The Future Travel Experience (FTE) Americas Innovative Awards ceremony was held in Long Beach, California, Oct. 28-30, 2024. These landmark awards are the aviation industry’s definitive innovation platform. Airlines and airports compete head-to-head with their peers in multiple categories, including “Most Innovative Airline Initiative” and “Most Innovative Airport Initiative.”
The award for “Most Innovative Airline Initiative” was granted to Alaska Airlines for its pitch on the carrier’s world-first generative AI flight search tool, Alaska Inspires. Drawing from Alaska Airlines’ customer data, destination recommendations are synthesized and hyper-personalized.
According to a news release from FTE, Alaska Inspires is also driving new revenue, with email campaigns promoting the tool generating $1 million in revenue within one month. “Alaska Airlines is moving ahead to the Proactive Era of AI, developing guest-facing AI-powered tools,”the statement reads. “As the first airline to launch a Gen AI flight search tool, Alaska Airlines sets itself apart in the industry, signaling a commitment to providing experiences that are truly tailored to its guests.”
The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) was awarded the “Most Innovative Airport Initiative” honor for its unique in-house innovation lab and custom hardware solutions. MWAA’s in-house innovation lab creates custom sensors and other electronics tailored to its airports’ specific needs.
“MWAA focuses on rapid prototyping, hands-on testing, and real-world application, with a priority on low-cost development with big returns in terms of operational efficiency, customer experience, and commercial performance,” explains the news release. “The innovation lab puts the power to solve problems back in the operators’ hands.” futuretravelexperience.com
Main Image Credit: Adobe/Andrew Bluestein/Wirestock Creators
