APEX Global EXPO 2025 Full Agenda

In-Flight Streaming Rights and the Future
9:00 AM – 9:45 AM

Speakers: Disney+, MAX, Paramount+, BBC, YouTube, plus an industry legal expert

Streaming platforms are transforming onboard entertainment, yet complex content licensing and dynamic ‎rights agreements challenge traditional approaches. This session will map out the evolution of in-flight ‎streaming, examine legal frameworks, and address hybrid delivery models that avoid antitrust issues. ‎Industry leaders will share strategies for airline-provider collaboration that create flexible, passenger-‎focused experiences amid a rapidly shifting media environment.

• Christopher Hill, VP of Platform & Distribution Sales, Disney+
• Joan Filippini, SVP Non Theatrical Distribution, Paramount+
• Zina Neophytou, Director of Global Distribution, BBC
• Jen Chun, Head of Media Partnerships, YouTube

Redefine Accessibility: Future-Ready IFEC Systems for Universal Passenger Inclusion
10:00 AM – 10:45 AM

Airlines: Virgin Atlantic, Japan Airlines, LATAM Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Air New Zealand

This session will highlight groundbreaking advancements that welcome every passenger into the IFEC ‎experience. Speakers will discuss real-time translation tools for global travelers, tactile navigation for visually ‎impaired passengers, and AI-driven personalization for neurodiverse users. Attendees will explore ‎customizable interfaces, immersive audio descriptions, and other innovations that forge a truly inclusive in-‎flight environment.

• Jaime Cornejo, Director of Cabin Interior & Inflight Entertainment, LATAM Airlines
• Samson Arega, Group Chief Customer Experience Officer, Ethiopian Airlines
• Ed Collett, Accessibility Innovation Leader, Air New Zealand

Immersive Tech Takes Flight: AR and the Metaverse Reshape Passenger Experience
11:00 AM – 11:45 AM

Airlines: China Southern Airlines, Lufthansa, Air France, Singapore Airlines, ANA, Delta Air Lines, LATAM Airlines, Qatar Airways, WestJet

Immersive technologies like augmented reality and the metaverse are transforming how passengers interact ‎with their travel environment. This session explores how AR enhances engagement through dynamic ‎seatback environments and real-time journey guidance—from gate to destination. Panelists will also ‎examine how metaverse platforms are unlocking new opportunities for virtual lounges, social connectivity, ‎and immersive inflight entertainment.

• Jason Wang, VP Inflight Services, China Southern Airlines
• Bilel Chakroun, IFE Product Manager, Air France
• Yeoh Phee Teik, Senior Manager Cabin Innovation, Singapore Airlines
• Yasuhisa Kono, Senior Director CX Management Strategy, ANA
• Eric Groenloh, Head of Customer Experience, Lufthansa Group
• Kevin Marcum, Program Manager VR/AR, Delta Air Lines

Lunch and Learn: From Startup to Standout – The flyadeal Story
12:00 PM – 12:45 PM

Speaker: Steven Greenway, CEO, flyadeal

In his first-ever U.S. presentation, flyadeal Chief Executive Officer Steven Greenway shares the remarkable ‎rise of Saudi Arabia’s low-cost carrier and how it is reshaping passenger expectations in one of the world’s ‎fastest-growing aviation markets. Greenway will explore how flyadeal blends digital agility, bold brand ‎positioning, and operational simplicity to deliver a compelling, customer-centric product.

The Rise of Autonomous Cabins: AI-Driven Crew and Passenger Interactions
1:00 PM – 1:45 PM

Airlines: Air France, ANA, EL AL, Alaska / Hawaiian Airlines

AI-powered autonomous systems will handle crew tasks, including safety checks, multi-language ‎communication, and passenger assistance. Panelists will illustrate how virtual flight attendants and robotic ‎enhancements bolster cabin management.

• Samuel Reynard, Customer Experience Project Manager, Air France
• Akihiko Miura, VP Artificial Intelligence Integration, ANA
• Oren Cohen Butansky, Chief Customer Officer, EL AL

Innovations in Passenger Accessibility: Beyond Compliance
2:00 PM – 2:45 PM

Airlines: Emirates, Southwest Airlines, Saudia, Virgin Australia

Pioneering initiatives move accessibility beyond legal mandates. Speakers will describe staff training for ‎sensory sensitivities, new sensory guides, and in-flight products designed for neurodiverse travelers.

• Rossen Dimitrov, Chief Customer Experience Officer, Saudia Airlines
• Paul Jones, GM Customer Experience, Virgin Australia

The Future of Passenger Connectivity: Satellite Innovations and Beyond
3:00 PM – 3:45 PM

Airlines: Aeroméxico, Emirates, Alaska Airlines / Hawaiian Airlines, Korean Air

Rapidly evolving technology raises passenger expectations for uninterrupted connectivity, whether on the ‎ground or in the air. This session will blend insights on upcoming satellite innovations with wireless charging ‎and universal connectivity standards.

• Andres Castañeda, Chief Customer & Digital Officer, Aeroméxico
• Patrick Brannelly, SVP Retail, IFE & Connectivity, Emirates
• Matt Prainito, VP Inflight, Alaska Airlines / Hawaiian Airlines
• Kenneth Chang, EVP Inflight Services, Korean Air

The Rise of Airport Lounges: Balancing Experience, Cost, and Commercial Strategy
9:00 AM – 9:45 AM

Moderator: Janis Tse, YATES+

Speakers:

• Thabet Musleh, Chief Retail & Hospitality Officer, Qatar Airways
• Sakihara Junko, Deputy SVP Customer Experience, Japan Airlines
• Mustafa Mucahitoglu, VP Customer Experience, Turkish Airlines
• Jennifer Scheurich, Managing VP Travel & Retail, Capital One

Lounges reflect airline identity and deliver ROI. Learn how design, partnerships, and service balance ‎experience with profitability. Panelists will explore how lounges enhance loyalty, shape premium perception, ‎and unlock monetization strategies.

The AI Revolution in Aviation: Transforming Passenger Experience
10:00 AM – 10:45 AM

Nominated Companies: ChatGPT, Apple, Meta, Google

• Brad Lightcap, Chief Operating Officer, OpenAI
• Mark Johnson, Senior Director of AI Strategy, Apple
• Lisa Brown, VP of AI Integration, Meta
• Rajesh Kumar, Director of AI Partnerships, Google

AI evolves at lightning speed, creating unprecedented opportunities for commercial aviation. Industry ‎visionaries will share insights on predictive customer engagement, autonomous decision-making, and ‎immersive digital services. Attendees will witness how hyper-personalized interactions, real-time ‎operational intelligence, and advanced machine learning reshape air travel’s future.

Personal Devices and Seatbacks: Finding the Perfect Balance for Modern Travelers
11:00 AM – 11:45 AM

• Antonio Fernandez, VP Product and Onboard Services, Aeroméxico
• Erica Yang, Manager Strategic Sourcing (IFE & Connectivity), American Airlines
• Katsunori Maki, Director Cabin Products and Services Planning, ANA

Personal devices promise convenience, while seatback systems deliver broader engagement. Speakers will ‎address generational preferences, technology-driven design, and operational considerations that influence ‎this balance. Attendees will uncover strategies for integrating both platforms to maximize passenger choice, ‎engagement, and satisfaction.

Lunch and Learn: David vs. Goliath – The Fiji Airways Story
12:00 PM – 12:45 PM

Speaker: Andre Viljoen, CEO, Fiji Airways

Andre Viljoen, CEO of Fiji Airways, will share the inspiring journey of how a small island airline competes and thrives among industry giants. With a dynamic and passionate presentation style, Viljoen will delve into the innovative strategies and leadership philosophies that have propelled Fiji Airways to punch above its weight in the global aviation arena. Attendees will gain insights into overcoming challenges, fostering a culture of excellence, and implementing game-changing approaches that drive success in a competitive market. To complement this session, a Fiji Airways-inspired lunch will be served to all attendees beginning at 11:45 AM.

AI and Predictive Intelligence: Shaping Hyper-Personalized Passenger Journeys
1:00 PM – 1:45 PM

Nominated Airlines: Azul, Cathay Pacific, Etihad Airways, Thai Airways, American Airlines, IAG, United Airlines, Qatar Airways

• Tatiane Dolci, Head of Customer Experience, Azul
• Guillaume Vivet, GM Customer Experience Design, Cathay Pacific
• Sahbi Bouraoui, Manager of IFEC Systems, Etihad Airways
• Wirush Theparak, Head of Customer Experience and Product, Thai Airways
• Raphael Girardoni, Managing Director Customer Experience, Product, and Design, American Airlines
• Peter Bunting, Head of IAG Connect, IAG
• Ankit Gupta, Director of Digital Personalization & Insights, United Airlines
• Xia Cai, SVP Product Development & Design, Qatar Airways

Artificial intelligence and predictive analytics are redefining the inflight experience through hyper-‎personalized services that anticipate and adapt to individual passenger needs. This session explores how ‎data-driven insights power tailored offerings—from customized meals and real-time entertainment ‎suggestions to live translation and generative service assistance.

Main Stage Fireside Finale with United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby
2:00 PM – 2:45 PM

Speaker: Scott Kirby, CEO, United Airlines

In a capstone conversation to close APEX Global EXPO, United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby will share insights into ‎United’s leadership in innovation, loyalty expansion, digital transformation, and next-generation inflight ‎connectivity. Kirby’s leadership vision will spotlight how United is redefining the future of passenger ‎experience across the airline’s global network.

Transportation Technology Convergence: Cross-Industry Perspectives on Passenger Experience
3:00 PM – 3:45 PM

Nominated Speakers: Waymo, GSMA, Cruise, Zoox, Tesla

• Jackie Hyun, Head of Marketing, Waymo
• Alex Sinclair, Head of Connected Living Program, GSMA
• Michael Reed, Director of Autonomous Systems Engineering, Zoox
• Laura Martinez, Head of Passenger Experience Innovation, Tesla

Innovators from automotive, tech, and airline sectors will explore how emerging technologies—such as autonomous vehicles, electrification, and next-gen communication platforms—elevate passenger experience across all travel modes. Panelists will tackle shared challenges, including safety and user interface design, and reveal solutions that enrich the traveler’s journey.