Introducing the Winners of the 2020 APEX/IFSA Awards

September 10, 2019  | Written by Caroline Ku

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Innovations across the airline passenger experience industry were recognized at the first-ever combined awards ceremony celebrating the achievements of both APEX and IFSA members. Over 40 professionals from both associations determined the top three finalists in each category and a separate panel of esteemed media voted on the winners. View photos of the winners on the APEX Facebook page.

APEX Awards

Best Inflight Connectivity Innovation
VT Miltope – Securing wireless cabin networks for the future

Incorporating technologies from RazorSecure and Galgus, VT Miltope has developed wireless cabin networks that keep up with evolving cyber threats. Using machine learning, the software-based solution detects anomalies in network behavior patterns, and becomes smarter with every iteration.

Best Inflight Entertainment Innovation
American Airlines – Calm app on American Airlines

In partnership with Calm, a leading app for meditation and sleep, American Airlines has provided passengers with an exclusive lineup of guided meditations, sleep stories and nature scenes that encourage health and relaxation in flight.

Best Lounge Innovation
Fiji Airways – Fully qualified nannies at Fiji Airways Premier Lounge

To evoke the “bula spirit” that’s at the heart of Fijian hospitality, Fiji Airways has introduced nannies to the kids’ area of its Premier Lounge. The nannies engage children in storytelling, boardgames and educational activities, enabling their parents to rest at ease.

Best Marketing Innovation
SriLankan Airlines – The Spirit of SriLankan Airlines and magic of Vesak

To bring positivity back to travel in Sri Lanka following a terrorist attack in April 2019, SriLankan Airlines celebrated Vesak, a Buddhist festival, at Bandaranaike International Airport, with food and entertainment. About 9,000 passersby shared in the experience, some of whom were interviewed for a video shared on social media thereafter.

APEX/IFSA Awards

Best Cabin Innovation
Astronics – Intelligent Bin Solution/Smart Aircraft System

The Intelligent Bin Solution/Smart Aircraft System from Astronics provides real-time bin capacity reporting and early detection of outgassing from lithium-ion batteries. It delivers actionable digital information directly to flight and gate crews to make it easy to improve boarding operations, increase cabin safety and enhance the overall passenger experience.

Best Product or Service
Air New Zealand – Skycouch improvements

Following feedback from customers, Air New Zealand has further enhanced its Economy Skycouch experience with improvements, including a harness, belt and pod dedicated to offering extra comfort and protection to infants and children.

IFSA Awards

Best Onboard Amenity
Clip Limited – JetBlue Mint kits

Best Inflight Food or Beverage
American Airlines – Zoës Kitchen Partnership

APEX/Crystal Cabin Award
Best Customer Journey Experience
Airbus – Connected Experience

Lifetime Achievement Award
Brinder Bhatia, Panasonic Avionics
For spearheading IFEC developments and making them integral to the airline passenger experience. Read the full profile: apex.aero/brinder-bhatia

Newcomer of the Year
Flight Center – VR in Flight Attendant T&D

Heart Awards
APEX recognizes everyday airline heroes who fly under the radar and go above and beyond the call of duty to elevate the passenger experience. Read about commendable actions from the front lines of our industry: apex.aero/apex-heart-awards

Shooting for the Stars

Feedback gleaned from the TripIt from Concur app have determined the results of the
Passenger Choice Awards and the Official Airline Ratings. Here are this year’s winners.

Passenger Choice Awards

Best Seat Comfort – Qatar Airways

Best Entertainment – Emirates

Best Wi-Fi – Delta Air Lines

Best Cabin Service – Qatar Airways

Best Food and Beverage – Qatar Airways

 Official Airline Ratings

Global
Aeroflot – 5
Aeroméxico – 5
Air France – 4
Air New Zealand – 5
Air Italy – 4
American Airlines – 5
All Nippon Airways – 5
Asiana Airlines – 5
British Airways – 4
Cathay Pacific – 5
China Airlines – 5
China Southern Airlines – 4
Delta Air Lines – 5
El Al – 4
Emirates – 5
Etihad Airways – 4
EVA Air – 5
Finnair – 4
Iberia – 4
Japan Airlines – 5
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines – 5
Korean Air – 5
LATAM Group – 4
LOT Polish Airlines – 4
Lufthansa – 5
Malaysia Airlines – 4
Qantas – 5
Qatar Airways – 5
Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) – 4
Singapore Airlines – 5
SWISS International Air Lines – 5
Thai Airways International – 4
Turkish Airlines – 5
United Airlines – 4
Vietnam Airlines – 4
Virgin Atlantic – 5

Major
Aer Lingus – 4
Aerolíneas Argentinas – 4
Air Astana – 5
Air Europa – 4
Air Tahiti Nui – 5
Alaska Airlines – 5
Austrian Airlines – 4
Avianca – 5
Bangkok Airways – 5
Caribbean Airlines – 4
Copa Airlines – 5
Fiji Airways – 4
Hainan Airlines – 5
Hawaiian Airlines – 5
Hong Kong Airlines – 4
Icelandair – 4
JetBlue Airways – 5
Kuwait Airways – 5
Malindo Air – 4
Middle East Airlines – 5
Oman Air – 4
Philippine Airlines – 4
Royal Brunei Airlines – 5
SriLankan Airlines – 4
Virgin Australia – 5
Vistara – 5

Low-Cost
Allegiant Air – 4
Atlantic Airways – 4
Interjet – 4
Norwegian – 4
Southwest Airlines – 4
Spirit Airlines – 4
WestJet – 4

Commuter/Regional
JSX – 5
Aeroméxico Connect – 5

Official press releases:

AIRLINES FROM AROUND THE WORLD GATHER TO RECEIVE FOUR/FIVE STAR OFFICIAL AIRLINE RATINGS„¢ HONORS

THE AVIATION INDUSTRY CELEBRATES THE 2020 APEX/IFSA AWARD CEREMONY WINNERS

DELTA AIR LINES, EMIRATES & QATAR ARE NAMED THE RECIPIENTS OF THE 2020 APEX PASSENGER CHOICE AWARDS