Day 3 of the World Aviation Festival 2025 in Lisbon placed airports and passenger experience at the forefront, as global leaders discussed how technology, infrastructure, and customer-centric innovation will shape the future of air travel.

Growth and Transformation in Saudi Arabia

Steven Greenway, CEO of Saudi Arabia's low-cost carrier flyadeal, outlined the airline's rapid expansion. Founded in 2017 and now operating 42 aircraft, flyadeal expects capacity to grow by 42% next year. Domestic travel accounts for 75% of its capacity, while international expansion accelerates, including new flight approvals over Syrian airspace reducing flight times by up to 50 minutes. Flyadeal also supports religious pilgrimage through dedicated charter operations.

JFK Terminal One: Setting a New Standard

Lisa Reifer shared how JFK's Terminal One project is redefining US airport design, with innovations such as dynamic digital signage, advanced docking systems, and sustainability measures including solar panels and all-electric ground service equipment. Reifer stressed that collaboration was critical to achieving an inclusive, smart, and efficient terminal.

Customer Experience and Innovation

A panel featuring TAP Air Portugal, Star Alliance, IndiGo, Meta, and IBM examined customer-centric innovation. TAP's Sofia Lufinha stressed technology as a tool for listening to customers, while IndiGo's Neha Narain highlighted considerations for first-time flyers. Star Alliance's Ambar Franco showcased real-time bag tracking, and IBM's Dee Waddell emphasised connecting business-to-consumer and business-to-employee experiences. Meta's Bastian Schütz explored VR and immersive technologies reshaping travel from planning to in-flight entertainment.

Virtual Reality and the Future of Travel

VR and AI discussions examined immersive technologies transforming aviation. Meta envisions VR and smart glasses potentially replacing mobile devices, while IndiGo's virtual chatbot has evolved into a booking and revenue tool. TAP's "One Order" programme and WhatsApp concierge service demonstrate AI-human collaboration in personalised support, and IBM highlighted VR's potential in training, ATC operations, and cabin design.

Reinventing Flight Distribution

Stephane Pingaud (DerbySoft) and Siew Lee Tan (AirAsia Group) discussed how APIs and AI are reshaping airline sales, enabling growth, transparency, and flexibility. AirAsia sees AI and super apps as the next frontier, expanding services beyond flights into wider travel ecosystems.

Vueling Model: Opportunities and Challenges

Vueling CEO Carolina Martinoli addressed operational pressures, highlighting fleet renewal plans with 50 Boeing aircraft to replace its Airbus fleet from 2026. She emphasised agile disruption management and leveraging IAG group synergies.

CEOs from Vueling, flyadeal, and TravelX debated low-cost models, highlighting post-booking revenue, agile capacity management, and maximising perishable inventory. AI and predictive tools are expected to transform revenue management, with conversational interfaces becoming standard.

Daniel Boyle, General Manager of Transport at Terrapinn, reflected on the success of the event: "The calibre of speakers, depth of discussion, and energy across the event reflected the transformation and innovation shaping aviation today."

WORLD AVIATION FESTIVAL 2025 - DAY 3 HIGHLIGHTS INNOVATION IN AIRPORTS, AIRLINES, AND PASSENGER EXPERIENCE - World Airnews