Passenger Experience Conference returns to shape modern passenger journey
Passenger Experience Conference 2024
The Passenger Experience Conference (PEC) returns to Hamburg Messe on Monday, April 7, 2025. The one-day event, a precursor to AIX and WTCE, will explore the main factors shaping the modern passenger journey.
PEC will serve as a vital meeting point for the brightest minds in the passenger experience industry. Representatives from airlines, including Air India, Vueling, and Jet2.com, will join forces with innovators like Recaro, Greenpoint Technologies, Panasonic Avionics and Diehl Aviation to explore the latest trends and challenges that will shape the passenger journey over the coming years. From a design perspective, studios like JPA Design, Tangerine, and PriestmanGoode will contribute their expertise, alongside technology providers such as Intelsat and SES.
This year’s program is focused on how best to deliver equitable, engaging and coherent travel experiences that meet the needs of all passengers, ensuring everyone is part of an inclusive process. These ideas will be explored across three interconnected streams, each offering a unique perspective on the passenger experience.
Dissecting the power of partnerships in creating seamless travel, the “Collaboration Initiatives” stream brings experts from across the aircraft interiors industry to explore the complexities and opportunities of connected-aviation journeys. Aviation experts WeiWei He and Geraint Edwards from Tangerine will be joined by Trenitalia to discuss the potential for growth between rail and aviation travel, providing a comparative analysis between the rail and aviation industries focusing on aspects such as comfort and spatial layout.
New electric craft for aviation and maritime will also be a focus during this stream, with Furqan, CEO, Sora Aviation, and Ben Orson, Founder, Orson Associates, sharing their visions for passenger-centric eVTOL aircraft. Focusing on Sora’s S-1 model, a 30-seat eVTOL bus designed for urban transit, they will discuss the advantages of a passenger-centric approach, featuring research conducted with the University of the Arts London on integrating these revolutionary aircraft into diverse user lifestyles. New innovations in mobility will also be addressed by Tamás Kolos-Lakatos, Director of Product Strategy at REGENT which is designing all-electric sea gliders with passenger experience at the core.
The "Engagement Initiatives" stream will focus on crafting truly desirable onboard experiences that enrich passengers’ time onboard rather than providing distractions. Neil Baptista, Managing Director, Icon Ventures, will delve into the art of experience-driven design, while a panel discussion featuring Neil Baptista and Amanda Mai Khuong-Duc, Head of Vision Hub, GHARAGE, and Andrew Mohr, Vice President Digital Solutions, Panasonic Avionics, will map out the future of passenger engagement.
The digital landscape will also be under scrutiny, with a roundtable exploring digital experience strategies for the 2030s, featuring contributions from industry experts like Andre Valera, Vice President Business Development, Conetic, and Aaron Goldberg, Director of Product Management, Intelsat. The stream will conclude with a session exploring how passenger feedback can be leveraged to drive ancillary revenue, led by Michael Raasch, CEO, Omnevo.
The "Transformation Initiatives" stream will showcase the projects and innovations driving change within the industry. A highlight of this stream will be a session dedicated to the evolution of passenger experience in India, featuring thought leaders from Air India, IndiGo and Adani Airport Holdings. The crucial topic of sustainability will be addressed by Matthew Nicholls, Vice President of Marketing, Perrone Performance Leather & Textiles, and other experts as they meet to showcase sustainable solutions for mass transportation. Progress on circularity in the cabin will be a key theme, with contributions from William McClintock, Manager, Consulting, IBA Group, and Nico den Ouden, Chief Innovation Officer, Gen Phoenix.
Under the Transformation initiatives banner, the conference will also investigate the critical issue of accessibility in air travel and next steps to delivering travel experiences that are designed from the ground up for everyone. This panel discussion, moderated by Christopher Wood MBE, Founder and Director, Flying Disabled, will feature Steve Wilson, Assisted Travel Manager, Jet2.com, Mary Doyle, Accessible Aviation Consultant and Inclusion Trainer, Rocket Girl Coaching and other prominent voices.
PEC attendees will have the opportunity to connect with senior airline executives, designers, engineers, specifiers, manufacturers and other key players in the passenger experience ecosystem. The conference will foster collaboration through interactive seminars, dedicated networking sessions and informal discussions, facilitating the exchange of ideas and best practices. Taking place the day before AIX and WTCE, PEC marks the start of a week dedicated to showcasing the latest advancements in aircraft interiors and passenger experience, providing attendees with a comprehensive overview of the trends and innovations shaping the future of air travel.
Following a day filled with insights, PEC will welcome delegates to the “Welcome Party” bringing together industry peers in a relaxed, sociable environment. Attendees can expect live music, cocktails and international cuisine. The party gets underway straight after the conference and is free to attend for all conference delegates, with AIX and WTCE visitors and exhibitors able to upgrade their badges to attend.
Archana Dharni, Event Director, Aircraft Interiors Expo, commented: “The aviation industry is on the brink of a new era, with passenger expectations, technological advancements, and environmental concerns converging to reshape the travel experience. PEC 2025 will provide a vital platform for industry leaders to navigate this evolving landscape, fostering dialogue and collaboration to define the future of the passenger experience. This year’s conference is designed to encourage attendees to address current challenges and unlock new opportunities for innovation and growth in the air travel sector.”
For more information and to register to attend Aircraft Interiors Expo, at no extra cost, visit https://www.aircraftinteriorsexpo.com/reg.
