Interviews
How airlines can use payments to make revenue gains in APAC
The payments ecosystem in Asia-Pacific is a coexistence of extremes. In some areas payments systems are among the most advanced in the world, facilitated by super apps, biometrics, and QR codes. On the other hand, a significant proportion of the population remains...
Inside IAG’s sustainability journey with Jonathon Counsell
Boasting more than 600 aircraft that fly to over 250 destinations, the International Airlines Group (IAG) manages some of Europe's best-known airlines, including British Airways, Iberia, and Vueling. But how can the group manage an effective sustainability strategy...
Small airport insight: How Salzburg is redeveloping for the future
Salzburg Airport has to make the most of its small footprint to manage 1.7 million annual passengers effectively. Nestled in the Austrian hills, the airport experiences peaks in the winter and summer as travellers come to enjoy the region's world-famous mountains and...
The key principles for effective AI adoption in aviation
Executing an effective AI strategy in an industry constructed on legacy systems is no small challenge. But as airlines and airports begin the complex modernisation process, robust frameworks will make all the difference. Kumar Paramasivam, Senior Vice President at...
Tech and innovation keep Dallas Fort Worth at the top
Handling 87 million passengers every year, Dallas Fort Worth International (DFW) is the third-busiest airport in the world. At the same time, for three consecutive years, Airports Council International (ACI) has recognised DFW as one of the best large airports in...
How CEO Vivian Cheung is planning for the future of Hong Kong International
Hong Kong International Airport is one of the world's most dynamic airports, bringing millions of people from over 200 destinations to APAC's leading business centre. Overseeing the cargo and commercial operations across Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) is Vivian...
Leading the digital strategy at Canada’s top low-cost airline
Flair Airlines is committed to connecting Canadians with destinations across North America at budget-friendly prices. And Juliana Ramirez, the carrier's Chief Digital Officer, knows her work is critical to keeping fares low while providing high levels of service. In...
Beyond the buzzword: How airlines can adopt AI effectively
Artificial intelligence (AI) was one of the biggest topics at World Aviation Festival 2025. But as the industry races to implement tech solutions, are we overlooking key business cases? In an exclusive interview, Manuel van Esch, Managing Director of zeroG - Lufthansa...
Heather Garboden explains American Airlines’ premium transformation
American Airlines is undergoing a transformation. To compete with Delta and United — and stand out from the low-cost market — the Dallas-based carrier has embarked on a radical new premiumisation strategy. Attracting higher-spending customers and elevating a nearly...
Meili: Building trust in car rental to drive ancillary airline revenue
Successfully pivoting to a frictionless Offer and Order retail ecosystem is now considered essential for airlines to boost ancillary revenue and encourage brand loyalty. Alongside hotels and insurance, car rental has been key to airlines' ancillary offerings. Yet...
Eddie Wilson on paperless boarding passes and Spain airport fees battle
In July 2025, United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby called Ryanair 'the only remaining successful LCC around the globe'. In 2024-25, the low-cost airline carried 200 million passengers for the first time, proof of its enduring popularity and strong growth plan. At World...
Inside Paul Griffiths’ plans for the new Dubai World Central airport
The biggest city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Dubai has transformed over the past twenty years into a major aviation connections hub, as well as a popular tourist destination in its own right. As a result, in 2024 Dubai International Airport (DXB) was the...
Nat Pieper on how oneworld is driving collaboration and growth
Serving more than 900 destinations across 170 territories, oneworld is one of the world's most expansive airline alliances. But how easy is it to drive harmony and consistency across 15 very different member airlines? In an exclusive interview at World Aviation...
How Allianz is using tech to transform travel insurance
As the popularity of travel rises, the global travel insurance market is forecast to double from 2025 to 2030 to a total market value of US$63.87 billion. But with a growing customer base comes changing expectations. At Aviation Festival Americas 2025, we sat down...
Ken Pyatt on Miami Airport’s $9bn investment strategy
2024 was the best year in Miami International Airport (MIA)'s history. Record passenger numbers — just under 56 million — passed through the Floridian airport, a 7% increase compared to 2023. However, at the beginning of 2025 the airport suddenly found itself facing a...
How can the aviation industry turn AI ambitions into reality?
Artificial intelligence (AI) has become the aviation's industry buzzword of the decade. Predictive analytics, chatbots, and biometrics are all hailed as the tools airlines and airports must have to optimise processes and manage ever-increasing volumes of passengers....
What is the greatest challenge aviation faces in the Americas?
From insufficient infrastructure to taxes, tariffs, and excessive regulation: across the Americas, the aviation industry faces complex obstacles to development. Lars Pottgiesser, Head of Business Development / Regional Vice President Office, The Americas at the...
Prasenjit Paul on how technology improves the passenger experience
Although built on legacy systems, the aviation industry must change rapidly if it is to keep pace with technological developments. The evolution is already underway, as predictive analytics, big data, and green innovations fundamentally change the way airlines and...
Louisville Muhammed Ali International Airport’s $1bn transformation
Since 2019, Louisville Muhammed Ali International Airport (SDF) in Kentucky, US, has experienced four of its five busiest years to date. To better manage rising passenger numbers, the airport decided to scale investment. Launched in 2019, the SDF Next Program will put...
The unique challenges and opportunities for airlines in the Caribbean
Thanks to its carnival culture, beautiful beaches, and temperate climate, the Caribbean has become a favourite holiday destination for travellers around the world. Demand for air travel between the Caribbean's 7,000 islands is fuelled further by their 44 million...
