APEX/IFSA Global Expo: award winners announced | Airlines

The prestigious APEX/IFSA Awards took place on Wednesday evening 20 September in Long Beach, California as part of the annual expo arranged by the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) and the International Flight Services Association (IFSA).

The awards, which celebrate excellence in passenger experience and onboard products and services, is an event not to be missed by the aviation industry and Inflight Editor Satu Dahl was delighted to once again be part of the judging panel.

APEX/IFSA CEO Dr. Joe Leader commented on the night: “Tonight, we didn’t just celebrate the relentless drive and dedication of the airline industry’s finest, we hailed the audacious visionaries who have unequivocally redefined the future of air travel and the passenger journey.

“These are not just airlines and leading suppliers, they are titans and trailblazers who, in the face of unprecedented challenges, have not just adapted but have revolutionised the way we soar the skies. They have channelled colossal investments into game-changing technologies and groundbreaking sustainable practices. Backed by the roaring applause of over a million passengers’ votes, we don’t just recognise these leaders of aviation, all of us at APEX and IFSA salute their indomitable spirit.”

People and companies recognised during the awards ceremony included Qatar Airways Group CEO H.E. Akbar Al Baker who won the APEX CEO Lifetime Achievement Award for his relentless pursuit of excellence, elevating the experience for Qatar Airways passengers and setting a gold standard that has rippled across the entire airline industry.

The airlines that received the 2024 APEX World Class award included Emirates, Japan Airlines, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Qatar Airways, SAUDIA, Singapore Airlines, Turkish Airlines and Xiamen Airlines.

APEX Best in Airline Awards acknowledged airlines that provide the best passenger experiences in Cabin Service, Entertainment, Food & Beverage, Seat Comfort & Wi-Fi as voted on…

We use income earning auto affiliate links. More on Sponsored links.

Several ways to buy cheap airline tickets.
- Start searching at least 2 months in advance and sign up for email alerts so you'll always be notified when flight prices drop.
- Budget airlines typically offer the cheapest flights.
- Save money by taking your flight early in the morning or late at night.
- Consider flying on a weekday instead of a weekend.
- Use an aggregator site to compare prices across airlines.
- Once you have found the best trip, select it on the aggregator site and move to the airline’s direct website to book your tickets. Some aggregators allow you to book the ticket through their website, but there may be an additional service fee.