Aena, Alaska Airlines, VIE, GRR, and more discuss innovation - Future Travel Experience

Five industry leaders from major aviation organizations share their innovation strategies and "pilot stories" ahead of the FTE Global 2025 conference in Long Beach, California. The article covers key insights on structured innovation approaches, collaborative partnerships, and emerging technology implementations.

Aviation innovation experts emphasize the importance of systematic processes, real-world testing environments, and cross-functional collaboration to drive meaningful change in airport and airline operations. Their approaches range from Aena's innovation funnel system to Alaska Airlines' process-focused methodology, highlighting diverse but effective strategies for managing technological advancement in the highly regulated aviation sector.

• Aena uses an innovation funnel channeling proposals through strategic filtering and proof-of-concept phases with minimal resources
• Alaska Airlines focuses on building, refining, and trusting structured processes while ensuring alignment with long-term vision
• Vienna Airport operates through a virtual Digital InnoVIEation Hub with decentralized execution and executive buy-in for priority technologies
• Gerald R. Ford International Airport supports startups through FLITE program, providing grant funding and live airport testing environments for emerging solutions