What is your team’s role at Icelandair?
Since we are a smaller airline, our team handles a lot of different projects. We have both domestic and international flights. The Onboard Services and Procurement team takes care of the service onboard and procurement of all items that are not stuck to the aircraft.
Why do you attend WTCE?
It helps us to build a wider industry network, explore new ideas and learn about the latest innovations in the sector. it would take months of planning and execution to conduct the same amount of meetings and be exposed to the same amount of innovation and new ideas.
Sometimes you can get stuck in existing ways of thinking and doing things, so WTCE is a great platform to see if there is something brand new out there that could work for us.
WTCE definitely helps us to meet our objectives. We always see something new, something innovative. Even though I’ve only visited WTCE twice, there was such a big difference between both years. There’s always something happening and the suppliers want to show you something fresh every year.
For me, speaking at The Taste of Travel Theatre was particularly helpful. So many people stopped me after the panel sessions and exchanged contact details.
What do you learn from attending the show?
It’s good to see what other airlines are doing, because we are afraid to take the first step. We don’t want to be the first one doing something.
Now we share knowledge quite a lot as there’s no reason for us to invent the same thing. Most of us try to share as much knowledge as we can. It’s to all our benefit that we do better – when it comes to sustainability, for example.
Working for an airline, there are complications that other industries may not fully understand. WTCE provides an excellent environment to learn directly from experts and listen to panel discussions, as well as meet other people in your field and suppliers. It’s a great knowledge-sharing platform.
Has attending WTCE directly led to any partnerships?
Yes, it has given us some key supplier contacts. After conducting a short meeting at WTCE 2024, we began working with Haoliwen, which is currently designing a new headset for children onboard. These products are expected to be onboard next spring, as free giveaways to all children on board. We were also introduced to English sparkling wine in a can at WTCE from Inflight Initiatives, which has become a big hit in our Buy-on-Board program.
Do you have any advice for airlines interested in attending WTCE?
The first time I attended WTCE my schedule was packed. I was running between meetings and had no time for anything. Whereas this year, I tried to make sure I had some free time slots to walk around, take it all in and see what’s new. Maybe there are suppliers that you didn’t spot on the WTCE Connect app or that you have no idea exist?
You also need to take the time to walk around and see the smaller booths. With so many booths and companies there, it was very helpful to walk around and take it all in. It’s worth stopping at some booths for two minutes to see what they’re offering.
Another top tip is to use the WTCE Connect tool to get in touch with suppliers. The platform helped us to discover more products and services offered by suppliers, beyond what we initially knew.
WTCE will take place at Hamburg Messe from 8-10 April 2025.
To register, head to worldtravelcateringexpo.com
