This year’s WTCE welcomed more than 4,500 attendees, including 165+ individual airlines such as Qantas, Etihad, Air France, British Airways, KLM, and American Airlines.
WTCE organisers say they also saw a 3.6% increase in VIP professional attendance, with over 1,600 senior decision-makers attending. Simone Walli, Culinary Art and F&B Onboard Concepts for Austrian Airlines commented: “It’s been a fantastic opportunity to be back meeting with suppliers and caterers, networking effectively, and discovering new possibilities, especially for our work in Austria as we redesign our F&B online experience and seek out new innovations across the board. WTCE 2025 has been truly successful, amazing, and is a must-go-to.”
The exhibition floor had almost 300 exhibitors showcasing food and drink, technology, amenities and tableware and featured renowned catering companies such as dnata, En Route International, Frankenberg, SATS Catering, Flying Food Group, Around Noon, Foodcase International, and Cuisine Solutions.
Beverage suppliers including Diageo Global Travel, Bottega Spa, Castello Monte Vibiano, Inflight Initiatives, and Maison Sichel showcased their premium selections, highlighting the importance of a well-rounded beverage programme in enhancing the passenger journey. No and low alcohol options were also showcased to ensure all beverage preferences can be met with flavour and style.
Shona Thomson, Event Manager of WTCE commented: “All types of passengers are now being considered, and there’s a real look into the people who are going on planes, trains, and cruises to travel. All preferences and needs are being catered towards allergens to disabilities, as well as making the journey more sustainable. This was wholeheartedly reflected at WTCE as we saw a clear commitment from the companies exhibiting and the positive plans of the airlines – who attended in full force – that the passenger experience is only getting better and better.”
Amenity and tableware companies such as Linstol, Buzz Products, Formia, Kaelis, Kimirica Hunter, Clip, and Bayart Innovations presented innovative solutions aimed at elevating the passenger experience through thoughtful design and high-quality products.
In the dedicated New Exhibitor Village had over 30 new companies eager to introduce fresh perspectives and innovative offerings and included new brands such as France Macaron and The Mallows.
WTCE introduced the Tech Trail at this year’s event. It spotlights cutting-edge technological advancements from companies such as Unisto, Omnevo, SkyTender, and Tourvest Retail Services.
The Wellbeing Walk-Through featured exhibitors such as WESSCO International, Procurall Solutions, 4700BC Gourmet Snacks, Nairn’s Oatcakes, and Whittard of Chelsea, and the Steps to Sustainability trail provided a practical guide to environmentally conscious solutions, featuring exhibitors like Callington, Valrhona Selection, and Bottega Spa.
Thomson said: “WTCE 2025 brilliantly demonstrated the dynamic ecosystem that shapes the passenger journey, emphasising the critical need for a collaborative and future-oriented supply chain. We appreciate all the experienced catering companies, exciting food and beverage brands, passenger-enhancing amenity suppliers, transformative technology providers, and the visionary airlines who attended this year. We hope to see you again in 2026!”
