to, as an industry, continue to both pursue and celebrate innovation.”
Rosen’s Maverick VR First Class / Business Class demo with AudioSphere
KEEPING IT CURRENT
Stellar Entertainment shares how tracking pop culture trends shapes inflight content strategy
by ROBYNNE TRUEMAN
From TikTok dances to surprise box office hits, pop culture trends can take off overnight and passengers expect their inflight entertainment to keep up. Content service providers, such as Stellar Entertainment, are increasingly attuned to viral and pop culture trends, using these insights to curate content ranging from short-form videos and audio to feature-length films that resonate with passengers and boost engagement onboard.
Viral versus evergreen
While some viral trends influence what airlines bring onboard, the extent of this influence is more nuanced. As Vanessa Pennisi, Manager, Video Programming at Stellar Entertainment, explains, “It depends on the type of content that is going viral.”
If the content is appropriate for
the airline’s demographic, then she is more likely to program it. Samah Ali, Manager, Video Programming, Stellar Entertainment, adds that the process often begins earlier with identifying content that could go viral and securing it before the trend takes off.
“We strive to predict potential trends earlier in the trend cycle, that way they are in full swing by the time content is onboard,” she tells PAX Tech.
For example, major blockbuster releases or anniversaries for classic movies and series are often announced months in advance, so, “We work to build on that potential hype by ensuring content is onboard when the spotlight is on that IP,” Ali explains.
Global events can also elevate certain titles. Ali cites “Conclave” as an example of a film that saw renewed interest earlier this year following the news of Pope Francis’s passing,
prompting an extended onboard run.
“For some clients, it remains in the top 10 movies of 2025,” she reveals.
The sound of success
When it comes to audio programming, viral trends can have an even greater impact. Sebastian Conde, Manager, Audio Programming, Stellar Entertainment, says social media now serves as a barometer for what specific demographics are engaging with.
“Social media has changed the way the industry works more broadly than almost any other factor. Listeners have never had as much influence as they do now over what charts or is perceived as popular,” he says.
TikTok dances and songs featured in celebrity Instagram stories have become more than just viral moments; they are now cultural benchmarks. For a content programmer, this
The film festival circuit helps balance onboard selections between commercial blockbusters and critically acclaimed indie films
shift has been a game-changer.
Audio programming also lends itself to a more unique balance of evergreen and viral content. As Conde points out, for audio, shortlived trends can evolve into larger successes within the industry.
“It is important to pay attention to these trends on social media and analyze the audience of each one in more detail,” Conde explains. “Using the Grammys as a reference, last year, seven out of the eight Record of the Year nominees had significant TikTok trends associated with them.”
For audio, Conde says industry buzz and conversations with labels help identify artists who may soon gain traction. While social media can amplify that momentum, he cautions that not every boost translates to a viral hit.
So, how do you separate a flop trend from a hot trend? Conde recommends looking at which albums are resonating with demographics similar to the airline’s passenger base and tracking how streaming numbers evolve once the initial hype fades.
Trends on film
Beyond viral social media trends, popular blockbusters and TV series, Stellar also looks to the global film
festival circuit for clues about what might perform well onboard.
Pennisi explains that film festivals play a crucial role in shaping content choices, particularly prestigious events like the Cannes Film Festival. Winning titles often go on to collect nominations or awards at major ceremonies such as the Academy Awards.
Sophie Leahy, Senior Manager, Client Service & Programming at Stellar Entertainment, adds that the festival circuit helps balance onboard selections between commercial blockbusters and critically acclaimed indie films.
“Film festivals give smaller movies a profile before passengers are onboard, so they’re more likely to choose a ‘challenging’ film if they know it was a critical darling on the festival circuit,” she explains.
At Stellar, a festival favorite or a rising artist is not chosen simply because they are trending. They are selected because the numbers, the audience insights and the cultural context suggest they will matter to passengers when it counts.
“Timing is everything. When the right story, song or scene meets the right moment, it can turn a few hours in the sky into something passengers will remember long after landing,” the Stellar team tells PAX
Samah Ali, Manager, Video Programming, Stellar Entertainment
Vanessa Pennisi, Manager, Video Programming at Stellar Entertainment
Sebastian Conde, Manager, Audio Programming, Stellar Entertainment
Sophie Leahy, Senior Manager, Client Service & Programming at Stellar Entertainment
Stellar also looks to the global film festival circuit for clues about what video content might perform well onboard
HIGH VALUE EXPOSURE
Simon Cuthbert, VP, Content Licensing & Distribution, Anuvu, highlights the strategy and challenges of bringing streaming partners onboard its airline customers
by ROBYNNE TRUEMAN
The inflight market presents unique challenges for delivering content via streaming services
For content service provider
Anuvu, partnering with prominent streaming services is a key aspect of delivering the inflight content that passengers want to see. But securing licensing deals for onboard use is not without its unique challenges.
As Simon Cuthbert, VP, Content Licensing & Distribution, Anuvu, explains, companies are focused on their platforms and subscriber growth, and are accustomed to the delivery process they typically use.
“Navigating how their content will be represented and promoted onboard as well as streamlining the delivery process as much as possible is our responsibility,” he says, noting that the inflight market can be challenging with systems dating back decades, all with unique restric-
tions and challenges. “Our role is to simplify this so airlines can deliver a new, premium and exciting experience whilst streamers are assured their content is being represented correctly, regardless of the airline or system.”
In terms of how receptive global streaming platforms are to adapting models for the IFE environment, Cuthbert says there is a huge acceleration of interest.
“The first major streamer was HBO–now HBO Max–which saw the value in having their content onboard. Since then, we have launched Disney+, Paramount+, Apple TV+, iQIYI, Spotify, Netflix Originals and many more onboard our airline clients,” he tells PAX Tech, adding that streamers now understand that an inflight audience is willing to try something new and therefore, provides an excellent oppor-
tunity to expand fanbases globally.
This acceleration in demand also comes as streamers launch to more international audiences. Cuthbert suspects this growth will continue with more streaming original content and branded channels becoming available inflight.
Selecting streaming partners
Partnerships with streaming services play a key role in Anuvu’s long-term vision for content curation and delivery.
“Anuvu’s vision is to bring the widest variety of content to our airlines. Whilst the Hollywood majors will always represent the base, it is
Simon Cuthbert, VP, Content Licensing & Distribution, Anuvu
important that as new streaming services invest in incredible content, we gain access for the inflight market. Content is king and we need to chase the shows that everyone is clamoring to watch,” says Cuthbert.
With the customization of inflight content becoming essential to satisfy passengers and retain their loyalty, Anuvu looks at passenger demographics, compliance standards, language needs, profiles and the airline’s overall content mix before deciding what service to add to a lineup.
“We believe in a hybrid approach between data-based decisions and expert curation. Our partner, Parrot Analytics, is often the first step in comparing a streamer’s demand score in a region, by age and demographics, along with ratings, box office and other data sets. From there, we have a shortlist of content that has high demand in the regions an airline flies to that can be curated down based on language availability, genre mix of the
overall IFE and comp data on what performs well onboard. The final selection is ultimately recommended by our content experts who have decades of experience and are embedded within the airline’s team.” explains Cuthbert.
He cites “Hijack,” the Idris Elba Apple TV+ drama about a sevenhour flight from Dubai to London that is overtaken by hijackers, as an example of a popular, high-quality series that is unsuitable for inflight viewing for obvious reasons.
Cuthbert explains that when content is brought onboard, “Both the streamer and airline are aligned in wanting to provide a positive and exciting experience for passengers.”
A new exposure strategy
A future where streaming brands view inflight exposure as part of the customer acquisition strategy is imminent, according to Cuthbert.
“Airlines have billions of passengers flying every year, creating a natural
opportunity to test content with a highly captive audience in front of seatbacks,” he says. “It will also become more appealing as systems become better at reporting viewership churn and views, along with more visual GUIs.”
Cuthbert adds that streamers with an international presence, like Apple TV+ or Netflix, are more likely to be interested in these onboard opportunities than those that are only available in the U.S., like Peacock, because each service needs to hit its minimums in global reach.
“Our next big focus is acquiring live rights,” reveals Cuthbert. “Especially sports, as fast free Wi-Fi becomes the norm—presenting a big opportunity but also a risk for airlines [that are] not acquiring global rights correctly. We are here to advise, protect and ensure correct licensing. Overall, a connected seatback can mean a better experience for passengers everywhere, and we are excited to help guide this revolution in IFE.”
FORMIA’s phygital PLAYBOOK
IFORMIA’s Roland
and
Pitsch explore blending the physical and digital to transform the family inflight journey
by JANE HOBSON
n an era where passenger expectations extend far beyond a comfortable seat and a meal, FORMIA is redefining what it means to engage young travelers and families. The company’s latest innovation is built around the concept of “phygital”—the seamless fusion of physical and digital elements into a single, cohesive experience.
For Generation Alpha—the first truly digital-native generation—this integration is not a novelty but an expectation. With nearly two billion individuals globally, Gen Alpha already makes up 24 percent of the world’s population, and its influence on travel is undeniable, FORMIA tells PAX Tech.
Introducing interactive, brand-driven experiences
FORMIA KiDCURATE™ is a recently introduced dedicated product category created to reimagine the family inflight journey. Among it is a growing portfolio of globally recognized childrens’ brands across the games, entertainment and lifestyle space, including FORMIA’s industry-first exclusive collaboration with Hasbro, a leading games, IP and toy company. The partnership unlocks access to more than 150 globally loved brands such as Peppa Pig, Monopoly and Transformers, giving airlines the flexibility to tailor onboard experiences for young travelers.
“The new product category reflects
Grohmann
Marisa
FORMIA’s Transformers kit combines tangible elements with digital content to deliver an immersive, cross-platform storytelling experience
FORMIA KiDCURATE™, designed to elevate the family travel experience, includes an exclusive Hasbro partnership that brings brands like Transformers onboard, creating engaging experiences for young travelers
FORMIA’s insight-led approach to family engagement, combining thoughtfully designed products with interactive, brand-driven experiences,” explains Roland Grohmann, CEO and Managing Partner at FORMIA.
Among its features are phygital kits, designed to create a narrative line between the physical product and inflight entertainment. At WTCE in April, FORMIA debuted a kids concept kit, linking tangible kit elements to screen-based content to create an immersive, crossplatform storytelling experience.
The value for airlines goes beyond keeping children entertained.
“Generation Alpha is already reshaping how families travel— brand-savvy, digital-first and deeply influential in household decisions,” Grohmann says. He notes that a 2024 Hilton survey, cited by digital
parenting platform Parents.com, finds that 70 percent of parents consider their Gen Alpha children’s preferences when planning a trip.
FORMIA’s Marisa Pitsch, Chief Marketing Officer, explains that “For young travelers, familiarity breeds comfort. When they see a brand they love, it sparks excitement and that affinity extends to the airline itself, transferring brand equity and enhancing the overall travel experience.”
FORMIA designed the Hasbro Gaming Family Kit to foster shared moments between parents and children.
“Hasbro’s portfolio of brands resonates across generations and together, FORMIA and Hasbro create opportunities for airlines to foster connection through nostalgia, play and meaningful interaction,” Pitsch says. These experiences turn what
could be passive screen time into active family engagement, strengthening emotional connections that last far beyond the flight.
Toying for connection
The phygital vision extends further through FORMIA’s partnership with FlightPath3D.
Pitsch describes it as “bringing branded storytelling to life by linking physical kit elements to interactive maps and screen-based experiences. This connection turns the inflight journey into a multi-layered adventure.”
With FlightPath3D’s Kids Map, children can use items from the amenity kit to interact with the inflight map and story-based activities, transforming the seatback screen into a portal for discovery.
Pitsch says parents, increasingly aware of the downsides of passive tech use, are drawn to experiences that encourage connection.
“Today’s families value cooperative play and communication, and they view technology-enabled toys more positively when those toys support these connections,” she explains. This positions airlines as innovators that understand the needs of modern families.
Transforming storytelling
FORMIA unveiled its FORMIA KiDCURATE™ range earlier this year in Hamburg at an immersive, invitationonly booth. The curated environment took visitors on a journey through comfort, play, luxury and lifestyle, showcasing brands such as Kaloo, Cavalli Junior, American Tourister and Chupa Chups. By weaving physical play into digital platforms, FORMIA is creating experiences that feel fresh, relevant and emotionally resonant.
As Grohmann says, “This is not just the next evolution of inflight play. It is the next chapter in how airlines connect with the travelers of tomorrow. We look forward to building on this momentum with our partners at IFSA in Long Beach.”
GOING GLOBAL
DIRECTV IN FLIGHT is transforming live IFE programming by expanding its services to international flights to and from the United States
by ROBYNNE TRUEMAN
DIRECTV IN FLIGHT is the first U.S.-based provider to offer a live programming experience on select international flights departing from and returning to the United States.
“We count that as a success right out of the gate,” Kimberly de Flesco, Head of Aviation Strategy for DIRECTV IN FLIGHT tells PAX Tech. “This milestone enhances the passenger experience and opens doors for us to work with international airlines worldwide to bring them the same type of premium live TV content as our U.S.-based airline customers are able to receive.”
This international expansion is powered by IPTV, a modern, internetbased delivery system that uses the aircraft’s onboard Wi-Fi to stream live programming. This achievement in DIRECTV’s infrastructure allows for the bypassing of traditional satellite delivery methods to offer
greater flexibility and scalability. Passengers can access live programming via seatback screens or PEDs.
According to de Flesco, programming decisions are driven by one key question: What do passengers want to watch most?
“Live TV—especially sports—has become a defining part of the IFE experience because travelers want to stay connected to the same content they would watch at home,” she explains, adding that passengers also want to stay connected to news.
For de Flesco, accessing U.S. news while traveling helps her stay tethered to home—a personal connection that, she says, resonates with many airlines and drives their interest in offering live news.
“The goal is to strike a balance that best serves a passenger base with diverse interests. Our goal is delivering a personalized, premium experience where every traveler can access
their preferred content,” she says.
Airlines can bring these offerings to passengers via DIRECTV IN FLIGHT in time for two major global sporting events in 2026: the FIFA World Cup and Winter Olympics Games.
“We have expanded access to our IPTV service to help meet the demand both domestically and internationally. The timing could not be better,” de Flesco affirms.
Expanding horizons
As airlines expand international routes, DIRECTV will continue to scale its global content delivery strategy to elevate the IFE experience for passengers.
“Our technology scales seamlessly across any international route. As long as it is a direct flight departing from or returning to the United States, all airlines can now offer passengers a premium entertainment experience,” says de Flesco.
Kimberly de Flesco, Head of Aviation Strategy for DIRECTV IN FLIGHT
Passengers can access DIRECTV’s live programming via seatback screens or PEDs
BEYOND THE GATE
CEO Michael Raasch highlights Omnevo’s strategy for boosting passenger engagement during every stage of the journey
by ROBYNNE TRUEMAN
The passenger journey begins well before travelers arrive at the gate and continues long after disembarkation. Omnevo helps airlines engage with passengers at multiple points throughout the trip, addressing onboard retail challenges carriers face, including fragmented sales channels, limited retail reach, high waste from inaccurate loading and inflight payment disruptions.
“We solve these challenges with a unified platform integrating preorder, onboard sales and e-commerce, real-time inventory control to cut waste and offline transaction capability to ensure sales even without full connectivity,” Michael Raasch, CEO, Omnevo, tells PAX Tech.
The company focuses on pre-, during and post-flight touchpoints to deliver a connected retail ecosystem across the endto-end passenger journey.
Pre-flight engagement
For Omnevo, key pre-flight touchpoints include F&B pre-order, duty free marketplace and
ancillary add-ons (lounge, parking, fast track) integrated into booking and check-in flows. Raasch says digital retail turns a traveler’s “planning mode” into a revenue engine.
“Omnevo can engage passengers immediately after booking—weeks before travel—through embedded pre-order and duty free marketplace access. Airlines see higher conversion, increased premium sales and reduced onboard waste when engagement happens early,” he explains.
Personalization plays into the pre-flight experience with Omnevo’s platform delivering customized offers to passengers based on their browsing and purchase history. Promoting a premium meal upgrade to a passenger who previously purchased one or targeting a returning traveler with loyalty-based duty free discounts are just a couple of examples of meaningful connections to boost revenue.
Inflight connection
Once inflight, Omnevo’s critical interactions with the passenger include onboard F&B and duty free sales via
POS, order-at-seat, seatback shopping and Wi-Fi portal shopping powered by its partners, such as Thales and Viasat.
With Thales and Viasat connectivity, Omnevo ensures real-time transactions, while offline POS capability keeps sales running if coverage drops.
“Orders from IFE or personal devices route directly to crew dashboards for fast fulfilment, and multiple payment options reduce decline rates,” explains Raasch.
Post-flight loyalty
The opportunities for ancillary revenue and passenger engagement extend well beyond arrival at the final destination. The connection to the passenger continues through loyalty-driven engagement, home delivery from marketplaces and targeted offers for future travel.
“By connecting purchase data across channels, airlines can keep passengers in their retail eco-system between flights,” Raasch says.
Omnevo focuses on pre-, during and post-flight touchpoints to deliver a connected retail ecosystem
Michael Raasch, CEO, Omnevo
A FAIR EXCHANGE
Viasat’s Chris Demange discusses the many models of inflight advertising available to airlines to enable the delivery of free onboard Wi-Fi
by ROBYNNE TRUEMAN
Driven by evolving passenger demands and expectations for inflight connectivity, the trend toward free onboard Wi-Fi is growing. While not all carriers are yet offering full, fast, free connectivity, providers such as Viasat offer costeffective ways to meet this demand.
The Viasat Ads platform allows brands to reach airline audiences with digital inflight advertising and is currently serving 13 airline clients. Through this platform, Viasat delivers millions of free Wi-Fi sessions per month, explains Chris Demange, Vice President, Digital Services and Partnerships on Viasat’s Commercial Aviation Business.
“Viasat’s powerful connectivity platform enables monetization options across all channels, including on the airline’s portal and through passengers’ interactions with the inflight property and internet,” he tells PAX Tech.
Viasat entered the market sup-
porting JetBlue’s FlyFi launch in 2013 and has since leveraged years of experience to develop meaningful ways for airlines to realize the full potential of IFC investments.
“It is important to understand that there are many flavors of free; many business models to consider, including options that help the airlines offset the cost of the service,” Demange says.
The flavors of free
The various business models that airlines can use to enable complimentary internet access range from adsupported models to sponsored Wi-Fi.
Ad-supported models allow passengers to access Wi-Fi services for free in exchange for watching advertisements. Viasat offers a diverse range of inflight ad formats such as IFE pre-roll video ads that play before inflight content, live TV ad-insertions that are placed within commercial breaks of broadcasts, and portal banner display
ads that can be seamlessly integrated into the airline’s Wi-Fi portal.
“This model drives both passenger engagement and can generate revenue, without compromising the passenger experience. Overwhelmingly, passengers report they are happy with this exchange,” reveals Demange.
In supporting this model, Viasat provides airlines with full-service management of the advertising ecosystem, from advertiser acquisition to campaign activation.
Airlines can also offset the cost of offering complimentary inflight connectivity by securing brand sponsorships for the Wi-Fi service
Viasat’s Connected Partner Platform (CPP) helps airlines monetize connectivity investments by integrating partner applications such as food and beverage or inflight retail. These solutions drive ancillary revenue and help offset the cost of providing inflight connectivity.
According to Demange, one of the most unique opportunities this
Chris Demange, Vice President, Digital Services and Partnerships on Viasat’s Commercial Aviation Business
Ad-supported models allow passengers to access Wi-Fi services for free in exchange for watching advertisements
space offers advertisers is the chance to connect with a captive audience, with minimal disturbances present. In contrast to typical online ads, this results in increased attentiveness and higher levels of engagement.
In addition to accessing a highvalue audience, advertisers can also target campaigns to specific destinations or routes to ensure messaging is relevant to passengers.
Finding a balance
While there are benefits of complimentary Wi-Fi for both passengers and the airline, carriers must strike a balance between offsetting costs without negatively impacting the IFE experience.
The Viasat Passenger Engagement Survey 2024 reveals that 87 percent of travelers are willing to watch ads in exchange for complimentary Wi-Fi.
“This provides brands with a unique chance to take advantage of what passengers consider a fair deal. Our strategy revolves around seamlessly incorporating ads to ensure a favorable experience for
passengers,” Demange explains.
Viasat also uses methods like frequency capping to avoid repetitive advertisements and ensure ads remain contextually relevant and engaging for passengers.
“Our initial goal is to comprehend the airline’s objectives and ambitions. We offer adaptable business models that strike a balance between customer experience and revenue generation,” Demange affirms.
Returns and retention
Demange says airlines typically measure the success of the free IFC model using metrics such as return on investment (ROI), net promoter score (NPS) and passenger loyalty.
While ROI can vary by airline, Demange cites strong results from targeted campaigns—such as one run during January’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas—as proof of Viasat Ads’ effectiveness.
The campaign targeted ad inventory on six different airlines, all of which were transporting thou-
sands of attendees to the event. Viasat’s approach included a combination of live TV commercials, sponsored internet and messaging content, and pre-roll video ads.
“By utilizing destination-based inflight advertising, Viasat was able to provide advertisers with a highly appealing and impactful opportunity to reach their desired audience,” Demange reveals.
Viasat tailors its ad-supported model to each airline’s goals. Demange explains that low-cost carriers may use it to offset IFC costs or generate revenue, while loyalty-focused airlines can run ads promoting programs to non-members and keep the experience ad-free for existing loyal passengers.
“We collaborate closely with our airline partners to gain a thorough understanding of their brand guidelines, commercial partnerships and brand identity. A priority is to ensure that passengers are not exposed to advertisements that clash with the airline’s brand, resulting in a seamless and unified experience,” he explains.
The Viasat Ads platform allows brands to reach airline audiences with digital inflight advertising
PREMIUM PERCHES
Airlines are raising the bar in Premium Economy and Business Class with seats that combine comfort, quality and smart functionality
by ALEX PRESTON
Influenced by evolving passenger preferences, there has been a shift onboard toward premium products and differentiation, and airlines are increasingly investing in premium seating solutions.
Air New Zealand is a recent case in point. Speaking to PAX Tech, Chief Commercial Officer Jeremy O’Brien says that for the past few years, the airline has seen an increased demand across its premium cabins, particularly from its long-haul markets.
“This trend was something we have been monitoring and fed into the decision behind increasing our premium capacity on our retrofitted aircraft. Our retrofit program will see an increase in capacity in our premium cabins by 27 percent across all 14 aircraft once the retrofits are complete,” O’Brien reveals.
Front row views
The airline is in the early stages of retrofitting its fleet of 787-9 aircraft with a reimagined cabin experience that includes new seats in every class such as the new Business Premier Luxe (four seats in the front row of the Business Premier cabin) and Business Premier seats from Safran Seats.
Katsunori Maki, Director - Cabin Products and Services Planning (Head of Cabin Programs), Customer Experience, ANA
Dr. Mark Hiller, CEO, RECARO Aircraft Seating
Jeremy O’Brien, Chief Commercial Officer, Air New Zealand Phil Howe, Head of Sales & Commercial, Thompson Aircraft Seating
Air New Zealand’s Business Premier Cabin
Northern Ireland’s Thompson Aero Seating is also seeing an increase in demand for the Enhanced Front Row in both its long-haul twin-aisle VantageNOVA (unveiled at this year’s Aircraft Interiors and due to be delivered to an unspecified customer in 2026) and VantageXL+ (recently launched with China Southern Airlines for its A350 fleet).
In conversation with PAX Tech, the company’s Head of Sales & Commercial, Phil Howe reveals that the majority of customer inquiries for the Business Class product come from established airlines having this as a clear requirement.
“This trend is being seen not only in the traditional Business Class operators but also those with a leisure fleet, as they are looking to add a further level of premium seating to their cabin. Business Class cabins are currently growing in size due to the continued demand for premium travel outside of the businessperson traveling alone for work. The Enhanced Front Row is no longer just for the Zone 1 in the aircraft; it is also requested in the Zone 2 area to maximize the options for the passengers and provide an increase in revenue for the airline above a traditional Business Class offering,” Howe says.
According to Howe, the push for the upgraded Business Class is not limited to the usual areas of the globe and airlines who have traditionally led the drive for the upgraded product, such as Emirates, Japan Airlines or Singapore Airlines.
R4 Premium Economy Seat for ANA in recline position
“The demand for such products is being seen from more countries and regions across the globe as airlines look to differentiate their product from their competition who are servicing the same routes and passenger groups,” he says.
Howe also adds that this trend is not only in the widebody fleets but is being seen on the latest generation of single aisle aircraft. As their range continues to extend, it is driving the requirement to recover the highest potential revenue from the available space in the cabin through the inclusion of an enhanced front row offering.
At a premium
Dr. Mark Hiller, CEO of RECARO Aircraft Seating and RECARO Holding, believes that with a notable increase in leisure travel, airlines are seeking to enhance the passenger experience to attract and retain customers who are willing to invest more in comfort and quality.
“This trend is particularly pronounced as leisure travelers seek enhanced amenities without the full cost of Business Class, making Premium Economy an attractive middle ground,” Hiller tells PAX.
Since its introduction by EVA Air more than thirty years ago, the attraction and adoption of Premium Economy has
grown. However, as Hiller observes, “Right now, Premium Economy represents the smallest segment in terms of cabin layout. This specialized section is designed to bridge the gap between standard Economy and Business Class, offering enhanced comfort and amenities. Due to the premium features and increased space requirements, airlines typically allocate a limited number of Premium Economy seats within the overall economy cabin.”
Hiller also says that as Premium Economy evolves, it may adopt certain features traditionally found in Business Class, such as enhanced comfort and generous living and personal space. “However, Business Class will likely remain distinct in terms of luxury amenities and full privacy options,” he concludes.
All Nippon Airways (ANA) was one of the earliest adopters of Premium Economy, introducing the class in 2002. As ANA’s Katsunori Maki, Director - Cabin Products and Services Planning (Head of Cabin Programs), Customer Experience remarks, Premium Economy has been thought of as an extension of Economy Class–until now.
“We believe that Premium Economy should be treated as an independent and different passenger experience from now on, not only the seat product but also with
RECARO Aircraft Seating
R4 Premium Economy seat in the recline position
Travelers don’t just want to watch, they want to discover.
When content is treated like a commodity, passengers tune out.
When content dares to be bold and different, every flight becomes a chance to inspire, engage, and make a lasting impression.
Anuvu will take you beyond the mainstream, delivering authentic, global stories that spark connection and make every flight unforgettable.
Your discovery starts here: entertainment@anuvu.com
other services,” he points out, noting that some airlines have already started offering different food and beverage services and amenities from the ones available in Economy Class, with ANA itself offering access to lounges for its Premium Economy passengers.
ANA is a long-standing customer of RECARO, recently selecting the company’s new R4 seat for its Premium Economy cabin on its next-generation 787-9 long-haul international aircraft, with deployment scheduled to begin next year.
Maki admits that while First and Business Class seats have evolved significantly in the past 30 years, from lie-flat bed to full-flat bed and from direct aisle access to having suite doors, there have been no such iterative enhancements to the Premium Economy seat itself. What ANA and other airlines have done, however, is improve the functionality, such as the personal monitor size, USB charging, etc.
In such a situation, the gap with Business Class seats is widening, asserts Maki. With direct flights becoming more common because of aircraft performance improvements and flight times getting longer, “We believe that what our customers need most is enhanced seat comfort,” he says.
“From this new R4 seat, we have increased the seat pitch from 38 inches to 40 inches and the recline from
seven to nine inches from [the] previous Premium Economy and enhanced the passenger experience dramatically,” explains Maki. “Adding another two inches of recline is improving the passenger’s comfort.”
For Hiller, the premium boom can be more accurately described as a strategic enhancement of passenger experience. Airlines are focused on differentiating their offerings to meet the evolving needs and preferences of travelers.
“This segment will grow approximately 20 percent in the next five years on an annual basis, it is a purposeful investment in quality, comfort and innovation to provide meaningful value to passengers,” he says.
Hiller believes that with this, the trend toward premium products and differentiation is poised to be a long-term development in the aviation industry.
“The sustained growth in leisure travel, coupled with ongoing advancements in seat design and passenger comfort, indicate that premium offerings will remain a core component of airline strategies. As passenger expectations continue to evolve, the demand for enhanced comfort and personalized experiences will drive continued investment in premium cabins,” he says.
WATTS ONBOARD
Astronics’ Dennis Markert talks supporting passenger productivity in the premium cabin by meeting the unique needs of business travelers through power distribution by ROBYNNE TRUEMAN
The higher usage demands of business travelers mean that in-seat power supplier
Astronics AES must take a unique approach to planning for the premium cabin. Premium cabin seats often require higher power capacity as passengers are more likely to use and charge multiple high-powered devices simultaneously. To accommodate this, Astronics designs premium cabin power systems with higher wattage capabilities to ensure each seat can handle a greater cumulative power load while avoiding overload.
“The electrical power allocated to aircraft cabins is divided among various systems and amenities, including in-seat power. Effectively managing this power allocation between different classes of service and passengers is a key part of our value at Astronics,” Dennis Markert, Director Business Development, Astronics AES, tells PAX Tech.
The
power in planning
Markert adds that power load planning for the premium cabin must consider the simultaneous use of all available outlets per seat, including 110VAC power plugs, USB Type-A, USB Type-C ports and, often, wireless charging pads.
Calculating this total power demand using Electrical Load Analysis (ELA) for the in-seat power systems in First and Business Class cabins requires considering the increased power demands compared to Economy Class.
Ultimately, Markert says the power available to each passenger is determined by the airline, allowing the carrier to dictate the level of service and customize the power solution. This includes selecting specific power outlet configurations and capacities that align with the carrier’s branding and passenger demographic.
Astronics AES EmPower® inseat power systems use a scalable
architecture, coupled with hardware and software to monitor and regulate power consumption locally.
“By carefully strategizing and implementing these enhanced power load plans, Astronics ensures that premium cabin passengers enjoy a seamless and reliable in-seat power experience, reflecting the service expected in these higher-tier cabins,” he explains.
Evolving demands in Business Class
Premium passengers increasingly expect an inflight entertainment and
Dennis Markert, Director Business Development, Astronics AES
Astronics EmPower Type-C in-seat power outlets
connectivity experience akin to their home comforts. In response, Astronics is actively implementing strategies to evolve its EmPower in-seat power system to accommodate the growing demand for streaming media services and other high-bandwidth activities provided by airlines, which necessitate passenger device charging inflight.
Markert says Astronics is continuously developing power systems with higher efficiency (greater than 93 percent) and greater power output capabilities to support the increased volume of PEDs and power-hungry electronics, ensuring passengers can charge multiple high-powered devices simultaneously, without compromise. The EmPower system architectures
include multiple levels of power management with advanced algorithms that monitor and distribute power efficiently for safe charging.
He also notes that Astronics monitors the commercial product market to stay ahead of the latest technologies and devices that passengers carry onboard. The company’s forwardlooking research and product development involves its team purchasing a diverse range of popular electronic devices, including international brands, to assess the individual charging performance and power demand.
Customization for the premium cabin
Modularity and customization play a
crucial role in Astronics’ in-seat power systems for premium cabins, enabling the delivery of tailored, flexible and future-proof solutions that meet the specific needs of premium travelers.
As Markert tells PAX Tech, “With EmPower, airlines have the flexibility to customize the power configurations offered in Business Class, aligning with the airline brand and meeting passenger expectations. This level of customization allows airlines to offer a differentiated and tailored inflight experience.”
EmPower can be scaled depending on the power requirements of the cabin. Markert highlights two possible configurations: the Seat-Centric System (where each seat row contains an individual power supply) and the UltraLite G2 Zonal System, which provides power to multiple rows using a single ultra-high-power supply for improved efficiency and reduced weight. This flexibility allows airlines to adjust power provisions based on passenger demand and usage patterns.
“Astronics’ commitment to modularity and customization in our in-seat power systems ensures that we have a solution to meet the needs of every airline. Through scalable and flexible designs, we provide future-proof power systems that adapt to evolving technologies and passenger needs, reinforcing our position as a leader in premium in-seat power solutions,” concludes Markert.
Astronics EmPower UltraLite G2 in-seat power system with 18 Type-C outlets
JOIN PAX PANEL
The industry’s best virtual roundtable discussion series, featuring executives and representatives from the industry’s most iconic companies
Share key insights, learnings and experiences from your sector in PAX Panel: All episodes available online Featured in digital editions of PAX International and PAX Tech
Share on your website and social channels Attract new clients
PREVIOUS SPONSORS INCLUDE: FOR ALL EPISODES CLICK HERE!
ALL PAX PANEL EPISODES ARE AVAILABLE ONLINE SO THAT EVERYONE CAN WATCH AND SHARE
The PAX Panel concept is created and hosted by PAX International and PAX Tech Contact jane@pax-intl.com to become a panelist
ECO-EFFICIENT EVOLUTION
Carsten Laufs, SVP Product Innovation and Digitalization, highlights Diehl Aviation’s strides in sustainability with emphasis on delivering an eco-friendly passenger experience by ALEX PRESTON
Airlines are placing greater emphasis on material transparency, recyclability and lifecycle emissions. As a result, companies such as Diehl Aviation are seeing increased demand for cabin components with verified environmental data, including life-cycle assessment (LCA) results and carbon footprint reporting.
According to Carsten Laufs, Diehl Aviation’s SVP Product Innovation and Digitalization, whenever new products with an improved CO2 footprint are introduced, there is a need to create a tangible experience for the passenger. Therefore, there is a shift toward materials that visually reflect sustainability–such as bio-based textures or recycled
finishes–without compromising safety, comfort standards or cabin branding.
Such changes are driving the company’s eco-efficiency initiative–the momentum behind the development of lightweight, lowemission components across both line-fit and retrofit applications.
The balancing act
In conversation with PAX Tech, Laufs explains that the company’s engineering approach considers weight, comfort and durability as equally critical performance factors.
“We use materials that are not only lightweight but also compliant with stringent fire, smoke and toxicity (FST) requirements. Surface treatments and
structural reinforcements are carefully selected to ensure long-term wear resistance and aesthetic quality. Every design undergoes rigorous physical and simulation-based testing
Carsten Laufs, SVP Product Innovation and Digitalization, Diehl Aviation
A rendering of Diehl Aviation’s Future Cabin concept
Stay in touch with
PAX Tech is the leading voice of news and analysis for the MRO, interiors and IFEC industries. We cover the trends, challenges and changes facing the aviation industry now and we’re always on the hunt for the latest news. Share exciting developments with us anytime by visiting www.pax-intl.com or contacting robynne@pax-intl.com.
IN PRINT
PAX issues are distributed at some of the biggest international onboard services, aircraft interiors and MRO trade shows around the world.
IN YOUR INBOX
Get breaking industry news weekly to your inbox, and copies of our digital issues as soon as they are available.
ONLINE
Our website is updated daily with content from the seating, interiors, IFEC and MRO industries, plus onboard catering and passenger services news.
For advertising queries, please contact robynne@pax-intl.com
to validate structural integrity over extended service periods,” he says.
In parallel, the company has applied topology optimized principles to enhance strength-to-weight ratios across multiple cabin components and introduce innovative materials with improved weight characteristics.
Recent innovations include the ECO Sidewall, which Laufs says achieves approximately 10 percent weight reduction compared to conventional sidewall structures and up to 19 percent lower CO2 emissions during manufacturing due to the use of advanced composite materials and optimized production techniques.
Another is the ECO Bracket, developed in collaboration with Swiss-based technology provider, 9T Labs. This component uses continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastics and additive manufacturing technologies to achieve claimed weight savings of up to 50 percent versus traditional aluminum brackets.
Projects like the ECO Bracket
also explore the sourcing and use of virgin material during production. As Laufs reveals, such concepts are looking into the use of reused production cut-off materials in combination with additive manufacturing technologies, which offer long-term potential for circular material use and more energy-efficient production.
Cradle to grave and afterlife
By Laufs’ admission, Diehl Aviation increasingly considers end-of-life (EOL) aspects as part of its evolving product development approach. The company, he says, is aligning its design
philosophy to better accommodate disassembly, recyclability and material recovery in future cabin solutions.
“Where possible, efforts are being made to implement mono-material concepts, reduce the use of adhesives and integrate components that are easier to dismantle in preparation for reuse and recycling opportunities,” he says. “For instance, the ECO Bin is a step in this direction: it consists of just two recyclable materials and allows for tool-free disassembly, supporting easier handling at the end of its service life.”
The incorporation of modularity into cabin design is also an important facet for Diehl Aviation. As Laufs observes, these concepts also offer efficient reconfiguration or updates of the cabin interior during the operational phase of the aircraft. He believes that by doing so, the use of new materials and components will be reduced, thus supporting reuse initiatives and lifetime extension scenarios. Selected systems and interior components can already be replaced with nextgeneration products, including more sustainable or environmentally friendly materials. In addition, modular systems and interior architecture will further enhance these opportunities.
“These developments are part of Diehl Aviation’s broader eco-efficiency initiative, through which the company aims to align more closely with circular design principles and environmental targets,” Laufs states, adding that, “While still evolving, these efforts reflect a growing awareness of EOL impacts and the role they may play in next generation cabin solutions.”
Diehl Aviation’s ECO Sidewall
Diehl Aviation’s ECO Bracket
DIVERSIFYING DISTRIBUTION STRATEGIES
DKA Aerospace CEO King W. Lee highlights the company’s goals for growth in the North American market
by ROBYNNE TRUEMAN
Since its acquisition and rebrand to DKA Aerospace, the cabin equipment supplier has been steadily expanding its presence, particularly in the Americas. These moves include establishing a DKA Mexico Distribution Office in Monterrey and opening a DKA America Distribution Office in City of Industry, California, last year.
This summer, DKA hosted its first-ever Americas Regional Sales Meeting at its Monterrey site, highlighting the strategic positioning of these facilities in the region to better serve its airline partners.
With manufacturing plants in
Singapore and China, DKA already has a global footprint—making expansion into the American market a clear strategic priority for CEO King W. Lee.
“The U.S. market alone represents the biggest market in the entire industry,” he tells PAX Tech. “The top three [U.S.] airlines combined have approximately 3,500 aircraft in their fleet, with additional aircraft on order with Boeing and Airbus. We have to support and grow within this critical market,” he says.
Lee adds that maintaining DKA’s company culture across its various sites comes down to communication and cross-regional projects.
From California to Monterrey
DKA now has two distribution facilities in North America – City of Industry, California, United States, and Monterrey, Mexico. Lee says the growing network positions DKA closer to its long-term goals through improved efficiency and customer satisfaction.
“Our distribution network in North America will deliver products faster to our customers, so they do not need to wait 10+ weeks to receive and integrate our products into their operations. This brings tremendous value,” he explains.
The Monterrey sales and distribution facility opened in 2024 and is one
King W. Lee, CEO, DKA Aerospace
DKA Aerospace’s California distribution facility in City of Industry
of the key hubs in expanding DKA’s distribution network. Lee explains that having a distribution center in one of the largest cities in Mexico allows the supplier to better support its customers in that region with a fast-tracked scale for the product development process and shorter lead times on orders.
“We can integrate our products into their operation, expanding routes quicker,” he says.
When it comes to aligning the company’s goals and strategies across diverse markets in the Americas and beyond, Lee says,
“We will need to execute our strategies in operations, manufacturing and product delivery flawlessly to be successful in winning customers back and gaining market share.”
Next-gen on the horizon
Looking at the next moves for DKA, Lee has his sights on further growth in North America. At this particular moment in time, he cites the U.S. tariffs and associated uncertainties as the biggest challenge for growth in the region, impacting both product delivery and availability.
Despite these obstacles, Lee affirms that DKA remains committed to further expansion in this key market.
“Our Americas goals have not been achieved to the fullest, and we will continue to execute our strategies until we see a tangible win in this region.”
Lee also hints that DKA is currently engaging with several top airlines in North America to develop what he calls “the next generation of galley meal carts.” With more details to come, Lee expects to see the airlines flying with these DKA products in 2026.
DKA Aerospace’s global network now includes four warehouse distribution locations and two manufacturing assembly plants
Inside DKA’s new distribution warehouse in Monterrey, Mexico
MILESTONE MOMENT FOR APAC
FTE APEX Asia Expo returns to Singapore under the theme of “Accelerating Innovation” this November, marking 15 years of the industry event
by ROBYNNE TRUEMAN
FTE APEX Asia Expo returns to the Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre in Singapore on November 11 to 12, under the theme of “Accelerating Innovation,” highlighting the role of fresh thinking, creativity and innovation in powering significant growth across the Asia-Pacific region.
“Ranging from the latest inflight advancements to the steps being taken to create more seamless and memorable end-to-end experiences, this theme will permeate all aspects of this year’s conference,” Ryan Ghee, Chief Operating Officer, Future Travel Experience, tells PAX Tech.
Expo timeline
The 2025 event marks 15 years of FTE APEX Asia Expo with the first edition launched in 2010, initially under FTE Asia EXPO; APEX became a co-host later on. Since 2019, all editions have been delivered under the unified FTE APEX Asia Expo branding, as the region’s leading innovation
and passenger experience expo.
“We are proud to celebrate the evolution of FTE APEX Asia Expo into Asia-Pacific’s definitive platform for innovation, passenger experience and business transformation,” says Ghee.
He adds, “A cornerstone of this success has been our partnerships with Changi Airport Group and Singapore Airlines, both of whom are Headline Partners again this year.”
To celebrate this milestone, the event will feature a line-up of esteemed speakers, including c-suite speakers from across APAC and beyond, plus the most exhibitors in the region to date. Both IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers and AirAsia MOVE CEO Nadia Omer are confirmed as keynote speakers for the event.
Premium Pass holders will also enjoy exclusive access to the Networking Ice Breaker at Changi Airport’s Hub & Spoke facility, featuring live music and outdoor entertainment, as well as a Networking Reception and Awards After Party.
In the free-to-attend exhibition hall, attendees will have an opportunity to view and demo the latest products and services designed to enhance the passenger experience, increase efficiency, create new revenues and lay the foundations for a more sustainable future. Exhibitors will include those from the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) and the International Flight Services Association (IFSA).
“It promises to be a memorable way to celebrate 15 years since our first event in the APAC region,” Ghee affirms.
In an interview with PAX Tech, Ghee promised a major announcement to come in Long Beach this September about FTE and APEX’s event agenda for 2026. Looking ahead to next year and beyond, he says there are big plans in place for the expo in Singapore, including increasing the number of exhibitors, keynotes and conference sessions to further educational opportunities for attendees.
Ryan Ghee, Chief Operating Officer, Future Travel Experience
FTE APEX Asia Expo will take place at the Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre in Singapore
READERSHIP AWARDS 2026
RETURN TO
HAMBURG!
From onboard caterers to connectivity and all the latest in aircraft cabins, the PAX Readership Awards will once again recognize those in the industry that go above and beyond.
The award winners will be announced on Wednesday April 15, 2026 at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Hamburg.
Award winners will be featured in our May 2026 special post-Hamburg Awards digital issue.
Save the dates
A preview of the 2026 APEX, FTE and IFSA event schedules, with key dates to note when planning for the year ahead
by JANE HOBSON
An overview of the 2026 APEX, FTE and IFSA schedules, highlighting important dates for your annual planning
PAX International and PAX Tech are proud to be longtime media partners for several APEX/IFSA/FTE annual events. As this transformative year of thoughtprovoking aviation events draws to a close, The Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX), the International Flight Services Association (IFSA) and Future Travel Experience (FTE) have notified PAX of important event dates for the coming calendar year, with more details to come.
APEX TECH returns to LA
APEX TECH 2026 returns to Los Angeles, USA from January 28 to 29. The technology-focused forum will feature informative panel discussions and engagement opportunities through workshops. The event focuses on transformative passenger experience technologies in the quickly advancing aviation industry.
APEX Content Market travels to Dubai
APEX Content Market, running in
Dubai, UAE from February 11 to 12, 2026, covers all airline content needs, including the latest in TV, movies, games, GUIs, apps and audio. As the only global industry event focused on connecting inflight entertainment content buyers with worldwide content distributors, APEX Content Market offers a dynamic show floor and facilitates meetings to support inflight content planning.
Major moves for APEX and IFSA
IFSA tells PAX International that in 2026, IFSA Global EXPO will move to Dallas, Texas, running September 9 to 10. Held at the renowned Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center, just miles from DFW International Airport, the event will offer an immersive all-in-one experience. The expansive venue is ideal for networking, showcasing innovative products and fostering collaboration. Attendees can also enjoy diverse dining, leisure activities and premium accommodations across four and
a half acres of indoor gardens and waterways, enhanced by the Gaylord’s unique architectural design.
The APEX team also confirms that APEX Global EXPO will make a major move to Singapore in 2026, running alongside the FTE Asia Expo from November 18 to 19.
Announcements in Long Beach for FTE Global 2026
In an interview with PAX Tech, Ryan Ghee, Chief Operating Officer, Future Travel Experience said announcements for FTE Global 2026 will be made this month in Long Beach.
Looking ahead to next year and beyond, Ghee says the focus for the Singapore events is increasing the number of exhibitors, keynotes and conference sessions to further educational opportunities for attendees.
Follow along at the PAX website, updated daily, and on LinkedIn and Instagram to stay up to date as 2026 event details are announced.
WHAT’S HOT!
Bite-Sized Book Summaries – uPlay Content: Bite-sized Book Summaries turn bestselling nonfiction into short-form audio experiences, narrated by real humans in 20+ languages. Each summary is less than 15 minutes and designed to engage modern travelers with meaningful insights—whether it is personal growth, leadership or wellness. Curated by experts and optimized for inflight attention spans, this audio content allows airlines to elevate their passenger experience with smart, globally appealing entertainment. Booth: 1538. uplay.com.br
3D Moving Map, 3D Route Map, Destination Guide & FlightPath3D Cloud – FlightPath3D: From inflight to web and mobile, FlightPath3D’s solutions—including Moving Map, Route Map, Destination Guide and the latest Cloud-Based Map—are designed to enhance the passenger journey across every touchpoint. Available on any aircraft, platform or device, FlightPath3D offers airlines a flexible, consistent experience. Booth: 1135. www.flightpath3d.com
The Assassin – All3Media International: Keeley Hawes and Freddie Highmore lead this stylish, entertaining, actionpacked thriller from Two Brothers Pictures, the team behind “The Tourist.” Filled with heart, humour, twists and turns, “The Assassin” delivers propulsive, addictive viewing across six episodes, as it follows female hitwoman (Keeley Hawes) on the run with her estranged adult son (Freddie Highmore), against the backdrop of an idyllic but remote Greek island. Booth: 1631. www.all3mediainternational.com
Premium 4K Content – Encore Inflight Limited: Encore’s growing 4K catalogue includes Hollywood and international heavy hitters like “Juliet & Romeo,” “In the Sub for Love” and “Uranus 2324,” as well as critically acclaimed shorts like “Jane Austen’s Period Drama” and “Salt Water Town.” Each title is mastered for the latest high-res seatback displays, bringing richer visuals, sharper detail and more engaging viewing experiences. Booth: 1542. www.encoreinflight.com
Storywonder & Content
Delivery
– Spafax: Spafax is a global travel media agency transforming the inflight experience through data-driven tools and innovative content delivery. With solutions that enhance passenger engagement and streamline airline operations, Spafax helps partners save time and deliver smarter service. At Global EXPO 2025, Spafax will spotlight its new Storywonder collaboration, bringing interactive storytelling onboard to entertain and connect families in flight. Booth: 1411. www.spafax.com
ThinAir Plus – ThinKom Solutions Inc.: ThinKom’s latest ThinAir solutions, including the new Plus hybrid design, will be on display at APEX Global EXPO. A hybrid of two antenna systems, ThinAir Plus combines the performance and reliability advantages of ThinKom’s mature and LEO/MEO/GEO-proven VICTS technology with a small (LEO-only) ESA for the ultimate in redundancy, flexibility and efficiency. Booth: 1345. www.thinkom.com
Blueview – Bluebox Aviation Systems Ltd.:
Blueview is Bluebox’s modular digital services platform delivering IFE, onboard retail, destination content and more to passengers’ devices. Blueview is supported on a range of hardware–Bluebox Wow, Airbus OSP or the Viasat Connected Partner Platform—and can be deployed quickly across mixed fleets without costly retrofits. Blueview is built to be compatible with high-bandwidth connectivity, including Starlink, with no onboard hardware required.
Booth: 1325. www.blueboxaviation.com
Touch Customer Portal 2.0 – Touch Inflight
Solutions: Touch will showcase its newly revamped Customer Portal at APEX Global EXPO 2025—a transformative platform designed to place airlines at the center of onboard entertainment strategies. It fosters a spirit of co-creation, making the curation process collaborative rather than transactional. By marrying innovation, transparency and human-centric design, Customer Portal 2.0 paves the way for a new era of curatorial partnership, with features that make content curation more precise and engaging. Booth: 1341. www.touch.aero
“APEX FTE Asia Expo has become a valuable meeting point for the
and opportunities.” - Joe Chiu, Vice President, Digital &
