APEX/IFSA unveils 2026 awards finalists
The Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) and International Flight Service Association (IFSA) have revealed the finalists for the 2026 APEX/IFSA Awards. The awards will take place in Long Beach, California, on September 11, closing the 2025 edition of co-located APEX and IFSA Global EXPOs.
PAX on the judging panel
This year, PAX International and PAX Tech Managing Editor, Jane Hobson, returns to the panel of esteemed judges to determine the winners.
"I am honored to be joining this panel of judges and look forward to recognizing and celebrating the latest innovations and services that are shaping the future of the passenger experience," says Hobson.
The 2026 finalists are:
APEX Innovation Award for Best Inflight Connectivity
Air Canada
AirFi
United Airlines
APEX Innovation Award for Best Inflight Entertainment
Emirates & Thales
FlightPath3D
uTalk Language Learning
APEX/IFSA Innovation Award for Best Cabin
ANA (All Nippon Airways)
DKA Aerospace
LATAM Airlines
IFSA Best Inflight Food or Beverage
Air Canada
ANA (All Nippon Airways)
Fiji Airways
IFSA Best Inflight Onboard Amenity
Aeromexico
Delta Air Lines
Qatar Airways (Kaelis)
APEX and IFSA will recognize specific achievements that were successfully implemented in the past year during the APEX/IFSA Awards Ceremony on Thursday, September 11 in Long Beach, California. The industry's best-of-the-best will be awarded with the 2026 APEX/IFSA Awards, APEX Five Star™ and Four Star™ Airline Awards, APEX Best™ in Airline Awards and more.
APEX/IFSA has also announced that aviation blogger Sam Chui will be the Master of Ceremonies for the awards ceremony.
“With his deep knowledge of the aviation and travel industry, coupled with his dynamic presence, Sam is sure to bring energy and excitement to this prestigious event,” the association said.
Registration is required for the APEX/IFSA Awards reception and ceremony.
The CEO Lifetime Achievement Award recipient
United Airlines’ Chief Executive Officer Scott Kirby will receive the CEO Lifetime Achievement Award on Thursday, September 11 at the APEX/IFSA Awards Ceremony at APEX/IFSA Global EXPO. This award honors industry leaders who have dedicated their lives to the enhancement of the passenger experience and advancing the industry. This award is reserved only for individuals that have driven transformative change for the industry.
PAX International and PAX Tech will be on-site as media partners for APEX/IFSA Global EXPO 2025, providing live coverage. Stay tuned for updates on the winners next month!
APEX/IFSA Awards finalists for 2026
