APEX FTE Awards 2026 Recognize Airline and Airport Leaders

Industry Leaders Honored in Dublin

On 10 June 2026, the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) and Future Travel Experience (FTE) announced the winners of the 2026 World Airline Ancillary and World Airport Retailing Awards. The ceremony, held during the APEX FTE EMEA event in Dublin, recognized organizations that have demonstrated exceptional performance in commercial strategy and passenger-facing retail innovation. A total of 25 airlines and 25 airports were shortlisted for these prestigious accolades, with three winners selected in each category to receive gold, silver, and bronze trophies.

Munich Airport (MUC) secured the Gold award for World Airport Retailing, reflecting its leadership in developing new commercial models. Other notable organizations recognized for their contributions to the sector included Ryanair, London Heathrow Airport (LHR), Finnair, Istanbul Airport (IST), and AirAsia. These awards serve as a key industry benchmark, highlighting entities that successfully integrate digital transformation with passenger experience.

The Digital Transformation Power List

Beyond retail and ancillary awards, the event unveiled the 2026 FTE Digital Transformation Power List EMEA. This list honors 12 aviation executives who have been instrumental in driving technological change within their respective organizations. The recognition underscores the industry's pivot toward data-driven decision-making and the adoption of advanced digital ecosystems. By celebrating individual leadership alongside corporate achievements, the FTE Digital Transformation Power List provides a roadmap for the next generation of industry innovators.

Agentic AI and Future Retail Models

Central to the 2026 agenda was the emergence of Agentic AI and hyper-personalization as the primary drivers for future airline and airport retailing. Experts, including Eric Léopold, Content Director for APEX FTE Ancillary & Retailing, noted that the industry is entering a new paradigm. This shift moves beyond traditional landlord-tenant relationships toward collaborative commercial ecosystems. The event featured a dedicated Agentic AI Day, signaling a significant shift in procurement priorities for aviation technology vendors. As part of this collaborative effort, Munich Airport and Future Travel Experience co-developed the 'Commercial Collaboration Playbook,' a resource designed to help stakeholders navigate shared digital retail opportunities.

Strategic Industry Evolution

Historically, the APEX FTE Awards have provided an annual benchmarking platform for commercial excellence, with the 2025 iteration in Dublin setting the stage for the current focus on offer and order management. The current trajectory suggests that airlines and airports will continue to move toward integrated retail platforms. For airport commercial and retail teams, these awards bolster the leverage needed to attract premium brands and technology partners. Similarly, for airline ancillary revenue departments, industry recognition validates the capital expenditure required for AI-driven retailing systems. As the sector moves toward the September 2026 FTE Global event, industry stakeholders are expected to further refine these digital retail strategies to maximize passenger engagement and revenue growth.