Airlines, Industry Leaders Honoured at APEX / IFSA Global EXPO
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The aviation industry celebrated its highest achievers at the 2025 APEX/IFSA Awards Ceremony, where Air France-KLM CEO Benjamin Smith received the prestigious APEX CEO Lifetime Achievement Award.
Smith, who became only the seventh aviation leader to receive this honour in the organization’s five-decade history, was recognized for his transformative leadership at Air France-KLM since taking the helm in 2018. Before his current role, Smith spent two decades at Air Canada in various executive positions.
The ceremony, hosted by the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) and the International Flight Services Association (IFSA), also honoured Joan Filippini, Senior Vice President of Non-Theatrical Sales at Paramount Pictures, with the APEX Lifetime Achievement Award for her contributions to in-flight entertainment over a 40-year career.
Nine airlines achieved the coveted APEX World Class designation, representing the highest tier of excellence in safety, sustainability, service, and inclusiveness. ANA, Emirates, KLM, Japan Airlines, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Turkish Airlines, and Xiamen Airlines received this distinction following an intensive audit process.
In the passenger-voted categories, Qatar Airways won both Best Food and Beverage and Best Seat Comfort. Other major winners included Delta Air Lines for Best Wi-Fi, Singapore Airlines for Best Entertainment, and Xiamen Airlines for Best Cabin Service. Virgin Atlantic was named the Best Overall Airline in Europe.
This year, the ceremony introduced a new category: the APEX World Class Lounge Awards. Japan Airlines secured two spots with its First Class Lounges at Haneda and Narita airports in Tokyo, while Oman Air’s Business Lounge at Muscat International Airport and The Pearl Lounge at Bahrain International Airport also received recognition.
In the innovation categories, JSX won for Best Inflight Connectivity, while Lufthansa took home the award for Best Inflight Entertainment. Qatar Airways added to its honours with the Innovation Award for Best Cabin. Delta Air Lines, in partnership with Formia, won Best Onboard Amenity, and Virgin Atlantic was recognized for Best Inflight Food or Beverage.
“This year’s awards reflect the industry’s remarkable resilience and commitment to enhancing the passenger experience,” said APEX CEO Dr. Joe Leader. “The achievements we’re celebrating demonstrate how airlines and their partners continue to raise the bar in service excellence and innovation.”
The awards were based on a combination of passenger feedback through TripIt, the travel management app, and professional audits. APEX tightened its criteria for airline ratings this year, limiting Five-Star designation to the top 40 airlines globally and Four-Star status to the next 50 airlines.
The ceremony, which took place during the APEX/IFSA Global EXPO, was sponsored by leading industry suppliers, including BBC News, Paramount Pictures, Safran, and Thales. Nicky Kelvin, Editor at Large of The Points Guy, served as Master of Ceremonies.
Complete List of Winners:
Individual Achievement Awards:
- APEX CEO Lifetime Achievement Award: Benjamin Smith, Air France-KLM
- APEX Lifetime Achievement Award: Joan Filippini, Paramount Pictures
APEX World Class Airlines:
- ANA, Emirates, KLM, Japan Airlines, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Saudia, Singapore Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Xiamen Airlines
APEX World Class Lounges:
- Japan Airlines First Class Lounge (Haneda International Airport)
- Japan Airlines First Class Lounge (Narita International Airport)
- Oman Air Business Lounge (Muscat International Airport)
- The Pearl Lounge (Bahrain International Airport)
Best in Airline Awards:
- Best Wi-Fi: Delta Air Lines
- Best Food and Beverage: Qatar Airways
- Best Seat Comfort: Qatar Airways
- Best Entertainment: Singapore Airlines
- Best Cabin Service: Xiamen Airlines
- Best Overall Airline in Europe: Virgin Atlantic
Innovation Awards:
- Best Inflight Connectivity: JSX
- Best Inflight Entertainment: Lufthansa
- Best Cabin: Qatar Airways
- Best Onboard Amenity: Delta Air Lines with Formia
- Best Inflight Food or Beverage: Virgin Atlantic