The future of air travel will be the theme centre of this year’s Passenger Experience Conference (PEC), which returns to Hamburg Messe on Monday, 7th April 2025. The one-day event, taking place the day before Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) and World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo (WTCE), will see a range of industry experts explore the main factors shaping the modern passenger journey.
The day is designed to foster collaboration through interactive seminars, dedicated networking sessions, and informal discussions, facilitating the exchange of ideas, knowledge and best practices between a diverse audience of industry stakeholders. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with senior airline executives, designers, engineers, specifiers, manufacturers, and other key players in the passenger experience ecosystem.
Representatives from airlines including Air India, Vueling and Jet2.com, are due to converge with industry innovators such as Recaro, Greenpoint Technologies, Panasonic Avionics and Diehl Aviation at the PEC to discuss the 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 also contribute their expertise, alongside technology providers such as Intelsat and SES.
Part of this year’s PEC programme is focused on how best to deliver quality 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 passenger experience.
Stream 1: Collaboration Initiatives
The Collaboration Initiatives conference stream will look at the power of partnerships to create seamless travel experiences, with experts from across the aircraft interiors industry exploring 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 greater collaboration between rail and air 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 of Sora Aviation, and Ben Orson, founder of Orson Associates, sharing their visions for passenger-centric eVTOL aircraft. Focusing on Sora’s S-1 aircraft, a 30-seat eVTOL ‘bus’ designed for urban transit, Furqan and Orson will discuss the advantages of a passenger-centric approach, featuring research conducted with the University of the Arts London on integrating these 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 an enjoyable passenger experience.
Stream 2: Engagement Initiatives
The Engagement Initiatives conference stream will focus on crafting onboard experiences that enrich passengers’ time onboard rather than simply providing distractions. Neil Baptista, managing director of 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 the vision hub at Gharage, and Andrew Mohr, vice president of digital solutions at Panasonic Avionics, will map out the future of passenger engagement.
The digital landscape will also be discussed, with a roundtable of experts exploring digital experience strategies for the 2030s. The experts will include Andre Valera, VP of business development at Conetic, and Aaron Goldberg, director of product management at Intelsat. The stream will conclude with a session exploring how passenger feedback can be leveraged to drive ancillary revenue, led by Michael Raasch, CEO of Omnevo.
Stream 3: Transformation Initiatives
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 topic of sustainability will be addressed by experts including Matthew Nicholls, VP of marketing at Perrone Performance Leather & Textiles, as they discuss sustainable solutions for mass transportation. Progress on circularity in the cabin will be a key theme, with contributions from William McClintock, manager of consulting ay IBA Group, and Nico den Ouden, chief innovation officer at Gen Phoenix.
The Transformation Initiatives stream will also investigate the issue of accessibility in air travel and the next steps that can be taken to deliver travel experiences that are designed from the ground up for everyone, including disabled customers.
This panel discussion, moderated by Christopher Wood, founder and director of Flying Disabled, will feature Steve Wilson, assisted travel manager at Jet2.com, Mary Doyle, accessible aviation consultant and inclusion trainer at Rocket Girl Coaching, and other prominent voices in accessibility.
Ready for a little more mixing?
Following a busy day at PEC, delegates can attend the Welcome Party in Hamburg Messe, which brings 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, while AIX and WTCE visitors and exhibitors can upgrade their badge to attend.
Archana Dharni, event director of 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 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 Passenger Experience Conference, visit: www.passengerexperienceconference.com/reg
For more information and to register to attend Aircraft Interiors Expo, at no extra cost, visit: https://www.aircraftinteriorsexpo.com/reg
