FTE Global 2026 sees growth in Dallas
This is a special feature from the October 2026 MRO Europe issue of PAX Tech, on page 33.
The ribbon cutting marked the official show floor opening, which coincided with a networking break and a light breakfast, allowing visitors to connect with exhibitors and speak with fellow attendees before a full day of inspiring conference sessions and business meetings at FTE Global 2026
FTE Global made a move to Dallas, Texas, last month for its 20th anniversary edition of the event regarded as “the CES for aviation." For this landmark edition, FTE Global brought aviation professionals together under the theme “Transforming Travel Together,” highlighting the industry’s growing recognition that the biggest opportunities come from collaboration across airlines, airports, technology partners, government agencies and innovators throughout the aviation ecosystem.
Attendees saw a major focus on AI, automation, digital transformation, CX, sustainability, future mobility, alongside passenger experience and next-generation journeys.
Trending topics
Collaboration and achieving quality engagement between airlines, airports and suppliers to smooth the path to more effective implementations of new technologies were among the key themes that emerged during this year’s event.
As Max Gosney, Managing Director, Future Travel Experience tells PAX Tech, “With the huge projected growth in passenger volumes by the 2040s, we are all going to have to prepare our operations to be able to do more and to do it safely, efficiently and in a way that adds value to the traveling public.”
Max Gosney, Managing Director, Future Travel Experience
Gosney adds that AI was never far from the conversation across all of these facets and remains the dominant technology on the minds of aviation leaders.
Landing in Las Vegas
Gosney says the move to Dallas was a big hit among attendees.
“Our airport, airline and overall attendance numbers grew by more than 40 percent from last year,” he says. “People loved the feel of the Lone Star State and the chance to experience Texan culture and cuisine.”
Gosney also notes an increase in number of exhibitors, with 80 booths on the show floor.
FTE has informed PAX Tech that next year’s FTE Global will take place in Las Vegas, Nevada, co-located with IFSA Global EXPO, at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino from September 7 to 9.
Discussion panel for "The Checkpoint Has Changed: Horizon 25, Public-Private Partnerships and the Future of Airport Security" at FTE Global in Dallas
“Las Vegas is an attractive, well-connected location offering world-class conference facilities and some brilliant restaurants and entertainment venues for networking,” he says. “We will retain and build upon the definite buzz we saw on the show floor in Dallas.”
Pioneering excellence
The networking and welcome reception for IFSA Global EXPO and FTE Global in Dallas was the backdrop for the FTE Global Pioneer Awards ceremony, sponsored by Assaia, recognizing the world’s most innovative projects across airport and airline organizations.
From left to right: FTE Global panel "Physical AI, smart environments and the future of travel" at the 2026 event in Dallas, Texas, USA
Thirty airlines and airports were shortlisted, with three airports and three airlines taking home FTE Global Pioneer Awards trophies at the event: International Airlines Group (IAG); All Nippon Airways (ANA); Turkish Airlines; Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW); Munich Airport (MUC); and Japan Airport Terminal Co Ltd.
PAX Tech Managing Editor Jane Hobson presented the 2026 FTE Global Pioneer Award to Turkish Airlines at the event.
“As a long-time partner of FTE, it was a huge honor to participate in this event that recognizes the pioneering airports and airlines in our industry,” says Hobson.
“As a brand, we serve the world’s most forward-thinking airports and airlines and these awards are about showcasing the real tip of the spear in terms of industry trailblazers pushing the boundaries with new technologies that enhance the passenger journey,” says Gosney.
Next stop, Singapore
Next month, APEX FTE EXPO will take center stage, bringing more than 2,000 industry participants to the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore from November 18 to 19.
Gosney says he looks forward to the continuing conversations.
“We heard so much conversation about the AI agenda in Dallas. That will carry through to APEX FTE EXPO where the show's mission is to shine a light on real world implementations that add to the bottom line. There will be a big focus on AI and how to cut through the hype to see it generate a tangible ROI for your aviation operation,” he concludes.
