Look out Long Beach, the International Flight Services Association (IFSA) EXPO is on its way!
Co-located with the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) EXPO and Future Travel Experience (FTE) Global, the onboard services industry will descend upon California on October 28-30 2024 for three days of networking, learning and inspiration.
Aiming to bring together ‘key industry leaders to drive partnerships, share insights, and explore cutting-edge technologies’, it is anticipated that more than 3,000 attendees with nearly 100 airlines are set to attend – putting the EXPO on track for a record-breaking year.
What’s new?
A few things have changed since last year’s edition of the EXPO. Visitors this year will be able to spend two-and-a-half days exploring the exhibition hall, as opposed to just two days in previous years. Furthermore, there will be a number of networking events on the show floor itself, making it easier than ever to mingle with suppliers.
Also new for 2024 is a Member Meeting Zone area, where attendees can gather to network and recharge.
This year IFSA will be celebrating its 50th Anniversary – so keep an eye out for the celebrations.
Thought leadership
For delegates eager to walk away from the show with some new-found knowledge, the IFSA Innovation Pavilion will provide an opportunity to learn from top executives. Expect sessions on how to drive sustainability efforts, boost ancillary revenues and use fashion and design to showcase brands, amongst others. Visitors can get even a ‘taste’ of the latest food trends with chef demonstrations.
The speaker line-up includes inflight experts, airline buyers, environmental and sustainability managers, textile producers and more.
See you there!
Our Technology & Retail Editor Stuart Forster will be in attendance, eager to discover new products and innovations on the show floor. Get in touch today to book a meeting and keep an eye out for us at the show. stuart.forster@bmipublishing.co.uk
Exhibitor preview
Bottega SpA
Beverage: Bottega SpA is a long-established family company producing wines, grappa, spirits and liqueurs and commitments to sustainability and quality. It will be showcasing an alcohol-free version of Limoncino liqueur, Limoncino 0.0, and the Premium Vintage Collection of Prosecco, a project that has been under development for 10 years.
Booth 349 – bottegaspa.com
Beemster
Food: At IFSA, Beemster will be presenting its ethically-farmed cheese and its Beemster Cheese Roll hot snack, made in collaboration with Smilde Bakery.
Booth 669 – beemstercheese.us
Marfo FMA
Catering: Pioneers in airline meal preparation, Marfo FMA provides tailor-made food concepts for all meal services, from snacks to dinner. The team creates menus and is committed to excellence and sustainability. With a focus on culinary creativity and customer satisfaction, Marfo FMA aims to elevate dining experiences.
Booth 780 – marfofma.com
ELAG
Sustainability: ELAG will be showcasing eco-friendly paper products for inflight hospitality, including a cutlery sleeve with an integrated napkin, a heat- and grease-resistant oven bag and paper cutlery.
Booth 673 – elaggroup.com
AMI Group
Broker: AMI Group will be showcasing trendsetting beverages, snacks and light bites and highlighting its services in sourcing, logistics, co-packing and menu design. The booth is complete with a bar, a range of cart stations with samples and a working vintage food truck. The AMI Group staff will be available in the booth for questions or to share a glass of bubbles with a warm welcome.
Booth 655 – amigrp.com
Intervine
Food & Beverage: Intervine supplies food and beverages including wine, ready-to-drink cocktails, spirits, beer, non-alcoholic drinks, canned water, coffee, teas, snacks, pre-cooked meals, tableware and amenity kit items. It offers an assortment of inclusive products, including allergen-free, kosher and vegetarian.
Intervine also offers outsourced wine programme management and supply chain services.
Booth 552 – intervineinc.com
Bunzl Distribution
Sustainability: Bunzl invites people to stop by its booth to see a variety of sustainable items for all inflight needs. It has 150+ locations in North America and locations in 33 countries.
Booth 553 – bunzldistribution.com (North America), bunzl.com (rest of the world)
LeVecke Wine & Spirits
Beverage: LeVecke produces premium wines and spirits. The newest ready-to-drink beverages from the company’s partnership with Cokes’ Red Tree Beverage and Minute Maid Spiked will be available to sample.
Booth 468 – levecke.com
DressBest Uniforms
Uniforms: DressBest will be showcasing its capabilities as leader in bespoke uniform design and production. With in-house design and three production facilities, DressBest creates high-end uniforms that blend brand identity with comfort and functionality. Supported by a global warehouse network, DressBest ensures reliable delivery and comprehensive after-sales support, making uniform programs long-term partnerships, not just transactions.
Booth 927 – dressbestuniforms.com
Mainline Aviation
Catering: Mainline Aviation is a newcomer to the airline catering and provisioning industry, and has been making significant strides over the past three years. The company has a passion for exceptional food and outstanding customer service. It will introduce partners, Mainline Foods and Pasta Mami, showcasing unique culinary specialties tailored specifically for airlines.
Booth 641 – mainlineaviation.com
ITW Envopak
Secruity: evident security seals and re-usable security bags for inflight operations to 75+ airline customers. ITW’s philosophy is to work with customers to develop solutions to their pain points and in doing so has created a range of products designed to meet the needs of the airline market.
Manufactured from 100% recycled polypropylene, the Uno Seal is used on more than 4,000 planes. Our unique Tenor Trio seal, designed to protect buy onboard carts and boxes, is currently in use on more than 1,250 low-cost carrier aircraft.
Booth 556 – itw-envopak.co.uk
OPTIMUM Catering Solutions
Catering: OPTIMUM Catering Solutions offers service worldwide. It has launched in the US with the goal of becoming a one-stop shop catering solution and will be introducing its US team and showcasing on-trend products. They range from fresh and frozen goods to IATA special meals, ambient meals and shelf-stable options. They include buy-on-board items, snacks, desserts and baked goods like muffins and cookies.
Booths 341-347 – optimumcateringsolutions.com
John Horsfall
Textiles: John Horsfall will be showcasing their innovative onboard textiles and exploring the role of design; to promote sustainability and enhance brand perception. Their premium bedding collections include custom-woven duvets, stowage-friendly mattresses and Re-Thread recycled fillings. Table linens inspired by hospitality and homeware trends highlight natural fibres and crafted textures. With a focus on longevity and sustainability, the collection has something for every cabin’s price-point.
John Horsfall believe that great design can enhance the passenger experience in every cabin. Their selection of Economy blankets includes custom-weaves, printed fleeces and innovative knits with a fashion-forward aesthetic.
Booth 649 – johnhorsfall.com
Bluetriton Brands
Beverage: Bluetriton Brands produces Pure Life water, which is served on American Airlines, Delta and JetBlue.
Booth 467 – bluetriton.com
Flying Food Group
Catering: Flying Food Group (FFG) is a privately owned provider of exceptional meals for the world’s premier airlines and leading retail brands. Based in the US, FFG was founded in 1983 by entrepreneur Sue Gin, whose mission was to provide top quality products backed by exceptional customer service. Building on Sue’s legacy, FFG continues the company’s expansion and steady growth, consistently earning awards and the enduring loyalty of customers. Its network of facilities and collaborative corporate structure delivers rapid responses to the needs of customers. FFG collaborates with each valued customer to address their evolving needs.
Booth 470 – flyingfood.com
Michael J. Devine & Associates
Beverage: MJDA is a provider of wine and spirits solutions for cruise lines, global airlines and duty-free. Along with a diverse range and ever-expanding selection of wines, the company will be sharing news about its unique and innovative programmes.
Booth 734 – mjda.com
Versapak International
Security: Versapak will showcase a range of new products, including an innovative thermal bag, designed to maintain the temperature of sensitive items, ensuring freshness and safety. It will alse be introducing new pull seals and padlock seals that provide enhanced security and tamper evidence. The company’s new void labels offer improved visual indicators of unauthorised access, ideal for securing sensitive goods.
Booth 348 – versapak.co.uk
Korita Aviation
Trolleys: Korita Aviation manufactures aviation and rail catering equipment and is an Airbus-approved supplier. It will showcase its galley products, including its range of super lightweight equipment that combine lightweight construction with the durability and reliability.
Booth 439 – directaviation.aero/korita
Kaelis
Amenities/Serviceware: Kaelis will unveil EcoVoyage, a revolutionary travel concept that merges sustainability with luxury. EcoVoyage redefines the in-flight experience through eco-friendly materials and cultural immersion. Products such as bespoke amenity kits, dining crockery and comfort items reflect global artistry and a commitment to reducing environmental impact. Passengers will also engage with educational content promoting sustainability and recycling. Highlighted products include Air India’s cultural quilts, Turkish Airlines’ nostalgic amenity kits and Aircalin’s eco-friendly children’s toys – all designed to foster conscious, responsible travel. Booth 465 – kaelis.world
Undercover Snacks
Food: Undercover Snacks will be showcasing its 3oz bags as well as its individually-wrapped 0.5oz Chocolate Quinoa Crisps which are currently served as a complimentary snack onboard United Airlines. Made with simple, better-for-you ingredients, Undercover’s crispy treats are lightly covered in premium chocolate, gluten-free, allergy-friendly, and offer a delicious, permissible indulgence. They are a guilt-free and appeal to a wide range of travellers.
Booth 740 – undercoversnacks.com
Incorporatewear
Uniforms: Incorporatewear is a leading bespoke uniform and workwear supplier that specialises in bringing brands to life through the design, manufacture and roll-out of branded corporate uniforms as a managed service. It operates across a range of industries, including airlines, retail, travel, events, hospitality and banking. It will be showcasing its range of men and women’s cabin crew uniforms, designed specifically for Virgin Atlantic.
Booth 931 – incorporatewear.co.uk
Delyse
Food: Delyse, Inc. has been a preferred supplier of trendy, natural and organic products to the commercial transportation and retail industries in the US for over 25 years.
Booth 249 – delyse.com
Paxia
Software: Paxia Cloud is a next-generation catering management platform that empowers companies to manage and control onboard services while simplifying the complexities of catering management. It is an integrated, end-to-end platform with modular applications that can tackle catering management operational needs. Paxia Cloud supports all sizes of airlines and catering-related roles with tailored configurations.
Booth 642 – paxiasolutions.com
Sola Airline Cutlery B.V. – The Netherlands
Serviceware: Sola is known for designing and manufacturing the latest cutlery options which will be showcased at booth 645 along with its new product range of oven racks and inserts.
These designs can be starting points for a brand new design or give inspiration for new table settings. Sola will transform that into an end-product that is functional, stylish and affordable.
Booth 645 – sola-cutlery.com/airlines
