The air transport industry’s digital transformation and innovation network
Launched by Future Travel Experience (FTE) in 2018, the FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub is a truly unique community designed specifically for the individuals and organisations who are at the forefront of digital transformation and innovation in the aviation industry. Our Corporate Partners – including many of the industry’s most forward-thinking airlines, airports and vendors – connect on a regular basis throughout the year and the FTE Hub is where meaningful relationships are forged, and learnings, ideas and case studies are continually shared.
The FTE Hub continues to grow at pace thanks to our increased focus on Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and the Internet of Things, as well as a community-focused approach which promotes sharing, learning and networking among all members.
Our Corporate Partners openly share their expertise and experiences, discover new partners, hear inspiration from inside and outside of the sector, explore opportunities to collaborate, and deliver positive change. They also have access to hundreds of approved startup members, each of which has products and services specifically designed to help advance the aviation industry.
What makes the Hub unique?
Digital Transformation | Innovation | Startup Engagement
Become a Corporate Partner
Our Corporate Partners have a unique platform to engage with fellow innovators from airlines, airports, vendors and startups from around the world, through online and in-person events and activities.
- Access to exclusive FTE Hub video calls, focusing on innovation and digital transformation, including AI, robotics and IoT
- Access to in-person FTE Hub activities, including members-only meetings, startup pitch sessions and innovation tours
- Access to online directory of hundreds of high-potential startup members
- Access to online archive of previous video calls and meetings
- Free delegate passes for FTE’s acclaimed conferences and expos
- Bi-monthly members-only e-newsletter
Become a Startup Member (FREE)
Our approved startup members can showcase their company to our Corporate Partners, including some of the world’s most pioneering airlines and airports. Membership is free for startups.
- Free profile on the FTE Startup Hub online startup database, which is used by our Corporate Partners to discover new startup partners
- Opportunities to pitch to our Corporate Partners at members-only events
- Free entry to FTE’s startup competitions
- Discounted pricing to attend or exhibit at FTE’s acclaimed conferences and expos
Our Corporate Partners Include:
THEMES FOR 2025:
There can be no doubting the huge potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics and the Internet of Things (IoT) and the wide-reaching impacts these technologies will have on the aviation industry in the months and years ahead. From optimising operations and enhancing efficiency to taking the customer experience to a new level, each of these technologies will be truly transformational for airports, airlines and their partners. This is why AI, Robotics and IoT are our core areas of focus this year, with sub-topics such as connectivity, automation, cybersecurity, privacy, data and efficiency also featuring prominently in the members-only meetings.
Endorsements from our Corporate Partners
Kevin Kleist, Head of Emerging Trends, Southwest Airlines
Being a Corporate Partner of the FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub is an opportunity for Southwest Airlines to engage with the industry and learn from others. It provides invaluable access to a diverse network of startups and industry innovators, fostering collaboration among members and startups. Engaging with startups injects fresh perspectives, agility and innovative ideas, essential for staying competitive and driving sustainable growth in the dynamic aviation landscape.
Paul Puopolo, Executive Vice President of Innovation, DFW Airport
DFW has joined the FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub because we value the community-centric approach and emphasis on collaboration, as well as the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with, learn from and share experiences with like-minded airports, airlines and other key innovators. It’s clear that the Future Travel Experience team has built a comprehensive schedule of FTE Hub activities, which – alongside the themes of Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and Internet of Things – are very much aligned with our own focus on innovation and digital transformation.
Harvey Tate, Human API – Digital Transformation, International Airlines Group (IAG)
A lot of the time, airlines, airports and suppliers are all trying to solve the same problems and issues. The FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub is a great way to come together and learn from each other’s experiences and to get a new perspective. I love the way FTE moves at pace with a constant drumbeat of community engagement. There is energy and passion and no bureaucracy!
Claus Grunow, VP Corporate Strategy & Digitalization, Fraport
We love the way that Future Travel Experience is fostering collaboration and we are looking forward to being part of that. One of our key objectives in joining the FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub is to achieve more interaction within the industry ecosystem and find the best players in the world to solve strategic challenges together, so it’s a perfect time to participate. We have been collaborating with startups for the last 4-5 years and have launched some 50 startup projects, so we are really looking to work in that innovation space and collaborate intensively.
Alice Tosti, Acceleration Program & Open Innovation Specialist, Aeroporti di Roma
We value the opportunity to be part of the FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub, characterised by an innovative approach, aiming to bring together all partners and prospects. Given that many of us are engaged in similar needs and challenges, and certain technologies require collaboration across multiple touchpoints, so the FTE Hub plays a crucial role in successfully fulfilling the need for collaboration and driving positive change.
Doug Wycoff, Director Digital Technologies & Innovation, Tampa International Airport
Being a part of the FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub has been key for Tampa International Airport on several different fronts. The Hub provides great insights into where the industry is headed, as well as providing a chance to partner with sources of potential solutions. We feel our participation has been invaluable since the beginning, and always look forward to the next round of ideas.
THE THREE PILLARS OF THE FTE HUB ARE:
Digital
Embracing digital transformation to revolutionise operational efficiency, enhance the customer experience, and future-proof the industry
Innovation
Embracing meaningful innovation to drive positive change internally and externally
Startup
Embracing the startup scene and enabling collaboration with early-stage, high-potential companies
