May 9, 2019
APEX TECH EXPLORES THE ROLE OF DATA, ANCILLARY REVENUE, CONTENT & CONNECTIVITY IN AVIATION INDUSTRY

Event Featured Keynote Addresses from AVIANCA, Air China, LATAM Airlines, Japan Airlines, Virgin Atlantic and Aeroméxico, along with the Passenger Choice Awards™ for South America

(LOS ANGELES) – This week, more than 150 leaders from global airlines, organizations and suppliers attended APEX TECH in Los Angeles to discuss how airlines can improve overall passenger experience and provide more personalized journeys by implementing new technologies.

Utilizing data, improving operational excellence and incorporating customer feedback were discussed at length on the first day at APEX TECH. Rolando Damas of Avianca shared the story of the airline’s digital transformation over the past two years during his keynote. Zhihang Chi, PhD., of Air China took the stage next to discuss Air China’s decision to focus on implementing technology that improves operational performance over focusing on ancillary revenue – a move the airline believes will lead to more opportunity in the future. In the final keynote of Day 1, Juan F. Ordoñez of LATAM Airlines explained how the collection of customer feedback allows them to quickly enact changes that benefit the overall passenger experience.

“Technological advancements are enabling airlines to responsibly collect more customer data and provide more personalized experiences,” stated APEX CEO Dr. Joe Leader. “We are thrilled to enable the thought leadership of leading aviation industry experts sharing insights and updates from their companies working to accelerate airline Innovation.”

During Day 1 of APEX TECH, Alicia Lines of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) shared an update on the organization’s New Distribution Capability (NDC) Program, which aims to better align airlines with travel agents, travel management companies and corporate travel buyers. This XML-based data transmission standard will facilitate air retail through increased product differentiation, access to full and rich air content, and a transparent shopping experience for those involved in the process.

Day 2 of the event focused on content and connectivity with panel discussions, APEX working group updates, and keynote presentations from Akira Mitsumasu of Japan Airlines, Daniel Kerzner of Virgin Atlantic and Aeroméxico’s Andres Castañeda. Their presentations again focused on the implementation of technology to benefit passengers’ journeys and how their airlines have transformed in the digital age.

The impressive lineup of speakers over this two-day event included leaders from Lufthansa Group, Lufthansa Systems, Global Eagle Entertainment, Viasat, FlightPath3D, NetForecast, IdeaNova Technologies, Inc., Touch, and iPass.

During the event, APEX honored several airlines based in South America with the regional Passenger Choice Awards™ based on passenger feedback gathered through APEX’s partnership with TripIt® from Concur®. Congratulations to the following airlines: 

2019 REGIONAL PASSENGER CHOICE AWARDS™ FOR SOUTH AMERICA

• Best Global Carrier in South America: LATAM Airlines
• Best Major Regional Carrier in South America: Avianca
• Best Low-Cost Carrier in South America: Gol Airlines
• Best Seat Comfort in South America: LATAM Airlines
• Best Cabin Service in South America: LATAM Airlines
• Best Food & Beverage in South America: Avianca
• Best Inflight Entertainment in South America: LATAM Airlines
• Best Wi-Fi in South America: LATAM Airlines

APEX hosts multiple industry gatherings around the world. Click here for a list of all upcoming events. For more information about APEX, please visit apex.aero, sign up for the APEX Daily Experience e-newsletter, or follow APEX on TwitterFacebook and LinkedIn.

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 About The Airline Passenger Experience (APEX) 
Serving as the second largest international airline association, APEX encompasses a network of airlines and key business partners that are committed to providing a world-class airline experience for passengers around the globe. Established in 1979 as a global non-profit, APEX reinvests all of its resources to better serve its members. Every day, APEX members evaluate customer experience through an influential community and are improve every aspect of the airline experience: from designing, building and installing seating, entertainment and communications systems on commercial aircraft, to airport lounges and inflight dining. Today, APEX works tirelessly to strengthen the airline industry and enable business opportunities through thought leadership, innovation, networking and recognition.  For more information, please visit www.apex.aero.