The annual APEX/IFSA awards ceremony took place yesterday in Long Beach, California, hosted by the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) and the International Flight Services Association (IFSA).
The event recognises the outstanding contributions to passenger experience by member airlines and celebrates individuals, airlines and aviation suppliers at the top of the industry. The many recognitions and honours this year included Air France-KLM Group CEO Benjamin Smith receiving the APEX CEO Lifetime Achievement Awards and SVP of Non-Theatrical Sales at Paramount Pictures, Joan Filippini, receiving the APEX Lifetime Achievement Award.
The APEX/IFSA Awards also celebrate the new achievements and initiatives that have been successfully implemented in the past year. The winners included JSX – Innovation Award for Best Inflight Connectivity, Lufthansa – Innovation Award for Best Inflight Entertainment, Qatar Airways – Innovation Award for Best Cabin, Virgin Atlantic – Best Inflight Food or Beverage, and Delta Air Lines with Formia – Best Onboard Amenity.
In addition, the event featured a special Crystal Cabin Award Association award, with Thales being recognised by the association during the ceremony for its suite of IFE accessibility solutions. “We’re thrilled to receive our fourth Crystal Cabin Award in a row. All of us at Thales are extremely proud of this milestone. It is a recognition of our commitment to innovation and our ambition to create a more inclusive and enjoyable inflight entertainment experience for all,” said Tudy Bedou, Chief Technology Officer of Thales Inflyt Experience. “We welcome everybody to the future of inclusive flying.”
You can find out more about the award winners on the APEX website here.