PAXintl-Tech-Post-WTCE-May2026

is the new

How gategroup redefines inflight hospitality through precision, scale and technology

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PAX International

Mississauga, Ontario Canada

Website: www.pax-intl.com

PUBLISHER

Aijaz Khan

E-mail: aijaz@globalmarketingcom.ca

EDITORIAL OFFICES

Jane Hobson, Managing Editor

Tel: (1 416) 997-3914

E-mail: jane@pax-intl.com

Robynne Trueman, Business Editor

Tel: (1 705) 471-4110

E-mail: robynne@pax-intl.com

Alex Preston, Senior Editor

Tel: +44 (0) 7969 092913

E-mail: alex@pax-intl.com

Eman Khan, Business Development Executive Tel: (1 416) 821-3665

E-mail: eman@pax-intl.com

ART DEPARTMENT

Kelly Wong, Senior Graphic Designer

EWhat happens in Hamburg…

nds up in this magazine issue! One theme emerged consistently throughout this year’s World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo: reliability has become the new benchmark for premium. Innovation still matters, of course, but increasingly, airlines and suppliers alike are focused on how to deliver elevated experiences consistently, efficiently and at scale. That conversation takes center stage in this special Post-WTCE/PAX Readership Awards digital issue of PAX International, led by our cover story featuring gategroup CEO Christoph Schmitz. As the world’s largest airline caterer continues its transformation into a technology-enabled hospitality partner, Schmitz shares how AI-supported forecasting, Smart Production systems and operational resilience are reshaping the future of onboard dining. At a time when passenger expectations are higher than ever, gategroup’s strategy underscores a critical industry truth: premium service is most meaningful when it can be delivered seamlessly across a global network.

This issue also explores how companies across the onboard services landscape are redefining the passenger experience through creativity, collaboration and data-driven innovation. AMI Group brought culinary storytelling and sourcing excellence to life at WTCE through an immersive booth experience grounded in operational reality, while En Route International examines how passenger insights and regional product development are driving more flexible, experience-led inflight dining.

Linstol and Castello Monte Vibiano challenged conventional thinking around onboard hospitality with a multi-sensory activation exploring the emotional power of sound, gastronomy and storytelling. We also spotlight My Drap following its PAX Readership Award win, highlighting how sustainability, customization and operational efficiency continue to shape premium cabin service. Also in these pages, we shine the spotlight on the 2026 PAX Readership Award winners who were recognized at a prestigious soirée. As always, it was a joy to reconnect with so many of you in Hamburg! From all of us at PAX International, thank you for reading.

We hope this issue offers valuable insight into the ideas, partnerships and innovations shaping the future of inflight hospitality.

PAX International and PAX Tech are published a total of 10 times a year by PAX International, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. International Distribution.

ISSN 1206-5714

Key title: Pax International

JANE HOBSON Managing Editor

In this Verified PAX Perspective Airline Review, PAX evaluates an Iberia Business Class multi-city flight from Heathrow to Madrid to Doha

Porter Airlines adds new sun destinations and Western Canada routes for winter 2026

As airlines place greater emphasis on reliability across the passenger experience, gategroup is investing in AI, smart production systems and global operational standards to deliver consistent premium hospitality at scale

As GIC International Catering marks its 25th anniversary, the Frankfurt-based caterer reflects on the partnerships, people and passion that shaped its rise in airline catering

Tourvest brings Michael Raasch onboard at Chief Growth Officer as the company expands its footprint in South Africa and the U.K.

CEO Christoph Schmitz on why consistent global service delivery is critical as passenger expectations continue to rise. Read more on page 18.

Backed by data-led insights and expanded regional development, En Route International is helping airlines rethink F&B around flexibility, familiarity and expectations

At WTCE 2026, AMI Group highlighted how culinary design, sourcing excellence and immersive hospitality can transform the passenger journey beyond the plate

How Foodcase International’s concepting process helps airlines tailor meals, packaging and service models to routes, cabins and brand identity

WESSCO explores how wellness is reshaping airline amenities around recovery, comfort and more intentional travel experiences

This diary-entry style guest column by Alison Wells, CEO, Plane Talking Products, recounts the company’s daily highlights from WTCE 2026

The company’s customizable bento box concept gives airlines a flexible way to elevate meal presentation, branding and onboard service

How single-use textile specialist My Drap is strengthening airline partnerships and advancing sustainable onboard solutions

THE SKY

Through a silent disco-style activation, Linstol and Castello Monte Vibiano showcase how airlines can move beyond products to create cohesive, experience-led journeys

The PAX Readership Awards 2026 took place in Hamburg, celebrating the best in the industry as voted by PAX readers

Skincare sourced from the Amazon. Colors mapped to iconic Latin American locations. Designed for reusability.

www.wessco.net

info@wessco.net

EXHIBITOR

Diskomat and Wexiödisk see strong engagement for Automatic Cutlery Sorter at WTCE 2026

Diskomat and Wexiödisk reported another successful return to WTCE last month, marking their 12th year at the event, with the Automatic Cutlery Sorter once again drawing strong interest at booth 1G10.

The companies showcased the ACS400HC machine as demand continues to grow for automated cutlery handling, driven by airlines moving away from disposable cutlery—even in Economy—and seeking more efficient onboard and catering processes.

Tomas Jämtander, Marketing Director, Flight Catering Solutions at Diskomat, tells PAX International the quality of engagement stood out this year.

“WTCE 2026 provided a valuable platform for us. The week was filled with meaningful conversations and great reconnects with long-standing partners, along with several strong new introductions. The discussions were focused and of very high quality.”

The ACS400HC, which can sort up to 5,000 pieces of cutlery per hour and handle up to 30 airline configurations, remained a key talking point for efficiency and ergonomics.

Also on display was Wexiödisk’s WD-18CW cart washer, highlighting low-water, low-energy cleaning technology for airline catering operations.

EXHIBITOR

Zibo Rainbow partners with Ethiopian Airlines on children’s amenity kit

Zibo Rainbow has partnered with Ethiopian Airlines to introduce a children’s amenity kit designed to enhance the inflight experience for young travelers while prioritizing sustainability and thoughtful design.

Developed in close collaboration with the airline, the kit was conceived not simply as a product but to create memorable moments for children onboard. According to Zibo Rainbow, Ethiopian Airlines approached the project with a vision of building a meaningful connection with its youngest passengers, prompting the supplier to focus on both functionality and responsible sourcing.

At the center of the kit is a soft backpack made from recyclable fabric. Lightweight and durable, the bag can be reused beyond the flight, serving as a practical companion for children throughout the journey and beyond. The contents include activity books produced using sustainably managed forest paper and non-toxic soy-based inks, crayons and a stuffed plush toy.

More than a collection of onboard items, Zibo Rainbow says the collaboration represents a shared effort to strengthen the relationship between the airline and its youngest passengers.

Novel Foods unveils exclusive range of Indulge corn snacks for British Airways

Novel Foods has announced that Indulge corn snacks are now being served onboard British Airways European flights.

Passengers can discover “The Great British Crunch” range, which is an exclusive British Airways design created in collaboration with the airline. “The Great British Crunch” range of snacks is built around Novel Food’s Indulge crunchy corn snacks.

Developed specifically for the onboard experience, the range combines bold flavor, convenience and allergen-free credentials in a format tailored for travel.

“As an independent family-run business, seeing our products onboard British Airways is a proud moment for the whole team! A big thank you to everyone who has supported our journey so far,” Novel Foods tells PAX International

ACA appoints Léa Bodossian as Managing Director

The Airline Catering Association (ACA) has announced Léa Bodossian as its new Managing Director as the organization looks to strengthen its position within the global inflight catering sector.

Bodossian brings more than 20 years of experience in European affairs and aviation, having worked closely with regulators, public authorities and industry stakeholders. She has also led several pan-European organizations, building expertise in governance, advocacy and stakeholder engagement.

In her new role, Bodossian will lead ACA’s next phase of development, focusing on reinforcing its role as a leading voice for the airline catering industry and deepening engagement across the aviation catering ecosystem.

“I am honored to join ACA and to build on the foundations established in recent years. I look forward to working closely with our members and partners to ensure that the realities of the sector are clearly understood and effectively represented,” she said.

She succeeds Fabio Gamba, who has led ACA since 2018. ACA said the leadership transition comes at a time when the inflight catering sector continues to evolve, with increasing focus on sustainability, operational efficiency and passenger experience.

Where Business is pleasure

Fly in a space designed for your comfort and privacy

EXHIBITOR

deSter highlights “Care Fueled Journeys” concept at WTCE

deSter presented its “Care Fueled Journeys” concept at this year’s World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo (WTCE), positioning thoughtful design and passenger well-being as a strategic differentiator in the inflight experience.

The booth centered on how care can be embedded across every stage of the journey, aligning amenities, service flow and brand storytelling to create experiences that feel richer, smoother and more human. The concept drew steady interest from airline partners exploring ways to balance operational efficiency with more meaningful passenger engagement.

At the core of deSter’s showcase were three design lenses, Abundance, Ease and Appreciation, each offering a distinct approach to enhancing the onboard experience while supporting airline operations.

Abundance emphasizes generous, premium-feeling onboard experiences through streamlined, modular product designs that reduce complexity while extending airline branding beyond the flight. Ease focuses on intuitive onboard solutions that improve service efficiency, reduce crew workload and create a smoother cabin experience. Appreciation transforms airline branding into meaningful passenger touchpoints, using thoughtful design details to foster gratitude and emotional connection throughout the journey.

EXHIBITOR

C8Rtech launches as standalone airlinecatering technology company

C8Rtech launched as a standalone company during WTCE, delivering advanced airline-catering technology solutions to the rapidly evolving global market.

Based in Frankfurt, Germany, the company has been established as an independent entity following its origins within LSG Group, including LSG Sky Chefs. The move is designed to unlock the full potential of its technology portfolio while accelerating global expansion as a dedicated, innovation-driven organization.

C8Rtech enters the market with more than 25 years of industry expertise behind its team, positioning itself to support both airlines and caterers with digital tools that streamline processes, improve efficiency and enable datadriven decision making.

The offering centers on two integrated digital platforms designed to modernize and streamline airline catering operations. Its Catering Suite manages real-time shopfloor activities, while the Inflight Suite enables centralized planning and collaboration between airlines and catering partners for more efficient service delivery.

“Our mission is simple, to cut complexity, elevate productivity and help you stay ahead in a fast-evolving industry,” said Thomas Halter, Managing Director of C8Rtech. “We bring airlines and caterers together in one integrated ecosystem for seamless, data-driven planning and operational excellence.”

EXHIBITOR

Global Inflight Products debuts compostable fiber casserole for onboard service

As airlines intensify efforts to reduce single-use materials in the cabin, Global Inflight Products (GIP) introduced three years ago a plant fiber pulp casserole designed to support more sustainable inflight meal service.

Made from 100 percent renewable plant fibers, the casserole is oven-safe and heat-resistant, enabling dishes to be baked, reheated or served directly in the container without compromising performance. The lightweight and durable construction is designed to withstand the demands of high-volume airline catering operations, maintaining its shape even with heavier or sauce-based meals. The products are available in several shapes and sizes.

The containers are food-safe and odorless, ensuring that flavors remain unaffected across a range of cuisines, says Zine Badissy, CEO of GIP. The sturdy design

also supports efficient handling across the catering cycle—from kitchen preparation through to onboard service. After use, the casseroles are compostable and biodegradable, with the plant fiber material delivering a clean, natural aesthetic.

Marc Jacobs takes flight with China Airlines

China Airlines unveiled an inflight collaboration with Marc Jacobs at Buzz’s WTCE 2026 booth, introducing a collection of fashion-led amenity kits for premium passengers.

During the press briefing, Janet Gibson, Chief Commercial Officer at Buzz, said the partnership marks the first time Marc Jacobs has collaborated with an airline on inflight amenities.

“At China Airlines, we are never satisfied with the status quo,” said Jenny Tsao, Vice President In-Flight Supply Chain & Marketing Division at China Airlines. “This powerful collaboration with Marc Jacobs and Buzz takes amenity kits to the next level.”

Business Class passengers will receive reusable amenity pouches featuring Marc Jacobs’ signature Double J hardware, while Premium Economy passengers will receive “The Flight Case,” available in Lyon Blue and Lemongrass. Both kits include curated comfort items and exclusive skincare created in partnership with FRAMA.

The collection launches on select routes in March 2026 before rolling out across the airline’s network in May 2026.

Air France elevates Premium cabin dining experience

Air France is enhancing its long-haul Premium cabin experience with a refreshed second meal service, expanded dining options and upgraded onboard comfort features designed to elevate the passenger journey.

On flights longer than seven hours, the airline has replaced its previous “Bon Appétit” bag with a revised second meal service presented on a dedicated tray and adapted to the flight schedule. Overnight flights now include a continental breakfast with pastries, fromage frais and granola, while daytime flights feature snack options such as club sandwiches and salads on longer sectors.

Passengers continue to receive a full French-style meal served on eco-designed tableware, with à la carte main courses created by Frédéric Simonin, Michelinstarred chef and Meilleur Ouvrier de France. Developed in collaboration with Servair, the dishes prioritize fresh, local and seasonal ingredients.

Air France has also expanded dessert offerings and continues to roll out its latest Premium recliner seat across the fleet, while passengers benefit from SkyPriority airport services including priority check-in, boarding and baggage delivery.

For three years running.

Grateful for the trust behind every solution.

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Culinary Design | Sourcing Logistics | Co-Packing

PAX Perspective Verified Airline Review:

Iberia Business Class

In this Verified PAX Perspective Airline Review, PAX evaluates an Iberia Business Class multi-city flight from Heathrow to Madrid to Doha

by AIJAZ KHAN

The first flight

Iflew Iberia from Heathrow (LHR) to Madrid (MAD) onboard the airline’s new A320neo aircraft in December 2025. This was the first leg of my journey before connecting at Madrid to Doha (DOH). Flight time for this short-haul segment was approximately 2.5 hours.

Iberia Business Class passengers receive access to the British Airways Club Lounge North at LHR before boarding. The lounge offered a pleasant start to the trip with excellent food and drink and a cheerful holiday atmosphere. My light breakfast of fresh fruit and pastries set the tone for the day. After some time to unwind, I headed for the gate.

Seating and interior configuration

The A320neo features 186 seats. In Business Class, the cabin is divided by a curtain, and the middle seats remain unoccupied, giving passengers extra room to stretch out. The cabin felt polished and open with 18-inch seat width, 30-inch pitch and 3-inch recline. The familiar three-by-three layout suits short-haul flying and my mid-morning seat was comfortable. With fewer travelers up front and blocked middle seats, overhead bin space was plentiful, adding to the spacious experience.

Iberia tells PAX International that the A320neo is one of the newest additions to its fleet. The aircraft operates at 50 percent lower noise levels than other single-aisle models and reduces CO2 emissions by 5,000 tons annually, delivering a more sustainable way to operate short- and medium-haul routes.

Inflight entertainment and connectivity

Iberia offers complimentary Wi-Fi for messaging apps to Business Class passengers, and to all Iberia Club

members regardless of the cabin they are flying in. It worked consistently throughout the flight, which I appreciated.

Parent company International Airlines Group (IAG) announced an agreement with Starlink last month that will introduce high-speed connectivity to all Iberia flights. It will be available free of charge to all passengers in all cabins, marking a major step forward in the airline’s onboard experience. Implementation is expected to begin this year.

Food and beverage

After takeoff, the crew served breakfast, available on European short-haul flights departing before 11:00 a.m. The meal included an egg omelet with vegetables, a selection of breads and pastries, and a chia seed pudding topped with fresh fruit. The hearty spread, served on ceramic tableware, made the quick flight feel more premium.

The second flight

After relaxing in the Iberia Velázquez Premium Lounge at MAD, I boarded the long-haul Business Class flight to Doha. This final leg was seven hours. Before departure, the crew offered a welcome drink of water, Cava or orange juice. The orange juice was a refreshing choice as I settled in.

Seating and interior configuration

Iberia’s A330-300 Business Class cabin features 29 lie-flat seats arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration with curtains separating the cabin from Economy. I settled into my suite where a mattress topper, pillow and duvet were waiting for me.

The seat offered generous living space with a 78.7-inch pitch, 25-inch width and full 180-degree recline. A large tray table and a small side counter held the amenity kit and other essentials.

Inflight entertainment and connectivity

The 15.4-inch touch screen featured the Panasonic Avionics eX2 system. What caught my attention was the 4.2-inch touch-screen controller placed beneath the side counter. Instead of the usual handheld remote with buttons, this felt more intuitive and modern. The crew also provided comfortable headphones for an enjoyable viewing experience.

Once in the air, I connected to Iberia Wi-Fi again for complimentary messaging.

Food and beverage

The inflight menu, catered by DO&CO, highlighted a mix of international flavors and Spanish culinary touches using local and seasonal ingredients. Service began with tapas-style hors d’oeuvres, including artisan cheeses and nuts, olives and a bag of Obando Artisan Picos Utreranos.

For the starter, I chose the baby zucchini, broccoli and spinach with Tudela lettuce hearts and sun-dried tomato salad served with creamy lemon yogurt sauce. It was a flavorful vegetarian option.

My main dish was the grilled cod in a creamy green sauce with spinach, raisins, pine nuts and roasted potatoes. It delivered a satisfying balance of richness and freshness.

Amenities and comfort

Amenity kits on this route are designed by Teresa Helbig and produced by

Kaelis. Introduced last summer and inspired by Iberia’s cabin crew uniforms, the pouches feature vibrant blue, red and yellow hues.

Inside, I received socks, an eye mask, a toothbrush, toothpaste, earplugs and skincare items from Spanish brand Uvas Frescas. The kits are made from rPET, produced using 7.5 million recycled 550-milliliter plastic bottles.

The PAX Perspective

The crew’s attentiveness throughout both flights delivered a smooth and enjoyable journey. Details from DO&COs thoughtful menu to the amenity kits by Kaelis and Uvas Frescas showcase Iberia’s strong sense of identity and hospitality. We highly recommend Iberia’s Business Class cabin for travelers flying between Europe and the Middle East!

Sun

and done

Porter Airlines adds new sun destinations and Western Canada routes for winter 2026

by JANE HOBSON

Porter Airlines is significantly expanding its sun destination network for the 2026/2027 winter season, doubling capacity to Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America while adding new destinations and routes from Western Canada.

The expanded schedule introduces four new destinations to Porter’s network: Aruba, Los Cabos, Montego Bay and San José, Costa Rica. Porter Airlines tells PAX International the move reflects growing demand for leisure travel and marks a major evolution in its network strategy following its initial expansion into sun markets last winter.

“This past winter was the first time Porter entered into sun markets beyond the U.S.,” says Andrew Pierce, Vice President of Network Planning and Reporting at Porter Airlines. “The Sun region will represent nearly 50 percent of our capacity next winter.”

In total, Porter plans to operate nearly 5,000 flights to sun destinations during the upcoming winter season, representing growth of more than 150 percent compared to the previous year.

The expansion also marks Porter’s first non-domestic routes from Canada’s western province Alberta. The city of Edmonton will gain service to Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos, Las Vegas and Phoenix, while Calgary will see new flights to Phoenix.

“We see significant opportunity in this market to expand our network and believe that the community can support these initial flights,” Pierce says of Edmonton.

Additional U.S. sun market growth includes resumed Vancouver–Phoenix service, a second daily Toronto–Phoenix flight and expanded routes connecting Halifax, Hamilton and Ottawa with destinations such as Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers and Miami.

Porter offers complimentary beer and wine in glassware, free high-speed streaming Wi-Fi and spacious seating with no middle seats

Sunshine sells

Pierce says Porter’s first year operating in Mexico, the Caribbean and Costa Rica exceeded expectations, with load factors averaging approximately 80 percent.

“There is robust demand for the Porter product and the region performed very well for our first year,” he says.

Building on that momentum, Porter is also introducing vacation packages through a joint venture partnership with Air Transat. The packages will initially be available from Toronto, Ottawa and Hamilton, pairing Porter’s onboard experience with Transat’s vacation expertise.

The airline says the expanded network reflects its strategy of expanding in markets where demand is strongest while continuing to diversify beyond domestic travel.

“We continue to fly where our passengers want to travel,” Pierce says.

Consistency at scale

As airlines place greater emphasis on reliability across the passenger experience, gategroup is investing in AI, smart production systems and global operational standards to deliver consistent premium hospitality at scale

by JANE HOBSON

There are few things more frustrating than recommending something that turns out to be not-sogood. Whether it is a restaurant, a spa service or a performance, inconsistency kills. The same rings true for airlines looking to redefine premium travel. Consistency is emerging as one of the most valuable markers of quality in the onboard experience.

For gategroup CEO Christoph Schmitz, delivering a seamless standard of hospitality across a vast global network has become central to the company’s long-term strategy.

“At our scale, my decisions for 2026 really come down to a single promise: that we will deliver the same world-

class excellence whether a meal is served in Zurich or Sydney,” Schmitz says.

That promise sits at the heart of gategroup’s evolution as the world’s largest airline caterer evolves beyond traditional foodservice into a technology-enabled hospitality partner. Across hundreds of kitchens and operations worldwide, the company is investing heavily in digital infrastructure, AI-supported forecasting and standardized production systems designed to ensure premium quality can be delivered reliably at scale.

“Today, that transformation is firmly underway and increasingly visible in how we operate,” Schmitz says.

Reliability as the market differentiator

For gategroup, consistency is no longer simply an operational benchmark. It has become a defining feature of premium airline hospitality itself. Passengers may notice creativity and presentation onboard, but what increasingly shapes trust in an airline brand is reliability.

Achieving that level of consistency globally requires a combination of culinary discipline, operational coordination and advanced technology. Artificial intelligence is increasingly integrated into forecasting, production planning, inventory management and disruption recovery across the company’s network. In onboard retail,

predictive systems are helping airlines better anticipate passenger demand while optimizing product loading and assortment planning.

“Done well, AI improves accuracy, reduces substitutions and cuts waste while making choice feel more personal,” Schmitz says.

Importantly, Schmitz emphasizes that technology is not replacing the human element behind inflight dining. Instead, digital systems are designed to reinforce culinary execution by ensuring menus and concepts can be reproduced across global operations.

“Data does not replace the chef’s craft—it protects it,” he says. “It provides the global framework that ensures a chef’s creative vision is delivered with absolute consistency.”

That balance between creativity and operational precision is becoming increasingly important as airlines seek to elevate premium cabins while also managing costs and supply chain pressures.

Rather than relying on broad averages, gategroup uses data science to analyze demand patterns based on route, cabin, seasonality and passenger demographics.

“That allows airlines to balance choice with operational discipline,”

he says. “By predicting uptake with greater precision, we can design menus that perform better while reducing waste.”

With great scale comes great responsibility

Operational resilience also remains a key focus as the company expands its digital capabilities globally. Schmitz says gategroup’s reach comes with responsibility—not only to innovate, but to provide stability for airline partners navigating an increasingly complex operating environment.

“Our scale gives us a unique duty to provide through-the-cycle resilience,” he explains.

That thinking is also shaping the company’s broader Smart Production vision, combining automation, predictive analytics and standardized workflows to strengthen efficiency and traceability across catering operations. The objective is not only to optimize operations, but to deliver greater reliability and consistency across every touchpoint of the passenger experience.

As inflight hospitality continues to evolve, Schmitz believes premium service will increasingly be defined not only by luxury or personalization, but by an airline’s ability to deliver dependable excellence every time a passenger steps onboard.

A legacy in every meal

As GIC International Catering marks its 25th anniversary, the Frankfurt-based caterer reflects on the partnerships,

people and passion that shaped its rise in airline catering

by JANE HOBSON

This year marks the 25th anniversary of GIC International Catering, a milestone reflecting a quarter-century of progress, operational excellence and enduring airline partnerships.

Speaking with PAX International, Managing Director Goeksel Yildirim and Commercial Director and QMS Lead Bongi Tshazi shared insights into the company’s defining milestones, strategic direction and approach to meeting evolving airline expectations.

“GIC’s 25-year milestone reflects disciplined, sustainable growth,” Yildirim explains. “Key phases include expanding production capacity, diversifying our airline portfolio and investing in infrastructure, technology and menu innovation to scale without compromising standards.”

The pandemic proved to be a defining period for the caterer. Yildirim says the crisis became an opportunity to strengthen internal systems, improve operational flexibility and reinforce team structures, ultimately leaving GIC more resilient and better positioned for future growth.

“The first 25 years were about building trust and capability. The next chapter is about scaling intelligently and creating long-term value for our airline partners,” he adds.

A significant milestone in this journey is GIC’s recent achievement of ISO 9001 certification, a move that formalizes its commitment to structured quality management and continuous improvement.

“ISO 9001 is not just a certificate on the wall; it reflects the discipline behind our processes and the

accountability within our teams,” explains Tshazi. “It gives our airline partners confidence that quality is embedded at every stage, from supplier approval to final uplift, and ensures continuous improvement as their needs evolve.”

In today’s highly competitive catering landscape, GIC differentiates itself through a combination of disciplined operational systems and agile, responsive decision-making.

“Airlines today need more than a supplier — they need a partner who understands operational complexity and can respond quickly without compromising standards,” says Yildirim.

Tshazi adds that airlines now demand simultaneously higher quality, tighter cost control and more refined premium offerings. GIC has responded by strengthening quality oversight, expanding staff training and enhancing internal audits to ensure full traceability and consistency.

Smarter menu engineering, portion optimization and packaging innovation also help the caterer support efficiency goals while elevating the premium passenger experience.

“The challenge is balancing premium passenger expectations with operational efficiency. Our role is to help airlines achieve both,” says Tshazi.

GIC hosted an oyster and champagne party on the WTCE show floor in Hamburg, bringing together guests from across the industry for an elegant and relaxed networking event.

The booth transformed into a welcoming social space, where attendees gathered over a striking display of freshly shucked oysters, complemented by sushi and champagne. The setting encouraged informal conversation throughout the afternoon, with guests moving easily between meetings and social catchups. A prize draw added a lighthearted highlight to the event, with all guests invited to take part for the chance to win a Business Class ticket.

The event reflected GIC’s focus on creating engaging hospitality experiences within the airline catering and onboard services sector.

“We are not only celebrating 25 years, a great milestone, but also celebrating and looking forward to continued growth,” said Tshazi during the event.

GIC’s message to customers is clear. It is a quality-driven, agile partner ready to support airlines. With 25 years of operational experience and ISO 9001 certification in place, the company is focused on consistency, flexibility and practical innovation.

“We are entering our next phase with confidence,” Yildirim tells PAX International. “Our systems are strong; our team is experienced and our commitment to our airline partners remains absolute.”

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Growth

onboard

Tourvest brings Michael Raasch onboard at Chief Growth Officer as the company expands its footprint in South Africa and the U.K.

by ROBYNNE TRUEMAN

Tourvest Retail & Catering recently announced the appointment of Michael Raasch as Chief Growth Officer. In the new role, he will be responsible for driving growth across Tourvest’s diversified portfolio, spanning airline food & beverage solutions, duty free and airport retail, logistics, warehousing and expanding catering operations.

Building on its established market position, Raasch says the company is poised for significant growth, supported by Tourvest’s comprehensive capabilities–from end-to-end retail and technology expertise.

This enables Tourvest to offer different models, from in-sourcing to hybrid or outsourced technology solutions.

“Tourvest brings experience serving both low-cost carriers, such as Fly Safair, in South Africa, as well as the buy-on-board programs for major carriers such as British Airways,” he explains. “We also deliver the premium programs for Virgin Atlantic on long-haul journeys. These are strong foundations to build upon.”

Tourvest’s warehouse locations in Feltham, U.K., Johannesburg and Cape Town, South Africa, will further support its expansion in the supply chain and logistics market.

“We have gone into operating and managing the warehouse using technology to optimize all the forecasting and stock management in the supply chain,” explains Raasch. “There is now a huge potential to grow the company in the airline retail space.”

He calls this a “game-changing” phase in the passenger journey.

“With the connected cabin, there is a huge opportunity and possibility to expand retail into different new areas, not only retailing on F&B and duty free products, but to actually have a marketplace and start retailing a lot of other different products and services through passengers,” Raasch says.

He notes that Tourvest, as a tour operater, has done trials on some of its partner airlines with its own travel-

related destination portfolio, which has proven a significant uptake. For Raasch, this move aligns with evolving passenger expectations, allowing passengers to shop familiar brands onboard in the connected cabin.

Expanding ancillary revenue

With airlines increasingly focused on ancillary revenue, Raasch sees the biggest opportunity for growth within onboard retail space as destination marketing, noting that many airlines are introducing holiday propositions and travel packages.

“I also see a huge opportunity in connecting the silos,” he explains. “At the moment, some airlines are unfortunately still very fragmented in their decision-making. It is very important to consolidate the offerings and ensure you are reaching the passengers at the right time in their journey.”

Currently, Raasch also reports seeing significant growth potential for sales in the back end on airlines’ websites and e-commerce sites versus what the passenger can see when flying in the future.

“You can see diverse shopping behaviors based on personas, destinations and segmentation reflected in the data,” he tells PAX International. “It is important to use

that retail data and translate it, so the airline can make changes to the offering and improve the digital and physical retail touchpoints.”

He emphasizes that these touchpoints are not just in the cabin – they begin in the booking flow and extend into the airport lounge, onboard and after the journey concludes.

Raasch highlights Tourvest customer, Fly Safair, as an example of an innovative onboard retail program that stands out from competitors.

“They do an excellent job of communicating promotions to passengers. Fly Safair sends WhatsApp messages before the flight so you know where you can order and what is offered during the journey. They are the biggest low-cost carrier in South Africa and we are running the tech and the full onboard program for them,” Raasch explains. “It is achieving a very high spend per passenger. So obviously they—and us—are doing something very right there.”

Supporting sustainability goals

With sustainability remaining a top priority across the aviation industry, Tourvest is aligning its catering and retail offerings with airline sustainability goals—without compromising on passenger experience.

“As a company, we have a moral obligation to reduce waste,” Raasch says. “Food waste is definitely one of the biggest things we are focusing on because we are also entering the catering market, opening up our own catering facilities in South Africa.”

He notes that preselect and preorder are the most impactful ways to support that waste reduction.

“Engaging passengers to make these selections more frequently before a flight is one of the areas where airlines should focus—we see that there is room for improvement there.”

Tourvest takes on WTCE 2026

At the World Travel Catering and Onboard Service Expo (WTCE), Tourvest showcased the company’s different service pillars, from technology to catering to retail to warehouse and operations.

“We applied a lot of thought and technology into the supply chain in the warehouse. We are opening up catering stations in South Africa. From a retail point of view and from a tech point of view are showing endto-end data. Tourvest can provide a retail experience at every technical touchpoint along the passenger journey,” Raasch summarizes.

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Regionally adaptable handhelds are designed to support personalized, modular dining while allowing airlines to tailor onboard offerings across cabins and routes through En

Regional tastes, global strategy

Backed by data-led insights and expanded regional development, En Route International is helping airlines rethink F&B around flexibility, familiarity and expectations

by JANE HOBSON

En Route International is clear on the next phase of its growth: regional product development, backed by increasingly sophisticated global capabilities and data-led insights.

In an interview with PAX International, En Route Managing Director Nick Wiley shared how the strategy is not just about adding new menu items—it is about reshaping how airlines approach onboard food and beverage.

“We have increased development of our global capability, as evidenced through the launch of our regional ranges,” Wiley says.

The move reflects a broader shift in passenger expectations, as highlighted in En Route’s recently launched The Power of Possibility report, unveiled

at WTCE. Drawing on primary and secondary research, the report underscores how inflight dining is evolving toward flexibility, familiarity and experience-driven consumption.

“Building on our insights capability over the last year, we are now seeing more customers leverage our research to drive decisions, be that primary or secondary research.” Wiley points to En Route’s Power of Possibility report as a prime example.

From insight to onboard execution

Developed by En Route’s in-house Research and Insights team, the report findings are directly informing product development. Wiley says En Route’s continuous testing and data gathering now shape decisions in real time.

“Our continuous market testing and insights gathering is feeding our operational activity on a daily basis,” he explains.

One of the report’s key findings is the rise of flexible eating patterns inflight—mirroring how passengers consume food on the ground.

“Snack-led occasions, mini desserts and modular meal components are replacing rigid, single-tray dining formats,” Wiley says. “For airlines, the commercial drivers indicate that menus must deliver comfort, authenticity and choice.”

This shift is evident in the products En Route introduced at WTCE, each designed to align with specific passenger trends while simplifying onboard service.

Fly on the wings of perfection in terms of cleanliness, hygiene and safety.

Security and safety are the most important values an airline can offer. A great number of checks are required before the captain and cabin crew are finally able to welcome the passengers on board. This includes making certain that travellers will receive a clean and hygienic service. With our professional warewashing systems for inflight catering, we at MEIKO are guaranteed to reach the recommended level in purity, hygiene and cleanliness. Sustainable, economic and efficient. From small business airports to large international traffic hubs: discover the versatility of our tailor-made warewashing systems.

The classic Club sandwich— reimagined for the airline environment—demonstrates the growing importance of “elevated classics,” with research showing that recognizable, well-executed items often outperform more complex dishes onboard.

Dessert innovation also plays a role. The ice cream sundae paired with a warm cookie translates the “mini indulgence” trend into a multisensory experience, combining temperature and texture contrasts to create a memorable inflight moment.

Meanwhile, En Route’s regionally adaptable handhelds—including formats such as bao buns—support personalization and modular dining. Designed for flexibility across cabins and routes, these items allow airlines to tailor offerings while maintaining consistency through En Route’s global supply chain.

Accelerating innovation through structure

Behind the product launches is a structured but curious approach to innovation. Wiley says En Route has intensified its focus on category management to ensure each development aligns with both passenger demand and operational feasibility.

“We have accelerated our product innovation by driving category focused activities and developing robust category plans underpinned by research and insight,” he says.

At the same time, the company is evolving beyond its traditional role to offer more than just passenger solutions. En Route’s operating model is taking a more segmented approach that allows it to deliberately offer supply chain services and sourcing solutions—the major pillars of its

refreshed brand identity that the company unveiled at WTCE two years ago.

With offices in the U.K., U.S., UAE and Australia, En Route is positioning itself as a fully integrated partner for airlines and caterers worldwide.

“We are a global specialist in passenger solutions, supply chain services and sourcing for airlines and airline caterers,” Wiley says.

“We offer complete end-to-end design, development and delivery of complimentary and retail onboard food and service solutions.”

As airlines continue to balance cost pressures with rising passenger expectations, Wiley says he sees En Route’s dual focus on regional authenticity and global consistency as a defining advantage.

Setting new standards for inflight dining by streamlining operations, reducing waste

Contact us: info@gic-international.com | www.gic-international.com

Redefining

the moments in between

At WTCE 2026, AMI Group highlighted how culinary design, sourcing excellence and immersive hospitality can transform the passenger journey beyond the plate

by JANE HOBSON

At WTCE 2026, AMI Group brought its signature blend of creativity, expertise and partnership to life, inviting attendees to enjoy great food, thoughtful design and exceptional sourcing, made it not just a booth but an experience.

Designed to feel relaxed and welcoming, the space encouraged conversation, discovery and indulgence. Attendees explored innovative culinary concepts paired with standout wines from AMI’s trusted supplier partners, creating a moment of calm sophistication amid the energy of the show.

“From two unique booth activations to a special 100-year toast for both American Airlines and United Airlines, to hosting a packed IFSA happy hour, it was a very eventful week connecting with our global airline partners,” says Chef Matthew Farrell, Vice President, Culinary Innovation and Development at AMI Group.

“The food we showcase at WTCE has a bit of whimsy but is always grounded in what people actually want to eat. Think fusion pairings like Japanese curry chicken pot pie, or high-low combinations like cornflakecrusted chicken tenders with dilly ranch and caviar. It is both exciting and familiar,” he tells PAX International.

Culinary design beyond the plate

At the heart of the showcase was AMI Group’s Culinary Design solution, an approach that looks far beyond what appears on a menu. With a team of chefs bringing experience from Michelin-starred dining, airline catering and large-scale manufacturing, AMI demonstrated how bold, creative ideas can translate into real-world execution at scale.

Rather than treating menu development as a standalone function, AMI integrates culinary creativity into a broader system, one that considers sourcing, logistics and operational

realities from the outset. This holistic mindset was evident in every bite at WTCE, where dishes were not only flavorful and on trend, but clearly designed to perform in the demanding travel environment.

“It takes a lot to make a dish work at 30,000 feet. Our team thrives on getting creative within tight constraints as we push menus forward. For WTCE, we brought that same mindset to our booth, designing each element of the food experience to reflect our culinary design solutions and the inspiration we draw from our global airline partners,” says Chef Peter Thornhill, Executive Chef of Menu Design at AMI Group.

“Creating menus for airlines around the world gives our team a unique lens, whether we are paying homage to a departure city or a destination. It is an incredible opportunity to craft the culinary bookends that set the

The result is food that delights passengers while remaining consistent, scalable and operationally sound, a balance that defines true innovation in onboard services.

Sourcing excellence

Equally central to AMI’s presence was its Sourcing team, whose global network of supplier partners formed the backbone of the experience. From established international brands to emerging producers, AMI curates a portfolio that reflects both quality and discovery.

At WTCE, this came to life through carefully selected food and beverage offerings, including standout wines that complemented the culinary program. These partnerships go beyond transactions, they are collaborative relationships designed to elevate the travel experience while helping brands succeed in a complex, highly regulated

“The energy around our booth at WTCE reflects how we approach sourcing and culinary development on a global scale. Every dish starts with collaboration across our teams, trusted supplier relationships, and a deep understanding of regional flavors shaped by our airline partners. At the booth, we brought that process to life, showcasing how global sourcing, culinary innovation, and menu development come together as one connected approach,” says Renee Thornhill, Director of Sourcing and Culinary Development at AMI Group.

“Rather than focusing on finished products alone, we highlighted the

thinking behind them: The dialogue between suppliers, chefs, and airline partners that drives menus built for both creativity and operational reality. Our focus is not transactional sales, but strategic partnerships that align global capabilities with the needs of inflight dining.”

AMI’s sourcing philosophy is rooted in pushing boundaries, seeking out new ideas, supporting innovation and unlocking opportunities that redefine what passengers can expect onboard.

A global partner for a dynamic industry

As a premier food and beverage solutions provider to airlines, rail, cruise and travel markets worldwide,

AMI Group continues to demonstrate its ability to adapt, innovate and lead. With a global footprint and deep operational expertise, the company supports complex programs that demand both creativity and precision.

At WTCE, that expertise translated into an engaging, sensory-driven showcase, one that highlighted not just what AMI does, but how it does it: collaboratively, thoughtfully and always with the traveler in mind.

AMI Group’s presence at WTCE was a celebration of what is possible when culinary design and sourcing work hand in hand. By pairing innovative menu concepts with a best-in-class supplier portfolio, and presenting it all in a relaxed, inviting environment, the team created a space that felt both inspiring and refreshingly human.

Because in the end, great travel experiences are not just about getting from one place to another, they are about the moments in between. AMI Group is redefining those moments, one thoughtfully designed dish—and perfectly paired glass of wine—at a time.

Turn Every Meal Into a

Brand Moment

Fully customized onboard bento experiences designed for the passengers who notice every detail.

Let's create something unforgettable together!

Connect with RMT Global Partners

to learn more.

Concepts cleared for takeoff

Foodcase International’s concepting process transforms onboard challenges into tailored meal, packaging and service solutions designed around each airline’s brand, cabin and operational needs

How Foodcase International’s concepting process helps airlines tailor meals, packaging and service models to routes, cabins and brand identity

by JANE HOBSON

Foodcase International is helping airlines turn ideas into practical onboard programs supporting the passenger experience, brand differentiation and operational efficiency.

“At Foodcase, concepting is the starting point of every onboard solution,” says Iris Anna Groeneweg, Chief Commercial Officer at Foodcase International. “It is the process of turning onboard challenges and insights into practical, onboard-ready F&B concepts.”

Foodcase develops full-service concepts, menus and curated meal boxes, both ambient and frozen for either cold or hot serve, customized for to the airline’s cabin, route and service level. Each concept is created with the carrier’s brand identity, culture and operational needs in mind.

Groeneweg says the approach is becoming more important as airlines look for clear ways to differentiate the passenger experience, build loyalty

and support premium fares that do not disrupt service flow.

The company designs each concept around the realities of airline operations, including galley space, storage, crew routines and handling requirements on ground and in the air. Ideas are tested through prototypes and crew trials, while packaging is engineered to fit drawers, trolleys and airline supply chains.

For hot Economy Class meals used in buy-on-board service, Foodcase uses ovenable sleeves to make handling easier for crew. For short-haul premium cabins, or airlines that do not have galley ovens, the company has developed bento-style cold meal options that deliver a full meal experience with minimal preparation. The meals can be adapted for premium service, pre-order or buy-on-board.

“Every concept is designed with execution in mind, from galley limitations to service flow and storage,” Groeneweg says.

Customization is also central to the company’s work. Airlines are increasingly seeking regional and seasonal menus, price-tier differentiation, allergen and special diet management, plant-forward options, recyclable packaging, cost control and waste reduction. Regulatory and customs requirements on multi-leg routes are also shaping F&B development.

At WTCE, Foodcase highlighted customized concepts created with Dutch suppliers, including solutions such as the Transavia snackbox. Groeneweg says local partnerships help airlines bring more authenticity and storytelling into the cabin while still meeting quality, cost and scalability requirements.

Looking ahead, Foodcase sees modular concept development as a key part of its long-term strategy. Mix-and-match modules for different routes, cabins and price tiers can help airlines scale offerings, control costs and roll out new products quickly. The company also sees opportunity in datadriven menus, pre-order tools, digital personalization, regional partnerships and purpose-built packaging.

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The rise of cabin wellness

WESSCO explores how wellness is reshaping airline amenities around recovery, comfort and more intentional travel experiences

by JANE HOBSON

Through MileagePlus integration, United and Therabody connected inflight wellness with everyday self-care, linking travel, recovery and rewards

Wellness has moved far beyond a trend. For today’s premium traveler, it is an expectation.

Passengers are no longer just looking for comfort. They are thinking about how they will feel during the journey and when they arrive. More rested. More balanced. More like themselves. That shift is reshaping how airlines approach the onboard experience and opening the door for a more holistic view of amenities.

For WESSCO, this evolution has become a core focus. Not as a category, but as a lens through which the entire passenger experience can be reimagined.

From products to outcomes

The traditional amenity kit has long been centered on essentials. Today, the conversation is shifting toward outcomes. Hydration. Recovery. Stress relief. Sleep support.

“More than 80 percent of premium long-haul travelers are looking for wellness-focused additions, with an expectation that they meaningfully support the travel experience,” says Petros Sakkis, CMO at WESSCO, reflecting a broader shift toward more relevant, experience-driven amenity design.

Designing for the realities of travel

Air travel places unique demands on the body, from dehydration and fatigue to digestive disruption and muscle stiffness.

JetBlue’s Mint Wanderfuel amenity kits reflected a more targeted approach. Instead of a single standardized kit, the program introduced four variations designed around different travel moments: Awake for morning flights; Flow for midday travel; Sleep for overnight journeys; Renewal for Caribbean routes.

Each kit included functional wellness items such as hydration support, digestive enzymes and

recovery-focused products, selected to align with how passengers feel at different points of the journey.

Packaged in eco-friendly kraft material with a leather-like feel, the kits combined thoughtful design with a more relevant, needs-based approach to inflight wellness.

Expanding wellness beyond the seat

Wellness does not begin and end onboard, Petros shares.

He points to the collaboration between United Airlines and Therabody to illustrate how amenity programs can extend into a broader ecosystem. Introduced as part of United’s premium cabin experience, the program combined thoughtfully designed amenity kits with Therabody’s science-backed approach to recovery and well-being.

Beyond the onboard kits, the partnership extended into lounge environments and digital touchpoints, creating a more holistic experience for the passenger. Through integration with MileagePlus, travelers were also able to engage with the brand beyond the flight, earning miles through

Therabody purchases and reinforcing the connection between travel and self-care.

“This type of partnership signals a shift toward continuity, where wellness is not a moment onboard, but part of a broader, connected journey,” says Petros.

A broader view of well-being

Wellness is no longer limited to the products themselves. It is increasingly tied to what those products are made of and how they interact with the body.

Topics like synthetic materials, chemical treatments and microplastics are becoming part of the broader wellness conversation, bringing new attention to areas that were previously overlooked in amenity design.

This creates an opportunity for airlines to think more broadly about the role of materials, construction, and product performance in supporting passenger well-being.

The onward journey

Passengers are looking for experiences that respond to the realities of travel, from fatigue to recovery, while aligning with more health-conscious, longevityfocused lifestyles.

“The focus now is simple, design around how passengers want to feel,” says Petros. “This is driving a more thoughtful approach to both product and material choices.”

For airlines that embrace this shift, wellness evolves into a strategic driver of passenger comfort, from departure through to arrival.

JetBlue’s Mint Wanderfuel amenity kits introduced a tailored approach with four variations—Awake, Flow, Sleep and Renewal—designed to match different travel moments and passenger needs.

WTCE DIARY

This diary-entry style guest column by Alison Wells, CEO, Plane Talking Products, recounts the company’s daily highlights from WTCE 2026

Writing a WTCE diary is never an easy task. The countdown begins just days after the previous show wraps—but that might be too long to print here. WTCE itself is the culmination of months of hard work from across the Plane Talking Products (PTP) team. This year, visitors to our stand 4C70 saw the Plane Gallery: a curated collection of tableware, textiles and amenities differentiated by class and design theme, set against the striking backdrop of the new PTP branding.

Day 1 – Monday April 13

The journey to Hamburg begins in the minds of our design team in spring/ summer 2025. That vision flows into product development, closely guided

by procurement. Samples start arriving at PTP HQ just before Christmas—and with our new Creative Director Manoj Pridhanani joining in February, his expert touch shapes the stand design into its final form.

Prep day arrives, and the big question is—have the products? Thankfully yes, and the team is on-site at the Messe unpacking and dressing the stand. As with any exhibition, there are inevitable delays and snagging issues. By late afternoon, I arrive to find the team still working around the builders, with a quick hello to neighbouring stands before it becomes all hands on deck.

At 7:30 p.m. I finally drag everyone away for a well-earned dinner ahead of the three days to come.

Day 2 – Tuesday April 14

We are ready as the show opens and the stand looks fantastic, with immediate positive feedback. The day is non-stop—we barely stop for food or a drink—but thankfully we are close to the new Drinks Zone and some very good pizza.

It is great to see so many familiar faces, and much of the day is spent catching up. At 5 p.m. we attempt to leave but are quickly persuaded to stay for drinks. How could we refuse?

Day 3 – Wednesday April 15

We start the day with Manoj’s session on Dynamic Innovation in the Cabin, a lively discussion with strong audience engagement. I catch the beginning before heading back to the stand for meetings.

Take your trolley handling

The stand continues to draw strong attention, particularly the tableware, which reflects a balance of trend-led glaze and shape development with aviation requirements such as lightweight durability.

By the end of the day we are exhausted and hungry, but a “quiet dinner” opposite the hotel quickly turns into a lively evening when we meet friends from the show and join tables.

Day 4 – Thursday April 16

Final day, and we arrive re-energized. First priority: secure the stand booking for next year. We will be back—the countdown to WTCE 2027 starts now.

It is a slightly quieter day, finally allowing time to walk the show floor and catch up with more familiar faces, including colleagues from the Aviation Sustainability Forum in the new exhibitor section.

Customer gifts this year include a William Edwards tea set from the Celestine range, luxury eye masks, and K-beauty face and eye masks—all very well received, and now completely gone. Less to pack home.

Time flies and we start packing up. All that effort now condensed into a few boxes. The team have one last wrap up meeting before our meeting room is disassembled around us. We check our notes, gather up business cards, say our goodbyes. Now the real work starts.

Two workhorses

The TROLLEY WASHER WD-18CW and CART PILLAR LIFT CPL 240-F, continues to serve the airline catering industry with cost efficient, environmental-friendly, and ergonomic solutions for washing and lifting meal carts.

RBIG ON BENTO

The company’s customizable bento box concept gives airlines a flexible way to elevate meal presentation, branding and onboard service

by JANE HOBSON

MT Global Partners is bringing a more personalized approach to onboard dining with a customizable bento box concept designed for premium and short-haul cabin service.

The product was developed following a request from an airline partner for a customized bento box designed to reflect its brand identity and enhance the onboard meal experience. It has since attracted interest from other brands seeking flexible packaging solutions that balance presentation with operational efficiency, RMT tells PAX International.

“We have become known in the industry for being the go-to solutions company, and that is how the bentobox product came to life,” says Founder and CEO Richard Tuttle.

The format is designed to make meal service feel more considered. Rather than presenting a single dish, the bento box allows airlines to create separate sections for different meal components, giving passengers a sense of variety and discovery.

“The beauty of a bento box is the opportunity to customize the passenger experience in a way that feels personalized and bespoke,” Tuttle says. “It has moving parts that bring an element of excitement and thoughtfulness for the passengers receiving it. Almost like receiving a gift.”

RMT Global Partners can customize the box with airline brand colors, logos, QR codes, compartment layouts and closure options, as well as tailor it to specific routes, destinations or service styles, helping airlines strengthen emotional connection with passengers. The company also offers adaptable structural designs, including modified shapes, belly bands and branded sticker seals to enhance presentation and secure transport.

The bento boxes are also designed

with caterers and cabin crew in mind. The seal supports safe transport from the kitchen to the aircraft, while the flat surface allows the boxes to be stacked efficiently during preparation, loading and onboard service.

The most common structure for premium airline-style bento boxes uses recycled kraft or white paperboard with a PE inner lining for moisture and grease resistance. RMT Global Partners is also developing a bagassestyle box as airlines continue to look for packaging options that align with sustainability requirements.

For airlines, the concept blurs the line between meal packaging and brand storytelling.

“No matter how premium you want to go, we can develop the bento box to fit your brand’s needs in showmanship and functionality,” Tuttle says.

Linen it to win it

How single-use textile specialist My Drap is strengthening airline partnerships and advancing sustainable onboard solutions

by JANE HOBSON

Single-use textile specialist

My Drap is reinforcing its position in the inflight sector following its PAX Readership Award win in Hamburg, Germany, last month, as it continues to expand partnerships and innovate across the premium cabin service category.

My Drap received the award for Best Business Class Bedding/Soft Products Central Asia Countries for its Seasonal Single Use 100% Cotton Table Linen Collection for Air Astana.

Camille Darbec, Business Development Executive at My Drap, says the recognition reflects strong industry confidence in the company’s approach.

“Winning the PAX Readership Award is a strong endorsement from the inflight industry and reinforces My Drap’s position as a trusted partner for airlines,” she tells PAX International “It recognizes the brand’s ability

to combine elegant design, quality materials and operational efficiency in a way that appeals to both airlines and passengers.”

The winning collection introduces subtle, seasonal design updates throughout the year, aligning with menu changes and creating a refreshed onboard atmosphere.

“Air Astana demonstrates that service differentiation does not require additional budget,” Darbec explains. “In inflight service, menus evolve with the seasons, and the napkins can evolve accordingly, allowing the overall experience to remain fresh, relevant and aligned with seasonal changes.”

My Drap works closely with airline partners from concept through to implementation, ensuring each solution reflects brand identity while meeting operational requirements. Darbec notes that collaboration is continuous and detail-oriented, with airline partners actively contributing to the creative process and helping shape final products.

Sustainability is central to the company’s development strategy. My

Drap’s textiles are made using natural and recycled fibers and are certified by the Better Cotton Initiative and ISO 14001 environmental management standards. Products are designed with circularity in mind, with biodegradable and largely compostable materials aimed at reducing lifecycle impact.

Weight reduction is another key advantage. According to Darbec, My Drap products are approximately 30 percent lighter than traditional table linen, helping airlines reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

“Weight is directly linked to kerosene consumption, so any reduction has a tangible impact,” she says.

Looking ahead, My Drap is focused on strengthening airline partnerships, expanding its presence in premium cabins and continuing to develop customized solutions that balance design, functionality and sustainability in line with evolving passenger expectations.

Scoring the sky

Through a silent disco-style activation, Linstol and Castello Monte Vibiano showcase how airlines can move beyond products to create cohesive, experience-led journeys

by JANE HOBSON

At last month’s World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo in Hamburg, Castello Monte Vibiano and Linstol moved beyond the traditional trade show format to deliver a multi-sensory experience designed to challenge how the industry thinks about onboard hospitality. Hosted at the historic Mozartsäle Hamburg, “The Art of Sound” brought together airline decision-makers and industry stakeholders for an evening that blended gastronomy, audio technology and immersive storytelling.

The event opened with a networking reception before transitioning into a silent disco-style activation, where guests used Linstol headsets to engage with a curated audiovisual journey inspired by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Live performances synchronized to the soundtrack and

dynamic projections created a fully immersive environment, underscoring a central theme: the future of inflight experience lies in emotional engagement, not just product delivery.

For Castello Monte Vibiano Owner Lorenzo Fasola, the concept was rooted in a broader philosophy of travel.

“The idea behind The Art of Sound is to show that travel should not only move people from one place to another, but also move emotions,” he told PAX International in an interview following the event. “Italian lifestyle –what we call La Dolce Vita – is about harmony between taste, beauty, culture and human connection.”

By combining gastronomy, music and narrative, the event aimed to recreate the richness of Italian culture within an aviation context. Fasola emphasizes that this approach reflects a shift in passenger expectations.

“Products alone rarely tell the full story. What truly differentiates a brand today is the experience and the values behind it,” he says, noting that passengers increasingly remember how a journey feels rather than the individual components of service.

“This perspective reflects Linstol’s broader strategy to position audio as a critical element of onboard storytelling. Through its leadership and vision, the event became a platform to challenge how airlines think about inflight sound—not as a utility, but as an immersive, experience-defining element,” says Linstol Chief Executive Officer Mark Russell.

“By presenting sound through an artistic lens, the message shifts from technical specifications to emotional impact,” he tells PAX International, adding that audio should be seen as integral to passenger engagement and brand storytelling.

The silent disco format served as a tangible demonstration of this evolution.

“One shared space, yet multiple individual sound worlds,” Russell says, drawing parallels to the inflight environment where passengers can engage in personalized experiences within a collective cabin. As airlines continue to invest in premium cabins, he notes that audio has the power to shape mood instantly and enhance the overall sensory ecosystem onboard.

Both companies are using the collaboration to advocate for a more holistic approach to inflight service design.

Fasola highlights the role of gastronomy in shaping the emotional dimension of travel. “A carefully designed culinary experience can evoke place, culture and authenticity.” When paired with sound, he adds, it creates “a deeper sensory narrative” that allows passengers to feel connected to a destination before arrival.

Russell echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of collaboration.

“The integration of Italian culinary heritage with audio technology demonstrates how cross-category collaboration can transform the onboard experience into something truly immersive and memorable,” he

says. “This approach moves beyond individual touchpoints, showing that the future of premium travel lies in orchestrated experiences.”

Sustainability and authenticity also remain central to the conversation. Fasola, known for his leadership in carbon-neutral production, underscores that “true luxury today is not excess, but conscious quality,” reinforcing the idea that environmental responsibility and premium experience can coexist in the cabin.

Ultimately, “The Art of Sound” served as more than a unique social media-worthy moment at an evening event; it was a strategic statement. By aligning culinary heritage with advanced audio solutions, Castello Monte Vibiano and Linstol demonstrated how airlines can move beyond siloed procurement toward cohesive, multi-sensory journeys—an approach increasingly essential for differentiation in today’s competitive inflight landscape.

PAX recognizes aviation excellence in Hamburg

The PAX Readership Awards 2026 took place in Hamburg, celebrating the best in the industry as voted by PAX readers

The annual PAX Readership Awards returned to the Radisson Blu Hotel in Hamburg, Germany on April 15, bringing together industry leaders, innovators and decision-makers to celebrate excellence across the passenger experience.

What sets the PAX Readership Awards apart is its voters: the readers of PAX International and PAX Tech. Each award represents the voice of the industry itself—spanning suppliers, airlines, service providers and executives across the global aviation ecosystem.

“Another year, another opportunity to celebrate the best in the industry. Thank you to our readers, sponsors and supporters for making this year’s PAX Readership Awards such a success. We were thrilled to honor the innovations shaping the future of passenger

experience and are excited to share these event highlights,” says Jane Hobson, Managing Editor at PAX International and PAX Tech.

“A special thank you to our sponsors and supporters whose continued partnership makes the PAX Readership Awards possible,” says PAX Publisher Aijaz Khan. “We are grateful to everyone who participated this year and look forward to delivering an even bigger and better awards program next year.”

Sponsors and supporters

Sponsors and supporters helped shape the evening’s atmosphere and experience.

As wine sponsor, AMI Group elevated the celebration with a curated portfolio showcasing its global sourcing expertise. The lineup featured Champagne LaurentPerrier La Cuvée, Silver Oak Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon, Gran Moraine Pinot Noir and Domaine Senéchaux Châteauneuf-du-Pape, among other selections from internationally recognized wine regions.

GIC International Catering joined as the exclusive airline caterer sponsor, bringing a local element to the Hamburg-based event and highlighting its focus on qualitydriven inflight solutions.

Bayart Innovations participated as the amenity sponsor, providing a take-home gift for each attendees.

New for 2026, the Airline Catering Association (ACA) joined as the official association supporter, marking a notable step for industry alignment within the awards platform.

As the wine sponsor, AMI Group elevated the celebration with a carefully curated portfolio that underscores its global sourcing expertise

Bayart Innovations joined the 2026 PAX Readership Awards ceremony as the amenity sponsor

GIC International Catering was the exclusive airline caterer sponsor, adding a distinctly local dimension to this year’s event

Airline award winners

OUTSTANDING FOOD SERVICE BY A CARRIER – NORTH AMERICA

Winner: Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines offers a selection of snacks and beverages, including beer, wine and spirits, all available on the onboard menu. Passengers flying in Delta One or Delta First on select domestic coast-to-coast flights also have hot food options available to them onboard.

AIRLINE CATERER OF THE YEAR – NORTH AMERICA

Winner: Flying Food Group

Flying Food Group is a trusted provider of premium airline catering services across the United States. The company has been honored by world-renowned airlines for its superior service standards. Flying Food Group is also distinguished as the only large-scale U.S.-based caterer whose profits are fully dedicated to supporting a charitable foundation.

“We are truly honored by this distinction and extend our heartfelt appreciation to our customers and colleagues for their confidence and partnership.”

– Nicolas Rondeau, Executive Vice President Sales & Marketing, Flying Food Group

BEST OVERALL PASSENGER EXPERIENCE – NORTH AMERICA

Winner: United Airlines

United Airlines elevates the inflight dining experience with free snacks and drinks on every flight. Passengers flying United First or United Business can choose from additional options such as cocktails and craft beer.

BEST IFE AND CONNECTIVITY –NORTH AMERICA

Winner: Delta Air Lines x Hughes Fusion

Hughes Fusion™ Inflight Connectivity blends multiple satellite networks in GEO/ LEO and Ku/Ka, such as One Web Ku-band LEO, Hughes JUPITER GEO, and future networks into one seamless, managed experience for passengers and crew. The solution will be introduced onboard Delta’s mainline 717 aircraft as part of the award of 400+ regional jets announced in 2023. Additionally, announced in March 2025, Fusion was selected by Delta to equip A350 and A321neo aircraft.

BEST AIRPORT LOUNGE –NORTH AMERICA

Winner: Air France Lounge at ORD

On October 17, 2025, Air France opened its new lounge at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD). This is a first for the airline, which now offers an elegant space to enjoy a moment of French-style tranquility and refinement before flight. Located in Terminal 5, this new lounge, reflecting Air France’s brand image and service standards, is operated in association with Global Lounge Network. It welcomes Air France Business and Flying Blue Elite Plus passengers, as well as eligible KLM travelers.

OUTSTANDING FOOD SERVICE BY A CARRIER –SOUTH AMERICA

Winner: LATAM Airlines

LATAM Airlines offers a variety of gastronomic offerings for passengers to savor, which vary according to the cabin and flight duration.

AIRLINE CATERER OF THE YEAR –SOUTH AMERICA

Winner: LSG Sky Chefs

LSG Sky Chefs embarked on a transformation last year, reinforcing its leadership position in delivering innovative airline catering solutions and exceptional service.

“Receiving the Airline Caterer of the Year award is a profound honor for our company. It represents not only recognition of our commitment to excellence in service and quality, but also a celebration of the dedication and passion of our entire team. For us, this award is a validation of the continuous effort we invest in innovation, sustainability, and customer satisfaction.”

– Mauricio Novaes, VP Latin America, LSG Sky Chefs

BEST OVERALL PASSENGER EXPERIENCE –SOUTH AMERICA

Winner: LATAM Airlines

LATAM Airlines has elevated the passenger journey through a fully integrated Premium Business experience, where design, hospitality, comfort, gastronomy and sustainability work together to create a seamless and meaningful end-to-end experience.

Inspired by the essence of South America, the new cabin reflects regional identity through refined design language, authentic materials and thoughtful details that go beyond aesthetics, accompanying passengers throughout the entire journey. Hospitality is central to the experience, expressed through warmth, care and human connection at every onboard interaction.

BEST CABIN INTERIOR –SOUTH AMERICA

Winner: LATAM Airlines

LATAM’s new cabin interiors redefine what it means to fly in South America. Designed with a genuine and contemporary South American identity, the cabins draw inspiration from the region’s most iconic elements—its vibrant colors, breathtaking landscapes, rich biodiversity, distinctive architecture, textures and cultural heritage. These influences are thoughtfully translated into materials, shapes, lighting and color palettes that create an immersive onboard experience. From the moment passengers step inside the aircraft, they can feel the essence of South America: warm, authentic and deeply connected to its roots.

BEST SEATING –SOUTH AMERICA

Winner: Avianca for INSIGNIA

INSIGNIA by Avianca is the airline’s new Business Class experience to and from Europe, featuring a seat that fully reclines to 180°. Indulge in a gastronomic journey thoughtfully designed in collaboration with top regional chefs and complemented by an exclusive selection of wines to delight the palate. To elevate the passenger experience, Avianca has also introduced an amenity kit that offers a touch of well-being, allowing passengers to relax in a space designed for comfort.

BEST IFE AND CONNECTIVITY –SOUTH AMERICA

Winner: LATAM Play

LATAM Play is an entertainment and connectivity platform designed to enrich the passenger experience while showcasing South America and the LATAM brand. It is available on more than 340 aircraft, serving 148 destinations across the network. LATAM Play offers a rich and diverse catalog, including 300+ movies, more than 1,000 TV episodes and 12,000 music tracks. The platform features content from five renowned streaming partners–HBO, Paramount+, Disney+, Red Bull TV, and Globo–along with a wide range of wellbeing, educational, and LATAM Original content that highlights regional artists and creators.

BEST LOUNGE –SOUTH AMERICA

Winner: LATAM Lounge Lima

On August 11, 2025, LATAM inaugurated its proprietary lounge in Peru, becoming the first airline in the country to offer a space of this kind and the largest lounge within the terminal. Spanning 2,450 square meters and divided into Signature and Premium areas, the LATAM Lounge Lima delivers a comprehensive and differentiated airport experience. Its architecture and design reinterpret a journey through Peru’s coast and highlands, expressed through forms, materials, textiles, and a color palette inspired by the Peruvian landscape, celebrating the country’s rich cultural heritage.

OUTSTANDING FOOD SERVICE BY A CARRIER – CHINA

Winner: China Southern Airlines

In 2025, China Southern Airlines launched its “Inflight Catering Upgrade Plan,” offering new meals, new experiences, and new initiatives to enhance the passenger experience. The airline’s is committed to a passengeroriented approach, continuously innovating to ensure safe, high-quality, and diverse inflight catering.

OUTSTANDING FOOD SERVICE BY A CARRIER – ASIA

BEST OVERALL PASSENGER EXPERIENCE – ASIA

BEST OVERALL PASSENGER EXPERIENCE – SOUTH ASIA

Winner: Singapore Airlines

Flavor, aroma, texture—each element is carefully balanced to deliver a delicious experience at 30,000 feet. Every dish is designed and prepared with care. Passengers can preview the inflight food, beverage, amenity and snack offerings before flight via Singapore Airlines’ digital menu up to six weeks before the flight.

AIRLINE CATERER OF THE YEAR – ASIA

Winner: Cathay Dining

Cathay Dining has introduced a redesigned warewash system with integrated food waste segregation that increases inbound food waste recycling capacity by 200 percent. Dedicated conveyors and compactors separate waste efficiently, while washers run only when equipment reaches a set threshold—delivering up to 70 percent reduction in electricity use and nearly 60 percent savings in water consumption.

BEST LOUNGE – ASIA

Winner: SASCO for Rose Lounge Vietnam

Combining SASCO’s 32 years of Vietnam-focused expertise with Airport Dimensions’ global airport experience, the Rose Business Lounge has been transformed into a refined, contemporary space that reflects Vietnamese culture. Inspired by the blue rose, the lounge blends modern design with Vietnamese craftsmanship, featuring interiors that highlight pottery, warm wood tones, bamboo, and rattan weaving from traditional craft villages. The lounge accommodates 129 guests and includes dedicated spaces such as a relaxation area, private workspaces, a family corner, window-side high-chair seating, a boutique bar, a live kitchen and expansive airfield views.

Winner: Korean Air

Korean Air’s high-quality Korean Meal Service offers passengers a traditional Korean meal from the menu, featuring a variety of authentic dishes, including appetizers, main course options, and desserts. For passengers on longhaul flights, a wide selection of snacks are offered, including jjamppong, jajangmyeon, ramyeon, cookies, jerky and sandwiches.

BEST CABIN INTERIOR – ASIA

Winner: Korean Air

In 2024, Korean Air unveiled its new cabin design. PriestmanGoode was commissioned by Korean Air to design new Business Class and Economy Class cabins that blend traditional Korean design with modern sophistication. The new interiors, featuring bespoke seating and custom patterns inspired by Korean textile art, emphasize timeless elegance and durability, promising an exceptional passenger experience for years to come.

BEST IFE AND CONNECTIVITY – ASIA

Winner: SriLankan Airlines

SriLankan Airlines is receiving attention for its commitment to sustainability, including its innovative Mathaka upcycling initiative that recycles airline items into a unique range of lifestyle products.

BEST IFE AND CONNECTIVITY –SOUTH ASIA

Winner: Air India, Vista Stream

Air India has demonstrated a clear and sustained commitment to transforming the onboard digital experience as part of its wider airline modernization program. Through the rollout of Vista Stream, Air India has ensured that passengers across both narrowbody and widebody operations have access to a reliable, engaging inflight entertainment experience on their personal devices, significantly enhancing journey quality while its fleet undergoes extensive renewal. Vista Stream currently provides 1200+ hours of curated content.

Winner: Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines offers complimentary inflight Wi-Fi to all KrisFlyer members across all cabin classes. The KrisWorld entertainment system gives passengers access to 1,900+ movies, TV shows and audio, along with personal device pairing to act as a remote.

AIRLINE CATERER OF THE YEAR – SOUTH ASIA

Winner: KC Flight Catering

KC Flight Catering delivers a range of products from high-end Business Class meals onboard British Airways to low-cost carrier snacks and meals for FlyJinnah (AirArabia’s subsidiary in Pakistan). They pride themselves on consistent quality and a catering team that is responsive and up to date on global inflight catering trends.

MOST IMPROVED AIRLINE –SOUTH ASIA

Winner: SriLankan Airlines

Launched in 1979, Sri Lanka’s National Carrier has built a reputation for service, comfort, safety, reliability and punctuality. The airline’s mission is to grow a sustainable, profitable airline that promotes Sri Lanka to the world, supports tourism, Sri Lankans overseas and the national economy.

The “SriLankanized” menu features flavors and recipes passed down through generations, giving passengers taste of Sri Lankan cuisine. Ingredients include kurakkan, ginger, clove and kuruluthuda.

AIRLINE CATERER OF THE YEAR – SOUTHEAST ASIA

Winner: SATS Ltd.

In addition to inflight catering, SATS is now able to provide a full suite of solutions tailored to airlines’ budgets, ambitions and most pressing priorities. With capacity across key travel source markets in Asia, SATS is well-positioned to support airlines with system-wide solutions. SATS continues to bring innovation and thought leadership to the industry, contributing to the progressive evolution of aviation catering.

BEST OVERALL PASSENGER EXPERIENCE – SOUTHEAST ASIA

Winner: THAI Airways

To make Thai flavors more inflightfriendly, the airline has teamed up with Chef Bo Songvisava (Asia’s Best Female Chef 2013) to create a fusion of local dishes with a modern twist. Thai Airways has also partnered with Dusit Foods to introduce street food classics onboard.

“Receiving this award is a meaningful validation of our strategic focus on elevating customer experience across our magical journey of leisure. It reflects the dedication of our people in delivering Thai hospitality with consistency, care, and genuine warmth, with the ambition to create an experience that passengers truly value and remember.” – Wit Kitchathorn, Director of Customer and Marketing, Thai Airways

OUTSTANDING FOOD SERVICE BY A CARRIER – CIS COUNTRIES

Winner: Air Astana

Air Astana offers a selection of premium wines and exquisite main courses, with a dedication to delivering superior cuisine that ensures your travel is both comfortable and a true culinary indulgence.

BEST OVERALL PASSENGER EXPERIENCE – CIS COUNTRIES

Winner: Air Astana

Air Astana brings the culinary experience into the journey with a focus on regional and seasonal produce. Air Astana’s catering team uses traditional ingredients and flavors specific to regional cuisine.

“Receiving the Best Overall Passenger Experience – CIS Countries award is a great honor for our airline. It recognizes our team’s continuous efforts to deliver high-quality service and create a comfortable, memorable journey for every passenger. This award motivates us to keep improving our onboard product and overall travel experience.”

– Zhazira Mamyrbek, Manager Inflight Product, Air Astana

BEST IFE AND CONNECTIVITY –CIS COUNTRIES

Winner: Azerbaijan Airlines

In August 2025, Azerbaijan Airlines introduced an engaging and culturally distinctive inflight entertainment experience that combines world-class global content with a strong local voice. The result is a product that is inclusive, refined and uniquely representative of Azerbaijan.

OUTSTANDING FOOD SERVICE

BY A

CARRIER – MIDDLE EAST

Winner: Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways introduced caviar to its Business Class menu, complemented by the introduction of Arabic coffee in First and Business Class, a thoughtful nod to the airline’s Middle Eastern heritage. This culturally significant addition brings warmth and authenticity to the journey, offering passengers a taste of the region’s hospitality while enriching the inflight experience.

AIRLINE CATERER OF THE YEAR – MIDDLE EAST

Winner: Capital Catering

Capital Catering, part of ADNEC Group, is one of the UAE’s leading aviation catering providers, delivering highquality meals and seamless F&B services to major international airlines. Producing more than 45 million meals annually, the company operates five central production units across the UAE and employs more than 6,800 staff.

BEST OVERALL PASSENGER EXPERIENCE – MIDDLE EAST

Winner: Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways delivers a dining experience that balances luxury and cultural resonance. These enhancements reflect the airline’s commitment to innovation, ensuring that even the most discerning travelers are delighted. Through its seamless integration of world-class service and unique culinary offerings, Qatar Airways continues to lead the industry in premium inflight hospitality.

BEST CABIN INTERIOR –MIDDLE EAST

Winner: Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways’ Q Suites deliver a First Class experience in Business Class. Passengers can turn the seat into a social area for working, dining or socializing at 40,000 feet. Complete privacy, featuring rear and forwardfacing seats, turndown service complete with pillows, a quilted mattress, and a plush blanket, is part of the experience on long-haul and ultra-long-haul flights.

BEST IFE AND CONNECTIVITY MIDDLE EAST

Winner: Saudia x FlightPath3D Experience

Saudia Airlines, in partnership with FlightPath3D, has created one of the industry’s most culturally meaningful and technologically advanced inflight experiences—one that reflects the Kingdom’s heritage while delivering a globally accessible, intuitive journey for every passenger.

“This award validates the strength of the partnership between Saudia and FlightPath3D and our ability to deliver an experience that is culturally rich, globally accessible, and reflective of passenger needs. It confirms that innovation in IFE is most powerful when it is tailored, inclusive, and aligned with the airline’s brand and its passengers.” – Duncan Jackson, President, FlightPath3D

BEST AIRPORT LOUNGE –MIDDLE EAST

Winner: Emirates First Class Lounge at DXB

Emirates’ luxurious lounges are known for the extensive dining options, featuring gourmet cuisine and livecooking stations, all meticulously prepared by Emirates Flight Catering Company (EKFC) chefs to provide premium services for Emirates’ passengers. EKFC’s headquarters is located at Dubai International Airport (DXB).

OUTSTANDING FOOD SERVICE BY A CARRIER – EUROPE

Winner: Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines delivers a hospitalitydriven food service that aims to transform meals onboard into a sophisticated cultural and culinary experience. At the heart of its premium service is the Flying Chef program, bringing professional chefs on board long-haul flights to prepare, plate and present authentic meals inspired by both international cuisines and Türkiye’s rich culinary heritage.

“We are delighted to be recognized for our consistent efforts in providing fresh, high-quality meals to every passenger onboard, regardless of cabin class, as the airline that flies to most countries in the world.” – Onur Tasdonderen, Catering Contracts Specialist, Turkish Airlines

AIRLINE CATERER OF THE YEAR – EUROPE

Winner: GIC International Catering

With more than 25 years of experience in the aviation catering and services sector, GIC International Catering has consistently demonstrated excellence, innovation, and a strong commitment to quality and reliability. GIC prides itself on Exceptional Service Quality, Strong Commitment to People, Social Responsibility and a Proven Reliability in Aviation Operations.

“After 25 years, this award reflects the strength of our team and the trust our airline partners place in us. It motivates us to keep raising the bar.”

–Goeksel Yildirim, Managing Director, GIC International Catering

BEST OVERALL PASSENGER EXPERIENCE – EUROPE

Winner: Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines brings Turkish hospitality to the skies, striving to make the passenger experience pleasurable and memorable with award-winning dishes, the latest inflight entertainment system, and comfortable seating.

BEST CABIN INTERIOR – EUROPE

Winner: Iberia

Iberia is accelerating its digital transformation as it redefines the premium travel experience through technology. From rolling out free highspeed connectivity across its fleet to embedding data-driven personalization and accessibility into the passenger journey, the airline is placing innovation at the core of its passenger strategy.

BEST IFE AND CONNECTIVITY –EUROPE

Winner: Air France in partnership with CANAL+

Air France is offering passengers privileged access to a selection of CANAL+ programs on all its long-haul flights. Travelers can watch CANAL+ Creation Original series, must-see programs, comedy shows, documentaries and children’s shows during their trip. All of this content will enhance Air France’s entertainment offer, which also includes a large selection of movies.

BEST AIRPORT LOUNGE –EUROPE

Winner: Plaza Premium Lounge at FCO

Located in Terminal 1, the 700-squaremetre lounge accommodates 115 guests. The elevated concept reflects Plaza Premium Group’s push to redefine travel with personalized hospitality, curated dining and drinks, and immersive cultural experiences.

“We are honored that Plaza Premium Lounge Rome has been recognized as the Best Lounge in Europe by PAX International, a leading aviation magazine. Receiving this award is a major validation of our global leadership in independent airport lounges. It highlights Plaza Premium Group’s unwavering commitment to making travel better through innovative design and superior guest experiences.” – Analia Marinoff, Vice President – Southern Europe, Plaza Premium Group

AIRLINE CATERER OF THE YEAR – AUSTRALASIA

Winner: dnata Catering & Retail

dnata prepares more than 300,000 meals per day across more than 60 global locations. The caterer also operates food and beverage outlets and lounges around the world, including in Australia.

“We are extremely pleased to win this prestigious award again and want to thank all of our customers who place their trust and faith in us on a daily basis.” – Robin Padgett, CEO, dnata Catering & Retail

BEST OVERALL PASSENGER EXPERIENCE – AUSTRALASIA

Winner: Qantas

Qantas offers onboard menus made with seasonal and local ingredients, accompanied by tasty snacks and beverages on Australian domestic or international flights. The airline’s IFE selections span the latest movies, TV boxsets, documentaries and more. Passengers can stay connected with fast and free access to the internet when flying on Qantas’ Wi-Fi-connected aircraft available on select domestic and international routes.

BEST IFE AND CONNECTIVITY –AUSTRALASIA

Winner: Qantas

Qantas prides itself on providing passengers with an extensive IFE offering that includes content from all major Hollywood studios, key international distributors and independent TV and film makers. This allows passengers the choice of enjoying the latest Hollywood blockbusters, binge-worthy TV series, award-winning arthouse films & TV and more.

OUTSTANDING FOOD SERVICE BY A CARRIER – AFRICA

Winner: Ethiopian Airlines Group

Ethiopian Airlines Group invites its passengers to savor flavors at 30,000 feet with Ethiopian Airlines’ inflight meal menu. Travelers can pre-order their meal selections and enjoy personalized attention during their journey.

“This recognition is especially meaningful as it reflects the voice of industry professionals and passengers who closely follow innovation and service excellence in aviation.” – Samson Arega Bekele, Group Vice President, Customer Experience, Ethiopian Airlines

AIRLINE CATERER OF THE YEAR – AFRICA

Winner: servair

servair expanded its footprint to the African continent in 1989, opening its first unit in Libreville, Gabon. Today, servair has a team of 4,200 dedicated employees operating in 15 units, covering 17 countries. The caterer’s culinary team continuously invests in training to improve culinary expertise, and the operations team is committed to being the best in accuracy, always compliant and on time.

BEST OVERALL PASSENGER EXPERIENCE – AFRICA

Winner: Ethiopian Airlines

Last fall, Samson Arega Bekele told PAX the airline is aligning cost efficiency, innovation, and cultural authenticity to enhance inflight hospitality, entertainment and sustainability.

“At Ethiopian Airlines, we see cost efficiency and passenger experience not as competing priorities, but as mutually reinforcing,” says Arega Bekele. “Our strategy is to optimize resources while ensuring every touchpoint elevates the journey.”

BEST IFE AND CONNECTIVITY – AFRICA

Winner: Royal Air Maroc

On long-haul routes, Royal Air Maroc offers passengers a wide range of inflight entertainment: movies, series, documentaries, cartoons, comedies and music. Passengers also have access to real-time information about the aircraft’s flight path, indoor and outdoor temperatures, local time at your destination, altitude, cruising speed and the remaining flight time, thanks to its geo-vision.

BEST AIRPORT LOUNGE –AFRICA

Winner: Royal Air Maroc Zenith Lounge at CMN

The international VIP lounge at Mohammed V Casablanca-Nouaceur Airport (CMN) was given the new name “Le Zenith lounge” to pay tribute the city and hub. The lounge has been completely redesigned to better welcome passengers and offer a comfort worthy of the name.

PAX Verified Award Winner

PAX VERIFIED AWARD WINNER – INTERNATIONAL

Winner: Iberia

The PAX Perspective: We highly recommend Iberia’s Business Class cabin for travelers flying between Europe and the Middle East. The crew’s attentiveness throughout delivered a smooth and enjoyable journey. Details from DO&CO’s thoughtful menu, and the amenity kits by Kaelis and Uvas Frescas, showcase Iberia’s strong sense of identity and hospitality. Congratulations to our first PAX Verified Award winner.

International Award Winners

BEST DUTY FREE AIRPORT SHOP – INTERNATIONAL

Winner: Qatar Duty Free

Qatar Duty Free’s position as a leading retailer in the industry is built on innovation. With more than 200 retail and dining outlets, QDF is transforming airport shopping and dining for a new generation of travelers. At the heart of this transformation, QDF offers travelers unique, exclusive experiences that cannot be found anywhere else.

BEST AIRPORT EXPERIENCE –INTERNATIONAL

Winner: Singapore Changi Airport

Singapore Changi Airport’s vision is to be a first-in-class, leading global aviation hub run by exceptional people, connecting lives and businesses, contributing to the economic growth of Singapore. Its mission is to be a global leading airport company, anchored in the heart of Asia, pioneering safe, secure, sustainable and vibrant air hubs, ready for the future.

BEST SOLUTIONS COMPANY –INTERNATIONAL

Winner: AMI Group

AMI Group continues to expand its solutions to not only managing wine logistics for some of the largest airlines in the world, but also SPML solutions and menu design solutions.

BEST ONBOARD RETAIL –INTERNATIONAL

Winner: gateretail

gateretail is bringing more profitability, sustainability and innovation to its airline customers with a full spectrum of services and a one-stop-shop solution. Its innovative onboard retail programs for European airlines positions gateretail at the forefront of buy-on-board programs, including retail technology.

BEST INFLIGHT SNACKS –INTERNATIONAL

Winner: En Route International Cheese Program

En Route’s Cheese Program demonstrate show the company turns premium food into a repeatable, scalable onboard meal experience. The program itself is a globally curated cheese service that is designed to be consistently delivered with serviceled formats to simplify crew handling. Today, the program delivers artisan cheeses from 200+ specialist producers worldwide, expertly sourced, graded, cut and packed to perform in the airline environment. In 2025, the program entered its next phase of growth, expanding into the APAC region and launching in the U.S., transforming a proven regional success into a truly global solution.

“En Route’s flagship Cheese Program is well regarded by airline customers globally, now flying onboard across the UK, Middle East and APAC regions. We have recently launched the service to North American carriers, and we continue to offer the broadest selection of the world’s finest artisan cheeses for every passenger, every journey. This award is testament to the hard work and dedication of every member of the En Route team who have brought our Cheese Program to life.” – Tom Lay, Marketing & Creative Director, En Route

BEST INFLIGHT BEVERAGE –INTERNATIONAL

Winner: Taittinger Brut La Francaise Champagne for Delta One

Taittinger Brut La Française Champagne is a benchmark of quality and refinement, making it an outstanding choice for Delta One international flights. This cuvée is crafted primarily from Chardonnay, blended with Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, giving it a distinctive elegance and freshness that sets it apart from many other nonvintage champagnes. It’s fine, persistent bubbles and balanced structure deliver a smooth, vibrant experience that passengers truly appreciate.

BEST DISTRIBUTOR –INTERNATIONAL

Winner: WESSCO International

WESSCO International has a deep understanding of customer expectations and passenger needs, enabling it to deliver innovative, effective and highly tailored solutions that enhance the passenger experience.

BEST ONBOARD PRODUCT –INTERNATIONAL

Winner: WESSCO for United Airlines Premium Dinnerware

United Airlines’ new premium cabin dinnerware collection, developed in partnership with WESSCO International, delivers an elevated dining experience across United Polaris® Business, United First®, United Business® and United Premium Plus®. Crafted in ultra-white porcelain and designed with modular functionality, the pieces combine modern aesthetics with long-term durability.

Amenities award winners

BEST BUSINESS CLASS AMENITY KIT – NORTH AMERICA

Winner: FORMIA for Aeromexico, Lancel Business Class Amenity Kit

This program marks Lancel’s first-ever collaboration with an airline, bringing French craftsmanship into the cabin, alongside Italian B Corp beauty brand Teaology. Together, they create a premium, passenger-centric offering that enhances comfort while reflecting Aeromexico’s refined brand identity. The kit is offered in two complementary formats, thoughtfully designed for inbound and outbound journeys: a Structured Vanity Case and a Lightweight Foldable Kit. Both silhouettes are crafted from recycled PET and canvas, balancing elegance, functionality and responsible material choices.

BEST ECONOMY/PREMIUM ECONOMY AMENITY KIT –NORTH AMERICA

Winner: WESSCO for United Airlines Therabody Premium Plus Amenity Kit

United’s most recent Premium Plus® amenity kit in partnership with Therabody and WESSCO International introduces an elevated upgrade for travelers, pairing a more structured design and enhanced vegan-leather materials with a wellness-driven inflight experience. This generation refines both form and function, creating a pouch that feels more premium, more durable and more aligned with United’s cross-cabin design direction.

BEST BUSINESS CLASS BEDDING/SOFT PRODUCTS –NORTH AMERICA

Winner: Linstol for United Airlines, Inaugural Pajamas

United’s inaugural pajamas collection redefines long-haul comfort by combining premium materials with thoughtful, passenger-centric design. Inspired by United’s modern brand aesthetic, each set features a soft, breathable knit fabric paired with subtle tailoring for elevated onboard comfort. A signature graphic on the front celebrates key destinations across the network, incorporating airport codes to create a collectible, travel-inspired touch unique to United.

BEST BUSINESS CLASS AMENITY KIT – SOUTH AMERICA

Winner: WESSCO for LATAM, Altitude Collection Business Class Amenity Kit

LATAM’s Altitude Collection, created in partnership with Costa Brazil and WESSCO International, brings the diverse landscapes of South America into the cabin. Each amenity kit represents a distinct altitude zone, translating the continent’s colors, textures, and emotions into a rotating, collectible series. The narrative follows the rise of the land itself, from the Amazon basin to the highest Andean peaks, creating a design story rooted in place and movement.

BEST FIRST CLASS AMENITY KIT – EUROPE

Winner: Clip for SWISS, Zimmerli First Class Amenity Kit

These First Class amenity kits are co-branded with Zimmerli and include premium Sisley skincare products. The bags come in three color options and feature four rotating designs, ensuring variety and elegance.

BEST BUSINESS CLASS AMENITY KIT – EUROPE

Winner: Buzz for Turkish Airlines, Lanvin Parfums Business Class Amenity Kit

Created by Buzz, the five-piece collection combines Lanvin’s heritage, refinement and craftsmanship with Turkish Airlines’ commitment to passenger experience. The new kits feature updated bag designs, showcasing fresh patterns and new styles inspired by Lanvin’s most iconic retail bags. These versatile kits are not only functional onboard but also designed for reuse after the flight, reflecting both style and sustainability.

BEST ECONOMY/PREMIUM ECONOMY CLASS AMENITY KIT – EUROPE

Winner: Bayart Innovations for Turkish Airlines, Lacoste Premium Economy Amenity Kit

The kits, designed and produced by Bayart Innovations, are available in eight colors. The reusable kits include a Lacoste-branded pouch with accessories made from recycled materials, including an eye mask, pair of socks and some assorted slippers. There is also a dental kit which includes White Glo toothpaste and earplugs.

BEST CHILDREN’S AMENITY KIT – EUROPE

Winner: Skysupply for SWISS, First and Business Class Kids Amenity Kit

SWISS welcomes kids under 12 years who are traveling in First and Business Class with a playful drawstring bag designed to keep young travelers entertained both onboard and after the trip. Skysupply has created a fun, practical and sustainable amenity kit tailored for young passengers with a color scheme of greens, blues, and yellows. The kit contains a light-blue sleeping mask with a yellow trim and an eye imprint, sage-green socks with airplane-shaped grips, a blue Humble toothbrush made of cornstarch with toothpaste, and an Xs and Os game.

“Receiving this award is a great honor for our company and a wonderful recognition of the close collaboration with SWISS. It confirms our commitment to developing thoughtful, high-quality and sustainable amenity kits that enhance the passenger experience, especially for younger travelers. – Wolfgang Bücherl, Managing Director, skysupply GmbH

BEST FIRST CLASS BEDDING/ SOFT PRODUCTS – EUROPE

Winner: Buzz for Air France, “Le Pyjama” by Jacquemus, La Premiere Suites

Air France partnered with French fashion house Jacquemus, with the help of Buzz, to create an exclusive loungewear set, presented to every La Première passenger during their journey. For the first time, Air France has joined forces with renowned French designer Simon Porte Jacquemus to offer La Première guests a chic yet comfortable travel experience with a brand-new pajama set. Crafted from navy-blue cotton, the set features Air France’s historic winged seahorse emblem on the front, accompanied by a discreet label reading “Le Pyjama.”

BEST FIRST CLASS AMENITY KIT – AUSTRALASIA

Winner: Watermark for Qantas, Aesop First Class Amenity Kit

Qantas, in collaboration with Aesop, has introduced a First Class amenity kit that reimagines the traditional airline offering, creating a luxury, retail-inspired travel experience focused on hygiene, hydration and sensory quietude. Developed for Qantas by Watermark, the kit features a high-end bag designed to reflect Aesop’s iconic minimal aesthetic and brand philosophy. Three distinct colorways will be introduced throughout the year, each featuring a signature travelinspired quote, encouraging collectability and reuse. Inside, Qantas First Class passengers can enjoy a selection of Aesop’s sought-after products, all in full retail sizes, complemented by a sample of Eaux de Parfum and two product sachets.

BEST FIRST CLASS AMENITY KIT – MIDDLE EAST

Winner: FORMIA for Qatar Airways, Diptyque Amenity Kit

This exceptional collaboration with the renowned French perfume house, Diptyque, offers Qatar Airways’ Business Class passengers a sensory journey. The amenity kits feature refined patterns and iconic designs, transforming them into elegant keepsakes that go beyond functionality.

BEST CHILDREN’S AMENITY KIT – MIDDLE EAST

Winner: Buzz for Saudia, Minions Amenity Kit

Illumination’s Minions return to Saudia with a refreshed iteration of the airline’s amenity range, bringing even more mischievous humor, playfulness and joy to young travelers. Building on the success of the original collection, this updated range once again taps into the power of the successful animated franchise with record-breaking films “Minions: The Rise of Gru” and “Despicable Me.”

BEST ECONOMY/PREMIUM ECONOMY CLASS AMENITY KIT – MIDDLE EAST

Winner: Kaelis for Qatar Airways, Hajj Amenity Kit

Designed especially for Hajj by Kaelis, this amenity kit was created to support Qatar Airways’ passengers on one of the most spiritually meaningful journeys of their lives. Every detail reflects a deep understanding of comfort, dignity and cultural respect. Inside, travelers will find a prayer mat, prayer beads, a tally counter, a small drawstring pouch for personal items, anti-slip socks and wet wipes. Everything comes neatly packed in a versatile, reusable black bag that doubles as both a rucksack and a sling bag.

BEST BUSINESS CLASS BEDDING/SOFT PRODUCTS –MIDDLE EAST

Winner: John Horsfall for Riyadh Air, Business Elite and Business Class Bedding Set

In partnership with Riyadh Air, John Horsfall has crafted a comprehensive softtextile collection. In Business and Business Elite, the textiles create an atmosphere reminiscent of a personal sanctuary in the sky. Passengers are welcomed with a luxury mattress pad and premium bedding, presented in a dedicated product bag that reinforces a sense of care, sophistication, and personal space. Exclusive to Business Elite, the experience is further elevated with a wool-blend fine throw and an ablator cushion, selected for their warmth, tactile richness and luxurious presence. The bolster cushion cover introduces a sophisticated contrast that complements the surrounding cabin design.

BEST ECONOMY/PREMIUM ECONOMY CLASS BEDDING/ SOFT PRODUCTS –MIDDLE EAST

Winner: John Horsfall for Riyadh Air, Economy and Premium Economy Bedding Set

In partnership with Riyadh Air, John Horsfall has crafted a comprehensive soft-textile collection across Economy & Premium Economy. In Economy, a palette of lavender and indigo, accented with a hint of peach, evokes cloudlike comfort and a calm, welcoming atmosphere. Fabrics were chosen for durability and practicality, ensuring passengers feel cared for throughout their journey. In Premium Economy, travelers enjoy an elevated set of soft goods, including a larger pillow and a duvet in a complementary contrast hue.

BEST FIRST CLASS AMENITY KIT – ASIA

Winner: FORMIA for Korean Air, House of Graff First Class Amenity Kit

Korean Air’s First Class amenity kit, created in partnership with the House of Graff, is a defining expression of the airline’s renewed identity, blending contemporary design with timeless sophistication. Designed as a compact jewelry box in rotating colors of navy, green and black, the kit features Graff’s luxury skincare and signature fragrances. Male and female variants provide a bespoke experience, focusing on restoration and well-being at altitude. Emphasizing ESG principles, the pouch utilizes Saffiano recycled PET faux leather, while convenience items like toothbrushes and eye masks consist of 100 percent recycled materials.

BEST BUSINESS CLASS AMENITY KIT – ASIA

Winner: deSter for All Nippon Airways

Created exclusively for All Nippon Airways’ (ANA) Business Class, this collaboration brings together Japan’s flagship airline and the oldest Italian luxury leather goods house, founded in Milan in 1864, united by a shared commitment to innovation, craftsmanship, and responsible luxury. At the heart of the project lies Fr-eclaim, a proprietary, travel-exclusive material developed after eight months of joint research and co-development. The result is a collection of pouches, offered in multiple styles and colors, available as inbound and outbound collectible iconic items, designed to endure well beyond the journey itself–expressing ANA’s and Franzi’s belief that sustainability and longevity are inseparable from true quality.

BEST ECONOMY/PREMIUM ECONOMY CLASS AMENITY KIT – ASIA

Winner: WESSCO for STARLUX Airlines, Smiley Amenity Kits

STARLUX Airlines’ amenity kits featuring the acclaimed Japanese cosmetics brand THREE bring a refined sense of wellness to the in-flight experience. Curated with THREE’s most loved essentials—a lip balm, overnight oil serum, and moisturizer—the kits reflect the brand’s holistic philosophy and focus on natural, high-quality ingredients. The result is a calming, restorative ritual that helps passengers feel refreshed and cared for throughout their journey. This collaboration underscores STARLUX’s dedication to enhancing well-being in the air through thoughtful touches that balance luxury and functionality.

BEST CHILDREN’S AMENITY KIT – ASIA

Winner: Kaelis for EVA Air, Berry the Bear Kids Amenity Kit

In a creative partnership with EVA Air, Kaelis unveiled a charming Kids Kit specially designed to elevate the inflight experience for young travelers under 12 years old. At the heart of this exclusive collection is EVA Air’s lovable mascot, Berry the Bear, who adds warmth and wonder to every child’s journey.

BEST FIRST CLASS BEDDING/ SOFT PRODUCTS – ASIA

Winner: FORMIA for EVA Air, Maison Kitsuné First Class Sleeper Suit

The EVA Air x Maison Kitsuné collaboration is a fresh, culturally expressive partnership that brings two distinctive worlds together to create an effortlessly modern premium experience. By merging Maison Kitsuné’s Paris-meets-Tokyo lifestyle universe with EVA Air’s Taiwanese perspective rooted in hospitality, the partnership reflects the evolution of luxury in today’s cabins, where culture, lifestyle, and thoughtful experiences matter as much as aesthetics.

BEST BUSINESS CLASS BEDDING/SOFT PRODUCTS –ASIA

Winner: Korean Air x Frette Prestige Bedding Set

Korean Air has partnered with FRETTE, an Italian luxury linen manufacturer with 160 years of experience. This collaboration introduces a premium First Class bedding set featuring a 300-thread-count duck-down duvet and pillow, providing exceptional insulation and breathability. Complementing this, a new mattress developed with EcoWorld utilizes patented core-structure technology to optimize pressure distribution.

BEST ECONOMY/PREMIUM ECONOMY CLASS BEDDING/ SOFT PRODUCTS – ASIA

Winner: deSter for STARLUX, Economy Class Blanket

The STARLUX Polar Fleece Blanket is designed to bring exceptional comfort to Economy Class passengers while introducing sustainable innovation to inflight bedding. It is crafted from a unique material blend of polyester and 35 percent oyster shells, combining the durability of PET with the natural thermal properties of oyster shells. This advanced composition creates a lightweight yet highly insulating fabric that ensures warmth throughout the journey.

BEST FIRST CLASS BEDDING/ SOFT PRODUCTS – SOUTH ASIA

Winner: T&D Hospitality India for Air India, First Class Blanket/Cushion/Pillow

This premium wool blend blanket for First Class/Business Class in Ivory/Lt. Gold/Brand colors features a delicate border jacquard and motifs inspired by the traditional Sozni embroidery from the Kashmir Valley, India. It draws inspiration from India’s rich heritage, keeping in mind Air India’s brand identity. The design beautifully captures Air India’s four key principles of progressiveness, warmth, vibrance and boldness.

BEST BUSINESS CLASS BEDDING/SOFT PRODUCTS –SOUTH ASIA

Winner: T&D Hospitality India for IndiGo, Business Class Bedding Set

At the heart of this offering is an exclusive range of onboard textiles and soft products. Each element reflects IndiGo’s commitment to comfort, style and brand ethos. The Premium Jacquard Blankets/Overlays are designed in vibrant colors and patterns—they are collectible pieces that embody IndiGo’s global outlook, with Indian values. Each overlay is neatly folded, secured with a playful “Hug Me” card, and accompanied by a collectible booklet.

BEST ECONOMY/PREMIUM ECONOMY CLASS AMENITY

KIT

– SOUTHEAST ASIA

Winner: WESSCO for Singapore Airlines, Out of the Woods Amenity Kits

Singapore Airlines partnered with Out of the Woods and WESSCO to introduce eco-friendly amenity kits in Premium Economy Class. The amenity kits offer passengers thoughtfully curated items such as eyeshades, slippers made from recycled PET materials and lip balm housed in a biodegradable container.

BEST BUSINESS CLASS AMENITY KIT – CIS COUNTRIES

Winner: FORMIA for Air Astana, Moschino Business Class Amenity Kit

Air Astana presents its exclusive new amenity kit collection for long-haul Business Class passengers, developed in partnership with Italian fashion house Moschino. Designed to elevate the onboard experience, this collection combines bold design, premium content, thoughtful functionality and a strong commitment to sustainability. The amenity kits are available in an elegant range of collectible designs tailored for both male and female guests. Each pouch features the signature flair of Moschino, offering a fashion-forward statement piece that passengers will want to keep and reuse.

BEST CHILDREN’S AMENITY KIT – AFRICA

Winner: Zibo Rainbow for Ethiopian Airlines

Zibo Rainbow has its own professional design and manufacturing team to provide complete design, development, manufacturing and supply to its valued customers. Its professional design team is devoted to providing strategy services for airlines. Through its innovative and thoughtful ideas, Zibo Rainbow collaborates with airlines to develop solutions.

BEST ECONOMY/PREMIUM ECONOMY CLASS AMENITY KIT – CIS COUNTRIES

Winner: Watermark for Air Astana, Art Above Clouds Collection

In partnership with Watermark, Air Astana has collaborated with both renowned and emerging local artists to create a unique collection of Economy Class amenity kits that pay tribute to the rich cultural heritage of Kazakhstan. The thoughtfully designed kits showcase original, vibrant artworks inspired by Kazakhstan’s breathtaking natural landscapes and cultural traditions, as well as the artists’ own childhood memories and experiences of growing up immersed in the country’s nomadic history, folklore and timeless fairytales.

BEST CHILDREN’S AMENITY KIT – CIS COUNTRIES

Winner: Bayart Innovations for Air Astana, Baby Kits

Bayar Innovations specializes in creating thoughtfully designed infant kits that elevate the inflight experience for families. By combining high-quality materials, practical components, and comfort-focused design, the company helps airlines deliver premium, tangible amenities that support both infants and parents throughout the journey.

BEST BUSINESS CLASS BEDDING/SOFT PRODUCTS –CIS COUNTRIES

Winner: My Drap for Air Astana, Seasonal Single Use 100% Cotton Table Linen Collection

Air Astana continues to drive design innovation with a new collection of seasonal napkins and tray linens for its Business Class cabins, created in collaboration with My Drap.

Technology award winners

BEST IFE BY A CONTENT SERVICE PROVIDER –INTERNATIONAL

Winner: Stellar Entertainment for The Stellar IFE Portal

The Stellar IFE Portal was created to make inflight entertainment management significantly easier. Purpose-built for airline IFE operations, it brings content planning, budgets, performance, and delivery into one intuitive platform, giving teams a single place to manage their entire program. The platform provides clear, real-time visibility across budgets, licensing agreements, and content libraries.

“This recognition is a proud milestone for our team and reinforces our focus on continuing to innovate for our partners and the industry.” – Kitty Cheng, Senior Manager Marketing, Stellar Entertainment

BEST IFE SYSTEM –INTERNATIONAL

Winner: Bluebox Aviation Systems for Blueview

Blueview delivers a modern, airlinebranded digital experience directly to passengers’ personal devices, offering movies, TV, audio, games, moving maps, and interactive content across both connected and non-connected aircraft. Its modular, hardware-agnostic architecture allows airlines to select the features that best align with their business model, whether supporting short-haul, leisure or long-haul operations.

“Receiving this award is a tremendous honor for the entire Bluebox team. The PAX Readership Awards are particularly meaningful because they are voted on by industry professionals and readers who understand the importance of innovation and reliability in inflight entertainment. We see this award not only as recognition of what we have achieved, but also as motivation to continue pushing the boundaries of what inflight digital services can deliver for airlines and passengers alike.” – Kevin Birchmore, Chief Commercial Officer, Bluebox Aviation Systems

BEST IFC BY A PROVIDER –INTERNATIONAL

Winner: Viasat for Viasat Amara

Viasat Amara offers optimized, multinetwork connectivity today via a simple software upgrade with Viasat’s proven terminal, which is deployed on more than 3,000 aircraft around the world, servicing approximately 10,000 flights per day. No additional hardware is required.

BEST HEADSET/AUDIO CONNECTIVITY PRODUCT –INTERNATIONAL

Winner: Linstol Meridian 260 Headset for United Airlines

The Meridian 260 Headset, crafted exclusively for United Polaris® Business Class elevates the premium cabin experience with exceptional clarity, comfort, and performance. Engineered for long-haul travel, the Meridian 260 delivers rich, immersive sound and superior noise isolation, allowing guests to enjoy United’s entertainment offerings with remarkable depth and detail. Its lightweight construction, plush ear cushions, and ergonomic fit ensure lasting comfort throughout the journey.

BEST SEATING BY A SUPPLIER – INTERNATIONAL

Winner: Geven for Essenza SE

Essenza SE is the ideal solution for the basic needs of the narrow-body cabin world. Its simplicity and essential nature do nothing to diminish either comfort or the fresh, young twist of this new Italian design. Basic and linear, lowest in weight, with a low cost of ownership and a minimal expendable count, Essenza SE remains comfortably spacious, reliable, and visually appealing, fully reflecting the best of the Made in Italy tradition.

BEST CABIN LIGHTING CONCEPT – INTERNATIONAL

Winner: STG Aerospace for Eco Everything

Eco Everything combines performance with sustainability. This development is set to increase STG Aerospace’s track recycled content from 50 percent to more than 80 percent, with a future goal of 100 percent. All recycled materials are ISCC certified, and a bio additive ensures the elimination of forever plastics. By building on sustainability across its emergency floor path marking system ranges, STG is supporting the aviation industry’s push towards net zero by 2050.

BEST RETAIL TECHNOLOGY SOLUTION – INTERNATIONAL

Winner: Omnevo for Travel Retail Suite

As Omnevo’s first end-to-end customer, Virgin Atlantic connects retail across pre-order, onboard and post-flight using a single technology platform. The result is a seamless passenger experience supported by integrated data and logistics for a more efficient operation.

“It is a symbol of our mission to bring travel retail to the next level for our customers. This award reflects dedication, innovation and hard work of an incredible team and the trust and recognition from our customers and partners that we work with every day. We’re proud of what we’re building and excited about what comes next!” – Laura Gambell, Marketing Director, Omnevo

Best Children’s Amenity Kit – Europe: Skysupply for SWISS, First and Business Class Kids Amenity Kit

Best First Class Bedding/Soft Products – South Asia: T&D Hospitality India for Air India, First Class Blanket/Cushion/Pillow

Business Class Bedding/Soft Products – South Asia: T&D Hospitality India for IndiGo, Business Class Bedding Set

Viasat ΛMΛRΛ

Connectivity as unique as your airline.

Seamless multi-orbit IFC

Flexible digital services

Connected applications

Next-gen terminal technology, for a next-level experience.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM HAMBURG

The 25th edition of the Aircraft Interiors Expo has come and gone in a whirlwind of innovative cabin concepts, reimagined brand identities, a few flight cancellations, and perhaps most importantly, collaboration. Consistently across the expo floor, exhibitors demonstrated the growing trend for cross-industry coordination through innovative partnerships, joint concept displays and shared stands.

RAVE Aerospace was at the forefront of various collaborative initiatives at the expo, showcasing a joint display with Safran Cabin for the “Origin” concept, as well as hosting several co-exhibitors within the RAVE booth, including SkyTED and 6P Color.

The milestone edition of AIX welcomed more than 12,500 attendees from around the world, including representatives from 185 airlines and a broad mix of international suppliers. Inside this special digital issue of PAX Tech, we aim to keep these conversations from the show floor going as we look back on the event highlights and ahead to upcoming product launches and partnerships.

In addition to the noticeable trend of cooperation, AI and intelligent decisionmaking were prevalent across the show floor. Viasat unveiled Viasat AERA at the event and, as Laney Hind, Senior Director Airline Programs, tells PAX Tech, this simultaneous, dual-beam antenna “is making real-time smart decisions moment to moment.”

Premiumization also dominated the passenger experience conversation. As Rosen Aviation pushes further into premiumization, the focus is on aligning with each airline’s brand to elevate its value proposition. In this issue, Rosen’s Lee Clark underscores experience-based technology as the next frontier for enhancing the passenger journey.

Also in these pages, we shine the spotlight on the 2026 PAX Readership Award winners who were recognized at a prestigious soirée. As always, it was a joy to reconnect with so many of you in Hamburg! Happy reading – we look forward to seeing you somewhere in the world again soon!

Robynne Trueman Business Editor PAX Tech

PAX Tech

Mississauga, Ontario Canada

Website: www.pax-intl.com

PUBLISHER

Aijaz Khan

E-mail: aijaz@globalmarketingcom.ca

EDITORIAL OFFICES

Jane Hobson, Managing Editor

Tel: (1 416) 997-3914

E-mail: jane@pax-intl.com

Robynne Trueman, Business Editor

Tel: (1 705) 471-4110

E-mail: robynne@pax-intl.com

Alex Preston, Senior Editor

Tel: +44 (0) 7969 092913

E-mail: alex@pax-intl.com

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E-mail: eman@pax-intl.com

ART DEPARTMENT

Kelly Wong, Senior Graphic Designer

PAX International and PAX Tech are published a total of 12 times a year by PAX International, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. International Distribution.

ISSN 1206-5714

Key title: Pax International

48 PAX RECOGNIZES AVIATION EXCELLENCE IN HAMBURG

The PAX Readership Awards 2026 took place in Hamburg, celebrating the best in the industry as voted by PAX readers

76 BRIDGING THE GAPS

Panasonic Avionics addresses gaps in IFE and connectivity through its latest seatback system retrofit program, LEO partnerships and self-service tools that bring the at-home entertainment experience onboard

78 FLEXIBILITY FOR THE FUTURE

Bluebox’s Kevin Birchmore emphasizes the growing demand for IFC across all airlines and the flexibility that the Blueview digital suite can provide

80 ELEVATED INTELLIGENCE

Rosen Aviation’s Lee Clark highlights the importance of the intelligent application of technology onboard when catering to premium passenger experiences

ON THE COVER:

Unum Aircraft Seating’s Unum One Business Class seat prepares for take off later this year. Read more on page 92

82 LIVE AS LEVERAGE

DIRECTV IN FLIGHT’s Kimberly Twiggs emphasizes the long-term value for airlines of investing in live TV as part of the inflight entertainment offering

CONNECTIVITY

84 BUILT TO EVOLVE

Viasat’s Laney Hind explains how AERA advances the company’s multi-orbit vision—and why consistent IFC is key to airline differentiation

86 THE PERFECT BLEND

Hughes’ Reza Rasoulian reflects on the provider’s Fusion IFC partnership with Delta Air Lines as the collaboration takes home the 2026 PAX Readership Award for Best IFE and Connectivity, North America

CABIN EQUIPMENT

87 FEEL THE BEAT

Linstol’s curated audio strategy, premium partnerships and focus on comfort are helping airlines rethink the role of sound onboard

88 BIG ON BRAND

Beat Burlet, CEO, Bucher Group explains how the supplier is delivering onboard solutions that support sustainability and operational efficiency while centering airline brand identity

90 AN EXPERIENCE AS GOOD AS IT SOUNDS

Premium headsets by Procurall and Marshall bring iconic design and high-fidelity sound to First and Business Class cabins

92 SUSTAINABLE, OBTAINABLE

As Unum’s first seats prepare for takeoff later this year, VP Business Development Alan McInnes highlights the supplier’s commitment to sustainability and premiumization in the cabin

94 CANADIAN EXPERIENCES IN THE CABIN

Air Canada’s John Moody highlights the distinctly Canadian experience of the Aurora Business Class suites for A321XLR aircraft

Astronics launches dual USB-C in-seat power outlet

Astronics Corporation (Astronics) has announced the launch of the EmPower® 1327-27 Dual USB-Type-C In-Seat Power Outlet to meet the growing demands of modern travelers. Engineered to support the latest portable electronic devices (PEDs), the 1327-27 provides up to 60 watts of combined power across two USB-Type-C ports. Passengers can now simultaneously and efficiently charge their high-power devices such as laptops, tablets, smartphones and other PEDs during flight.

The 1327-27 is designed for seamless integration into next-generation aircraft cabins and supports multiple installation applications, including passenger seats, galleys, flight decks and crew rest areas. With advanced intelligent power management, the unit adjusts its output to deliver the full 60W to a single port if only one device is in use or intelligently distributes power between both ports when two devices are charging.

Jon Neal, President, Astronics AES, said, “As passenger demand for high-power, device-ready solutions continues to rise, airlines are looking for versatile power solutions that enhance the onboard experience while seamlessly blending into the cabin environment. The Dual USB Type-C outlet delivers on both fronts, reflecting Astronics’ commitment to innovation, reliability, and fulfilling the needs of both passengers and airlines.”

Geven strengthens flyadeal partnership with Premium Economy seats for A330 fleet

flyadeal A330-900neo in the airline’s livery, set to support its expansion into long-haul operations with new cabin products and seating partnerships

Geven is reinforcing its partnership with flyadeal through the introduction of its Comoda AQ seat for the airline’s first-ever Premium Economy cabin, set to debut on its fleet of A330-900neo aircraft.

The agreement marks a milestone for flyadeal as it prepares to expand into long-haul operations, introducing a two-class configuration that includes Premium Economy for the first time. The A330 aircraft are scheduled to enter service from mid-2027, supporting routes between Saudi Arabia, Asia and Europe, as well as high-demand regional and pilgrimage services.

Geven’s Comoda AQ in the 14-seat Premium Economy cabin will feature a seven-abreast configuration, offering a 38-inch pitch and eight-inch recline to provide increased personal space and improved passenger comfort.

Each seat is equipped with a range of passengerfocused features, including dedicated storage for personal items, enhanced cushioning, footrests and USB-C charging ports. The design incorporates a mix of synthetic and leather materials in a deep violet finish, reflecting a modern and cohesive cabin aesthetic.

TCI Aircraft Interiors signs MoU with Dolby to explore immersive IFE

TCI Aircraft Interiors has announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dolby Laboratories, marking the start of exploratory discussions around the use of Dolby Atmos® and Dolby Vision® in future IFE environments.

As part of the collaboration discussions, demonstrations at the TCI booth during AIX 2026 showcased Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision technologies, illustrating the potential of immersive entertainment experiences in aviation.

The MoU reflects a shared interest in evaluating how next-generation audio and visual technologies could enhance the passenger entertainment experience onboard aircraft. Through this non-binding agreement, TCI and Dolby will explore technical and commercial considerations related to immersive sound and high-dynamic-range video for future IFE solutions, with a particular focus on TCI’s Cornea IFE ecosystem.

Cornea is designed to be the “Architect of the Digital Cabin,” offering a versatile and scalable platform that seamlessly integrates into modern aircraft environments. By exploring the integration of Dolby’s HDR and spatial audio technologies, TCI aims to further enhance Cornea’s capabilities.

“This MoU with Dolby allows us to explore how immersive audio and visual technologies could shape the future of inflight entertainment,” said Müjdat Uludağ, CEO, TCI.

Expliseat enters Business Class segment with TiSeat S

Expliseat unveiled the TiSeat S at AIX 2026, a family of Business Class seats, bringing the company’s titanium and carbon fiber technology into the Business Class segment.

TiSeat S is designed to deliver up to 40 percent lower weight, compared with current industry standards, significantly reducing the total cost of ownership for airlines, while maintaining the robustness and reliability required to support long-term fleet value. Targeting E-Jets and CRJs in its first application, the seat enables airlines to unlock a new balance between premium comfort and operational efficiency, where weight savings directly support enhanced passenger experience and product differentiation.

“TiSeat S brings a new level of performance to Business Class,” said Amaury Barberot, Chief Executive Officer, Expliseat. “Business Class travelers expect a seamless and elevated experience across their entire journey. With TiSeat S, we apply our proven lightweight technology to deliver a premium product that combines comfort, efficiency, and consistency across aircraft platforms.”

The seat family is designed to scale seamlessly to single-aisle aircraft, including A320 and 737 families, as well as integrating extended-range features such as IFE and enhanced passenger amenities.

RAVE Aerospace and Safran Seats unveil “Origin” concept for next-gen premium cabins

RAVE Aerospace and Safran Seats have unveiled a joint concept that reimagines the future of premium air travel, combining advanced seating technology with immersive IFE to create a highly personalized passenger experience.

The “Origin” concept introduced at AIX 2026, features two complementary demonstrators focused on seating and digital interaction. At the center of the concept is an Immersive Display, a U-shaped micro-LED screen integrated into the suite. The system allows passengers to control their visual surroundings, shifting between different moods and environments to enhance relaxation or entertainment during flight.

Safran Seats’ demonstrator highlights the physical aspects of the experience, including dynamic comfort systems that adjust cushion pressure and regulate the suite’s microclimate. RAVE Aerospace’s contribution focuses on the digital layer of the experience, showcasing how content, transparent displays and interactive interfaces can transform the cabin into a responsive and personalized environment.

“Future display technologies are about more than just consuming content,” said Ben Asmar, Vice President of Products and Strategy, RAVE Aerospace. “They enable curated experiences, whether that’s deep immersion or the ability to escape into environments beyond the physical.”

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PAX Tech is the leading voice of news and analysis for the MRO, interiors and IFEC industries. We cover the trends, challenges and changes facing the aviation industry now and we’re always on the hunt for the latest news. Share exciting developments with us anytime by visiting www.pax-intl.com or contacting robynne@pax-intl.com.

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Bridging the gaps

by ROBYNNE TRUEMAN

PPanasonic Avionics addresses gaps in IFE and connectivity through its latest seatback system retrofit program, LEO partnerships and self-service tools that bring the at-home entertainment experience onboard cannot upgrade the seats or delivery lines at present a chance to bring a product with the same capabilities as Astrova onboard.

anasonic Avionics Corporation (PAC) is signaling a major step forward in closing the longstanding gaps in inflight entertainment (IFE) and connectivity, providing updates on Astrova and unveiling eXNeo as an upgrade to its legacy X-series IFE systems. The company also recently announced LEO satellite partnerships, reflecting the industry-wide push to bring an on-theground IFEC experience to passengers in the cabin.

Reviving legacy systems

Andy Masson, Senior Vice President Product & Strategy, PAC, underscores Astrova as the company’s most popular IFE platform to date.

“It has had an enormous response in the market,” he says. “It is lightweight, modular and upgradable, which is lowering the total cost of ownership significantly.”

Panasonic also launched eXNeo at Aircraft Interiors Expo last month, which Masson coins as a “pragmatic product” for airlines that already have legacy Panasonic X-series systems onboard. eXNeo offers carriers that

eXNeo is a seatback modification that minimizes certification efforts, helping airlines accelerate deployment while reducing complexity and downtime. It uses existing harnesses and interfaces to simplify installation, reduce aircraft downtime and minimize cost. The product will be available to existing Panasonic X-series customers for retrofit, bridging the gap with newer fleets that feature Astrova and Converix.

The new in-seat monitor leverages the latest generation CPU and GPU technologies available. Storage and RAM are increased, offering up to eight times more than older X Series monitors.

“This is the digital experience of Astrova on the X-series in terms of capability,” Masson explains. “We are doing a one-time replacement of all the CPUs, GPUs, RAM and other componentry and the X-Series. It will not have an OLED screen, but it has the compute capability of Astrova.”

As part of the retrofit program, Panasonic will install the eXNeo system by removing existing onboard monitors and replacing them with new units, while also upcycling the legacy equipment.

“We are constantly working on how to improve the market, how to improve our delivery process,” Masson says. “We are never resting on our laurels.”

No dead zones

As for inflight connectivity, Panasonic is moving into multi-network LEO connectivity. In February, the company signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Shanghai Spacesail Technologies (Spacesail) to explore opportunities to add Spacesail’s LEO satellite constellation to Panasonic’s inflight connectivity global network.

“We already have our agreement with Eutelsat OneWeb for LEO and we fill in the gaps with GEO satellite capability,” Masson explains. “Spacesail is going to be imprinting into our

network, so you will be able to use both networks depending on where you fly.”

As a result of the partnership, passengers will no longer experience connectivity gaps when flying through regions not currently covered by Eutelsat’s LEO network, including China.

“We will be able to go to a different LEO network to provide that consistent global high bandwidth, low latency coverage,” Masson explains.

Interactive updates onboard

Panasonic is also bridging the gap between ground-based digital capabilities and onboard systems with its fully integrated IFE interactive design and publishing tool – Modular Interactive (MI). In March, EgyptAir became the first airline to fly globally with MI onboard.

MI is the industry’s first interactive authoring and publishing platform, and is a key part of Panasonic Avionics’ vision to redefine the inflight experience and integrate IFEC as a third digital channel for airlines. The

cloud-based platform enables EgyptAir to update and tailor its inflight experience quickly and seamlessly via a flexible, modular architecture.

Masson calls MI “a self-service tool” for airlines.

The tool allows airlines to test variations of onboard content and layouts across individual aircraft, analyze engagement through A/B testing and then seamlessly roll out optimized updates fleetwide over the air without requiring manual installation. He notes that because it is an editing tool, it continues to function

efficiently onboard as monitor sizes scale up.

MI also offers an opportunity for EgyptAir to better understand passenger habits and preferences. Panasonic supplies airlines with comparative IFE engagement data across routes with and without LEO connectivity, helping the carrier to make informed strategic decisions.

“It has performed significantly above expectations, both in terms of its robustness and its reliability,” Masson says.

The company’s Transition Deployment Model takes a phased approach, enabling airlines to deploy IFE and onboard retail services immediately using portable hardware

Flexibility for the future

Bluebox’s Kevin Birchmore emphasizes the growing demand for IFC across all airlines and the flexibility that the Blueview digital suite can provide

by ROBYNNE TRUEMAN

Bluebox Aviation Systems (Bluebox) is turning its vision for the future digital cabin ecosystem into deployable solutions for airlines. Taking home the 2026 PAX Readership Award for Best IFE by a Supplier for its Blueview Cloud product, the growing demand for flexibility and cloud-based services among airlines is ever clearer according to Kevin Birchmore, Chief Commercial Officer, Bluebox.

“With fleets, infrastructure and connectivity strategies constantly evolving, airlines are looking for ways to move now without limiting future options,” he tells PAX Tech

A primary focus for Bluebox at the Aircraft Interiors Expo 2026 last

month, Blueview Cloud is designed to transform how airlines deliver digital services onboard. It is optimized for always-on, high-bandwidth connectivity solutions and hosts the full Blueview software suite on the ground.

“It is an integration layer that allows airlines to pick various options such as streaming movies or order-to-seat services. But the really exciting thing is the other parts of the journey that Blueview Cloud allows airlines to integrate into the portal,” Birchmore tells PAX Tech.

The platform removes the need for onboard hardware while enabling airlines to boost ancillary revenue and enhance passenger satisfaction.

Birchmore gives the example of a passenger finding out mid-flight that their next flight has been cancelled.

“Within a single platform–the passenger logs in once–you can provide a booking link and proactively handle next steps of the journey,” he suggests. “Passengers are going to demand that level of personalization and customization of their services from airlines in the future.”

When it comes to the personalization of offerings for IFE versus onboard retail, Birchmore says the solutions are the same from a recommendation perspective but that the opportunities for customization come from understanding the available data points—and when in the passenger journey they occur.

In a “new world” of being connected and having access to APIs from baggage tracking to navigation support to custom-tailored snack recommendations, Blueview Cloud makes it possible for airlines to curate offerings based on passenger preferences without any aircraft downtime.

“In this always-connected environment, you can do all of those things much more easily because you are not having to update systems that are on an aircraft,” Birchmore says.

Transition model

The company’s Transition Deployment Model takes a phased approach, enabling airlines to deploy IFE and onboard retail services immediately using portable hardware, and upgrade to fully connected or cloud-based systems later without incurring midcontract penalties.

The model enables quick adoption of digital upgrades. Fleets can be equipped with Bluebox Wow within weeks, then upgraded to Blueview Cloud when connectivity is available. Birchmore emphasizes that as long as the contract remains in place, it is possible to migrate Bluebox services to other deployment types with no penalties.

“It offers flexibility for airlines to be able to choose what is right for them while allowing them to get the quick wins early on in the decision-making process,” Birchmore explains. “Even if you have not decided on your strategy, it does not lock you in. It just opens it up for the future.”

A change in conversation

Birchmore notes a distinct shift in the way airlines are approaching connectivity. It is no longer an optional amenity, but a service that all airlines

are seeking, many of them with a clear timeline in mind for integration.

“Carriers across the board are looking at connectivity, whether that is a low-cost leisure airline through to a full-service airline,” he reveals. “They have different objectives, but our software suites cater to those different modules.”

Whether that is improving net promoter scores and having the best recommendations for the user experience, or generating additional revenue via partnerships, Bluebox’s suite of digital products stands ready to support airline customers in this journey.

“Our transition model allows airlines to take those steps with us, so that they can do some stuff now, but it does not hinder them for the future,” Birchmore explains.

Elevated intelligence

When integrated into

Rosen Aviation’s Lee Clark highlights the importance of the intelligent application of technology onboard when catering to premium passenger experiences

by ROBYNNE TRUEMAN

As Rosen Aviation continues its expansion into the commercial aviation market, SVP Strategy Lee Clark describes the move as a natural extension of the company’s existing business rather than a significant shift.

“People traveling in an aircraft are still people traveling in an aircraft. Where Rosen brings enormous value to the market is a deep understanding of what premium really means for the passenger experience,” he tells PAX Tech

Whether passengers are traveling for leisure or work, Clark says Rosen Aviation’s 45 years of experience focuses on ensuring the entire end-toend journey is a seamless, premium experience through technology.

Collaboration in commercial aviation

Collaboration with OEMs and suppliers is central to Rosen Aviation’s growth in the commercial aviation market.

“We work with everybody. We simply bring the reliability, the quality and the innovation to the marketplace. We try as hard as possible to be agnostic. We try as hard as possible to provide the best experience for the end user, the passengers,” Clark emphasizes.

The strongest collaborations begin early on the design process, he adds.

“When customers look at us as a true partner, they start to bring us into the architecture of the program from the beginning,” he explains.

Personalizing premium

Rosen Aviation positions itself as a solutions-oriented experience company that understands its market niche.

Following the 2025 HEICO acquisition, Clark says there are additional capabilities and capacity, but also complete alignment with Rosen’s vision for the future.

“It is not about what the technology is,” he tells PAX Tech. “It is about how we apply that technology and leverage our size, our agility, our speed, but also the quality and reliability we are known for.”

Increasingly, the technology dominating the conversation is AI.

“People are struggling to understand what AI means and what difference it can make,” he explains. “How can it streamline my engineering processes? Is it giving procurement a greater reach? What does it do for the passenger experience?”

Clark points to Rosen Aviation’s AVIA product, unveiled at AIX 2026, as one of the opportunities for people to see the “manifestation” of AI in the

context of delivering a better passenger experience.

AVIA is a personal digital concierge. When integrated into Rosen’s Celestia Cabin Management System, AVIA can unlock a new level of service, customization and luxury. She can make informed decisions based on passenger trends and available cabin data, can infer context and spoken tones, and carries organic conversations across a several languages and dialects.

As Rosen Aviation pushes further into premiumization, the focus is on aligning with each airline’s brand to elevate its value proposition. With seemingly fewer opportunities to differentiate, Clark underscores experience-based technology as the next frontier for enhancing the passenger journey.

Live as leverage

DIRECTV IN FLIGHT’s Kimberly Twiggs emphasizes the long-term value for airlines of investing in live TV as part of the inflight entertainment offering

by ROBYNNE TRUEMAN

DIRECTV IN FLIGHT is bringing a renewed focus to its bundle of U.S.-based live TV channels which can be aired on flights departing from the United States to international destinations, as well as on return flights to the United States.

Kimberly Twiggs, Vice President, DIRECTV IN FLIGHT, tells PAX Tech, that the company is focused on providing the best inflight entertainment experience for passengers.

“Recent research shows 80 percent of travelers say it is important airlines offer inflight entertainment,” she says. “Inflight entertainment is no longer a ‘nice-to-have’ differentiator. It has quietly become core to the passenger experience.”

The long-term value of live

When it comes to live TV, Twiggs shares that of those passengers who access content, 32 percent access airline-provided live TV and 29 percent access live sports or news—all

through the seatback monitor or airline portal.

DIRECTV IN FLIGHT gives access to live broadcasts, sporting events, news, award shows and global celebrations to passengers, allowing them to remain part of that conversation.

“Having access to live TV onboard can help reduce that feeling of isolation, especially on a long-haul flight where you might feel a little disconnected from the outside world,” Twiggs says.

Consistently connected

According to Twiggs, DIRECTV’s inflight technology is network agnostic, relying on the effectiveness of the airline’s internet providers and global satellite network connectivity to help deliver the entertainment viewing experience to passengers.

“Connectivity is at the foundation of meeting passenger needs, whether for entertainment, work or personal reasons,” says Twiggs. “Recent research shows 87 percent of passengers say

it is important to have fast, reliable, free Wi-Fi on the aircraft. Streaming content—live, app-based or on demand—relies on strong broadband. If that does not operate seamlessly, it impacts the passenger experience.”

Live drives revenue

As airline strategy shifts from live TV being a “nice to have” amenity to a cornerstone offering that helps differentiate a carrier’s brand within the industry, Twiggs sees the ability to broadcast unmissable live TV moments onboard as leverage for airline loyalty.

“Passengers are increasingly expecting ground-level connectivity,” she says. “For high-stakes events like the FIFA World Cup final or an Olympic gold medal match, the availability of live TV can become a primary factor in flight selection.”

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Built to evolve

Viasat’s Laney Hind explains how AERA advances the company’s multi-orbit vision—and why consistent IFC is key to airline differentiation

by ROBYNNE TRUEMAN

Viasat continues to innovate in the global inflight connectivity (IFC) space with its Viasat Amara roadmap, encompassing the different network interoperability, multi-layers of capacity, the acquisition of Inmarsat and the multi-year contract for Viasat to utilize capacity on Telesat’s Lightspeed LEO satellite network.

Most recently, the roadmap also includes the unveiling of Viasat AERA, a key focus for Viasat at the Aircraft Interiors Expo 2026 in Hamburg, Germany, last month. Now in Boeing’s

technical evaluation process for factory installation, the antenna will launch service in 2028.

As Laney Hind, Senior Director Airline Programs at Viasat, tells PAX Tech, “What is special about this antenna is that it is a true dual-beam simultaneous LEO and GEO, or NGSO, which means it is making real-time smart decisions moment to moment.”

For example, when a passenger opens an app such as Instagram, latency-sensitive traffic can be routed via LEO at the packet level, while highcapacity demand is simultaneously handled by GEO, Hind explains.

“That is truly exceptional for the passenger experience on board,” she adds, underscoring Viasat AERA’s future-proofing capabilities. Hind says the system is designed to leverage additional Ka-band capacity as new networks come online.

The antenna has a low-profile design at 2.9 inches, reducing drag and weight– an important factor for airlines as they focus on operational costs and fuel efficiency, Hind says.

Viasat AERA’s simultaneous multibeam technology is designed to unlock true multi-orbit flexibility, with the terminal leveraging multiple satellite networks at the same time to ensure consistent connection across a wide range of geographies. For passengers, this means a more seamless experience from gate to gate.

As for the future of the roadmap, Hind says “it is built to evolve.”

With Viasat offering multi-orbit connectivity, she says the blend of LEO and GEO coverage provides the best experience for passengers, delivering flexibility while providing redundancy.

“Being able to utilize the best of different orbits to serve the passenger experience is the goal with [Viasat] AERA,” she explains.

Hind notes that while LEO delivers low latency, GEO can provide highcapacity coverage in high-density areas such as airports–a combination that provides reliability to airlines and passengers.

Connectivity bringing connection

When IFC is seamless and consistent, Hind says it becomes a platform

that helps airlines implement other strategies, such as ancillary revenue via products or access to live TV events. She notes the “special” feeling of collectively viewing a live event while inflight.

“Whether that is via IPTV, wireless IFE or an airline portal–the airline wants the passenger to feel like they are having an on-the-ground experience while in the cabin,” she says.

Hind notes that Viasat’s hardware and network enhancements–from Viasat AERA to the recent launch of the ViaSat-3 F3 satellite–are all part of the connectivity roadmap that powers those “at-home” experiences while in the air.

“Airlines want to add value for passengers and they want to do it in a differentiated way. All these things serve that goal,” she concludes.

The Viasat AERA antenna has a low-profile design at 2.9 inches, reducing drag and weight

Hughes and Delta Air Lines accept the 2026 PAX Readership award for Best IFE & Connectivity, North America in Hamburg, Germany

The perfect blend

Hughes’ Reza Rasoulian reflects on the provider’s Fusion IFC partnership with Delta Air Lines as the collaboration takes home the 2026 PAX Readership Award for Best IFE and Connectivity, North America

by ROBYNNE TRUEMAN

Ayear after Hughes announced that Delta Air Lines selected the Fusion Simultaneous Multi-Orbit Inflight Connectivity Solution (Fusion) for its fleet, the partnership has won the 2026 PAX Readership award for Best IFE & Connectivity, North America.

As Reza Rasoulian, Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Aviation Business Unit at Hughes tells PAX Tech, Hughes developed Fusion into an ESA, KA- and KU-band solution, with Fusion blending the capacity of multiple constellations. By blending multiple satellite networks, the provider delivers a new standard for consistent and reliable inflight connectivity.

“In this model, we are effectively taking OneWeb capacity and Telesat lightspeed capacity or any other NGSO, KU-band or KA-band and blending it for the passenger experience,” he explains. “Ultimately, it is gigabits and gigabits of throughput to the aircraft and the passengers.”

He says this capacity also gives airlines agency over connectivity decisions.

“We are not locking them into a certain constellation. We are bringing the best of both worlds,” Rasoulian emphasizes. “As things evolve in the industry, the antenna equipment stays the same. We can replace modems very simply and really create choice for the airlines.”

An end-to-end ecosystem

With Hughes’ Fusion, Rasoulian says the provider has created an end-to-end experience that does not rely on many third parties to support the ecosystem.

“Delta has very high expectations when it comes to connectivity and is looking for a flexible platform that can deliver a lot of capacity and the best possible experience to passengers,” Rasoulian says of the carrier’s choice to bring Hughes’ Fusion onboard. “Fusion delivers. You effectively have two antennas operating at the same time, always. As things fail, and things do fail from time to time, there is always a backup system.”

Reza Rasoulian, Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Aviation Business Unit, Hughes

He adds that Hughes is using AI to do predictive maintenance. This means anticipating when a line replaceable unit (LRU) is going to fail and creating a situation where Hughes is proactively recommending that a certain component or LRU is replaced, so it does not impact the passenger experience.

“There are multiple layers of redundancy as well as telemetry coming from each of these LRUs to help keep a high passenger experience in that promoter score,” he explains.

As the year progresses, Rasoulian says the Hughes Fusion rollout for Delta Air Lines will continue, starting with the airline’s 717 fleet.

“We are also working towards the certification process for the other parts of the Delta fleet, so updates around that,” Rasoulian previews.

“As these products come to market, it means great performance and great connectivity for passengers.”

Feel the beat

Linstol’s curated audio strategy, premium partnerships and focus on comfort are helping airlines rethink the role of sound onboard

by JANE HOBSON

As passenger expectations around inflight entertainment continue to evolve, Linstol is positioning audio as a key component to the onboard experience. The company’s approach moves beyond functionality, focusing instead on how sound can shape comfort, immersion and passenger well-being throughout the journey.

“At its core, our approach is about creating more engaging and comfortable experiences through sound,” says Jakob Levison, Global Director of Audio, Linstol.

That philosophy is reflected across Linstol’s growing audio portfolio, which spans solutions for Economy Class through premium cabins. The company has adopted what it describes as a more curated approach, prioritizing purposeful products tailored to airline requirements and passenger expectations.

The strategy also allows Linstol to invest more deeply in design, acoustic performance and long-haul comfort. One example is the Meridian 260 headset developed for United Airlines, which recently earned recognition at the PAX Readership Awards 2026. Designed specifically for the cabin environment, the headset balances acoustic clarity with fatigue-free listening and ergonomic comfort for long-haul travel.

Levison says airlines are responding as travelers become accustomed to increasingly sophisticated listening experiences on the ground.

“Sound plays a critical role in how passengers feel onboard,” Levison says. “It contributes to comfort, reduces fatigue and enhances the overall experience.”

He also highlights how partnerships are central to the company’s innovation strategy. Collaborations such as Sound by Bose technology reflect the growing demand for premium, branded onboard audio experiences that align with consumer technology trends. By combining partner expertise with its own understanding of the inflight environment, Linstol is developing differentiated solutions for airline customers.

Looking ahead, the company sees wireless and connected audio as the next major opportunity for inflight listening. While untethered audio could create more freedom and personalization for passengers, challenges around connectivity reliability, battery performance and integration with existing IFEC systems still remain.

Big on brand

Bucher Group showcased a variety of cabin equipment solutions in Hamburg, Germany, last month for the 25th edition of the Aircraft Interiors Expo, putting custom design and branding at the forefront of its display. PAX Tech sat down with Beat Burlet, CEO, Bucher Group, at the expo to discuss how the supplier is not just meeting the customization demands of airlines but also delivering onboard solutions that support sustainability and operational efficiency.

Beat Burlet, CEO, Bucher Group explains how the supplier is delivering onboard solutions that support sustainability and operational efficiency while centering airline brand identity

by ROBYNNE TRUEMAN

Supplying SFE Galleys and Stowage solutions

“We have a couple of different exhibits this year,” Burlet says. “Our main focus is on our SFE Galley that we have developed together with Airbus for their catalog.”

Recently selected as a SFE Galleys and Stowage supplier for the manufacturer, Bucher will deliver its first customized shipset this year, following three years of development on its new G1B Galley platform.

The G1B Galley, on display at AIX 2026, is engineered to meet stringent CS 25.795 safety standards, with a focus on cockpit security. The design incorporates a reinforced structural barrier capable of withstanding extreme physical loads and forced entry attempts, alongside energyabsorbing features to mitigate kinetic threats.

While specific details of the ballistic protection system remain confidential, Bucher confirms the solution complies with the highest applicable safety and certification requirements.

Design rooted in practicality

In 2025, Bucher placed significant focus on Design and Branding Elements at AIX, which Burlet says received positive feedback.

“That feedback led us to, again, exhibit a highly customized Branding Panel with lighting and decor application,” Burlet explains, adding that lightweight products remain in high demand.

In terms of what airlines are most focused on when selecting Galleys, monuments and Stowages at present, Burlet says lightweight products are in high demand.

“We have worked on making our monuments lighter by using different materials and designing them in a way that we use less material. That has been a big push,” he explains, adding that maintainability is also a key concern as airlines do not want to replace parts or have failures during service.

“The focus is on designing something reliable. And if it breaks, it needs to be maintainable so parts can be easily exchanged,” Burlet says.

Selected by SWISS

At AIX, Bucher announced that it is advancing its long-standing partnership with Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) through major retrofit programs across the carrier’s A330-300 and 777-300ER fleets.

For the airline’s 777-300ER fleet, Bucher will support the retrofit of 12 aircraft, following earlier line-fit work on Galley and Stowage systems. The redesign aligns with the “SWISS Senses” cabin concept, integrating updated Galley layouts that reflect a more cohesive and refined onboard environment.

The 777 retrofit introduces the vacuum-based Galley Waste Deposit Unit, designed to efficiently manage liquid waste during flight. The system aims to reduce maintenance requirements, prevent pipe blockages and improve overall operational reliability, while automated shut-off

functions help minimize downtime.

For the A330-300s, Bucher is delivering retrofit enhancements across 14 aircraft, including redesigned Galleys and upgraded Stowage units. These solutions incorporate integrated self-service sections for both Business and Economy Class.

Bucher showcased its Door 2 Galley developed for SWISS at its booth in Hamburg, with Burlet highlighting the Galley’s customized features and

silent luxury concept. Bucher took the SWISS cabin interior color scheme and applied the concept to the monuments it is providing for the A330 and 777 programs.

Burlet says that the use of different decor applications, from various textures to color choices, make it a standout from typical monuments, integrating the silent luxury concept that is synonymous with the brand.

An experience as good as it sounds

Premium

headsets by Procurall and Marshall

bring iconic design and high-fidelity sound to First and Business Class cabins

by JANE HOBSON

In premium cabins, every detail matters. From the texture of materials to the plating of a meal, airlines have long focused on refining the physical aspects of the passenger experience. Now, attention is shifting toward something less visible but equally powerful: sound.

Through an exclusive partnership with Marshall, Procurall Solutions is rethinking how passengers engage with inflight entertainment, bringing one of the most recognizable names in audio into the aircraft cabin. The collaboration, showcased at WTCE 2026, signals a move toward a more immersive and emotionally driven onboard experience.

For decades, Marshall has been synonymous with music culture, known for its distinctive design and high-performance sound. Translating that identity into an aviation setting is not simply about branding, but about creating a sensory experience that resonates with premium travelers.

“Elevating the inflight experience just got louder—and bolder,” Crystal Enrico, VP of Hospitality and Brands at Procurall Solutions, tells PAX Tech

At the center of the partnership is the Monitor III A.N.C. over-ear headset, adapted for airline use. Designed specifically for First and Business Class passengers, the headphones deliver active noise cancellation and a balanced audio profile suited to everything from

cinematic soundtracks to quiet, dialogue-driven content.

But the focus goes beyond technical performance. Procurall has worked to ensure the headset integrates seamlessly into the inflight environment, balancing durability and comfort with a premium look and feel.

Each headset can be tailored to meet airline-specific technical requirements, ensuring compatibility with seatback systems while maintaining the integrity of the Marshall brand. The result is a product that feels intentional, rather than adapted.

“Every detail, from acoustic precision to tactile comfort, is spectacular,” Enrico shares.

For airlines, the appeal is twofold. On one hand, the partnership offers a clear upgrade in audio quality. On the other, it introduces a recognizable consumer brand into the cabin, reinforcing a sense of familiarity and prestige.

“By choosing Marshall, carriers make a bold statement,” Enrico says.

As inflight entertainment continues to evolve, audio is becoming a more deliberate part of the experience. High-resolution screens and expanded content libraries have raised expectations, and passengers are increasingly aware of the role sound plays in how that content is consumed.

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Uniting the world in Singapore for the largest end-to-end passenger experience and innovation expo

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HEADLINE PARTNER: HELD IN: SUPPORTED BY:

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Sustainable, obtainable

As Unum’s first seats prepare for takeoff later this year, VP Business Development Alan McInnes highlights the supplier’s commitment to sustainability and premiumization in the cabin

by ROBYNNE TRUEMAN

Unum Aircraft Seating’s VP Business Development, Alan McInnes, has long emphasized airline demand for increased capacity in the premium seating sector.

“Airlines are clamoring for more capacity in Business Class. That has not changed in six years,” he says.

As McInnes tells PAX Tech, the supplier’s presence at the Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) 2026 focused on strengthening its flagship product,

Unum One, including versions for A330 and 787 aircraft, an optimized 787 variant and a single-aisle offering.

Featuring Unum’s patented Scimitar mechanism, the lightweight Unum One Business Class lie-flat seat offers airline customers infinite adjustability and excellent zero gravity benefits. 2026 marks Unum’s first certified A330 deliveries, with 787 certification to follow.

McInnes cites sustainability and premiumization as the two seating trends rising to the top.

“The trend that we have talked about over the last 18 months has been premiumization throughout the cabin,” he points out. “Unum is Business Class only, but we are seeing premiumization through enhanced pitch in Economy Class and investment in Premium Economy seats—and that is flowing through to Business Class as well.”

He continues, “We are proud to have one of the lightest-weight Business Class seats available,” he says of the Unum One and Unum Two products. “The price of jet fuel over the last month makes the business case that we provide even more compelling.”

Pointing to the booth’s “Sustainability Corner,” McInnes highlights Unum’s commitment to responsibly manufacturing. The segment features a range of products from Unum’s supply chain, incuding partners such as Schneller, Kydex and Muirhead. These collaborations focus on materials that reduce carbon emissions and improve end-of-life recyclability.

“You have to think about sustainability before you start, because it is very difficult in aviation to introduce it midway through a program,” McInnes explains.

“At Unum, we have considered sustainability from the very beginning. In 15 years’ time, when our first seats come to the end of their life, there will be a route to recyclability. That is part of the reliably, comfortably, responsibly made message.”

Unum’s 787 launch customer, TAAG Angola, the national carrier of Angola, is set to takeoff with Unum One Business Class seats in 2027. The company’s A330 launch customer is Wamos Air, which will introduce Unum’s seats by the end of this year.

Air Canada’s Aurora suite for the A321XLR provides a premium widebody experience on single aisle aircraft

Canadian experiences

in the cabin

Air Canada’s John Moody highlights the distinctly Canadian experience of the Aurora Business Class suites for A321XLR aircraft

by ALEX PRESTON

John Moody, Managing Director of Onboard Product at Air Canada

Air Canada has unveiled its new Glowing Hearted cabins, which will debut on its new fleet of A321XLR aircraft. Fourteen premium Aurora Business Class suites, branded as Air Canada’s Signature Suite, will be installed at the front of the aircraft while 168 Meridian+ main cabin seats will fill out the Economy cabin.

Delivering a distinctly Canadian experience, the seats were customized by Air Canada alongside Collins

Aerospace and Air Canada’s design partner, Acumen, debuted on the first day of the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, Germany.

The first of 30 Air Canada A321XLRs will enter service this spring. Speaking to assembled media, including PAX Tech, John Moody, Managing Director of Onboard Product at Air Canada said he was “really excited to introduce this to a completely new market for Air Canada, the premium single aisle aircraft”, adding, “What it does for Air Canada is it allows us to provide that long haul experience on an aircraft type that’s going to open up a lot of new markets for Air Canada.”

This includes unlocking new trans-Atlantic routes and allowing Air Canada to offer an upgraded, premium journey across more of its North America transcontinental network.

The A321XLR, which offers a lie-flat Air Canada Signature Class experience for the first time on a single-aisle aircraft, also includes all-new ergonomic seats designed to

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maximize personal space with built-in tablet holders, and larger overhead bin, larger 4K OLED screens and Bluetooth audio available for all customers and access to high-powered USB-C and AC power outlets at every seat, ensuring laptops and all personal devices stay fully charged.

The proprietary shape and installation angle of the Aurora suite conforms to the exact dimensions of the XLR, maximizing passenger living space, providing an extra row of premium seating and expanding galley capacity to accommodate the catering volume necessary for long-haul service.

As Moody told PAX, in order for the seat to meet all of Air Canada’s Signature requirements, such as having aisle access, every passenger having a window and the service “that you would expect on one of our 777s or 787s, we needed to use every square inch efficiently on the aircraft that starts in the galley.”

To achieve this, the seat is at a 49-degree angle.

“What we were able to accomplish was the ability, for example, to store galley carts in a novel way, essentially installing the galley carts at a 49-degree angle so that we do not waste space that would be normally unusable. That gives space back to the passengers in a traditional monument. By being able to narrow this out, it gives us more space in the Business Class cabin,” he explains.

The new seat does not include a door, a deliberate decision Moody tells PAX Tech. Privacy is inherent in the design of the seat, making a door unnecessary. He adds that its absence allows for a full lie flat bed.

Moody explains, “Our primary goal was to elevate the inflight experience by creating a space that feels exceptionally inviting and highly personal. With the Aurora suite, we are setting the standard through the thoughtful use of space, technology, bespoke materials and finishes. Our meticulous attention to detail offers our passengers a true retreat.”

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