APEX Appoints Antonio Penim as Airline Engagement Director to Strengthen Global Airline Advancement
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WASHINGTON, DC – APEX (Airline Passenger Experience Association) announced the appointment of Antonio Penim as its new Airline Engagement Director, reinforcing the organization’s ongoing commitment to advancing the global airline passenger experience. Antonio Penim, a recognized leader in In-Flight Entertainment and Connectivity (IFEC), emerged as one of the final 10 original candidates for the APEX CEO position in 2015. Actively involved with APEX events and committees since the early 2010s, Antonio’s deep connection to the association, paired with his vast industry experience, marks a significant step in APEX’s strategy to align airlines with cutting-edge advancements in passenger experience technology.
APEX Group CEO Dr. Joe Leader expressed his enthusiasm for Antonio’s addition. “Antonio Penim represents a true visionary in the IFEC space,” Dr. Leader noted. “His appointment as Airline Engagement Director reflects APEX’s commitment to driving innovation in airline passenger experience. Antonio’s extensive background, particularly his work with Hi Fly and Etihad Airways, perfectly aligns with our mission to connect the world’s leading airlines with the latest advancements in passenger experience technology. With Antonio on board, APEX stands ready to strengthen relationships with airlines and continue leading the industry in elevating the passenger journey.”
A Timely Appointment in a Critical Era
Pushing forward its goal of enhancing customer-experience for passengers worldwide, Antonio Penim’s appointment arrives at a crucial time for APEX as the association expands its influence globally. The APEX Board of Directors approved the creation of the Airline Engagement Director position, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to maintaining close ties with decision-makers at APEX’s Top 100 airlines globally. Antonio’s role will prove instrumental in ensuring that APEX remains at the forefront of industry advancements, engaging directly with airlines to foster partnerships and drive innovation in passenger experience.
Across his career, Antonio has engaged in a hands-on approach with an ability to lead and manage complex projects in diverse global environments. At Hi Fly, a prominent wet-lease airline known for its EASA Part-145 Maintenance organization, Antonio served as the In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) Manager. His responsibilities included managing IFE systems across a fleet that featured a variety of aircraft, such as the Airbus A310, A319, A320, A321, A330, A340, A380, and the Bombardier CL-600 private jet. His work included over 30 airlines, governments, VIP charter flights, and private companies worldwide required delivering tailored IFE solutions that met the specific needs of each client.
Expanding Influence Across Airline Fleets
During his tenure at Etihad Airways, Antonio led operations for In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) and In-Flight Connectivity (IFC), overseeing the entire Etihad Airways fleet and its partners, including Alitalia, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, and Virgin Australia. His role involved managing multiple projects related to new IFE and IFC products, content, software, and services across a diverse range of aircraft, from the Airbus A380 and A350 to the Boeing B787 and B777x. Antonio’s leadership at Etihad focused on strategic oversight of IFE and IFC installations, ensuring that passengers received seamless and enhanced in-flight experiences, regardless of aircraft or route.
Antonio’s technical expertise, complemented by his deep understanding of business development, gained further recognition during his tenure as the Director of Business Development at JetPack. There, he oversaw IFEC systems for more than 20 airlines and private jet companies worldwide. His work at JetPack solidified his reputation as a forward-thinking leader on new technology, adept at driving business growth and fostering long-term partnerships with key industry stakeholders.
Building on a Legacy of Leadership
Reflecting on his new role at APEX, Antonio Penim shared his enthusiasm, stating, “Joining APEX as Airline Engagement Director marks a significant milestone in my career. My passion has always centered around enhancing the passenger experience, and APEX provides the ideal platform to continue this work on a global scale. I look forward to collaborating closely with our airline members to explore new opportunities for innovation and to ensure that APEX remains at the forefront of industry developments. Together, we will continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in air travel, making the passenger experience more enjoyable and memorable.”
Elevating the Passenger Experience Industry-Wide
Antonio’s appointment signals more than just recognition of his achievements; it reflects APEX’s strategic vision as it continues to expand its global reach. Bringing Antonio on board emphasizes APEX’s focus on maintaining its position at the forefront of industry advancements. With Antonio’s expertise and leadership, APEX will continue forging new partnerships, driving innovation, and equipping its member airlines with the tools and technologies necessary to deliver exceptional passenger experiences from member suppliers.
“Throughout my career, I have seen firsthand how strong airline relationships and strategic alliances are pivotal in advancing our industry,” elected APEX President and Delta Air Lines Senior Vice President of Alliances Perry Cantarutti stated. “As we work together to innovate and improve the passenger experience, this newly created role of APEX Airline Engagement Director underscores the significance of collaboration and helps ensure that we continue to meet the evolving needs of passengers across the globe.”
As APEX moves forward with its ambitious goals, the association’s members and partners can anticipate a continued focus on innovation, collaboration, and excellence. Strategic initiatives, led by a team of seasoned experts, continue to advance new industry benchmarks in passenger experience to ensure that the benefits of these steps forward to reach passengers worldwide. Antonio Penim’s expertise will not only play a crucial role in this journey, but also quicken APEX’s overarching vision to accelerate the passenger experience development of our airline industry.