Geneva – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has launched the Global Airport and Passenger Symposium (GAPS) Startup Innovation Awards – a competition to recognize pioneering ideas in the area of passenger experience from startup companies. The awards will be presented at the first GAPS taking place in Athens this October.

The competition seeks submissions in various passenger categories including personalization, wayfinding and baggage. The objective is to encourage ideas that leverage emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, augmented reality and blockchain.

"With the number of passengers set to double over the next two decades, everyone needs to think outside the box. The GAPS Startup Innovation Awards aim to foster the next big idea in passenger experience," said Nick Careen, IATA's Senior Vice President of Airport, Passenger, Cargo and Security.

Three award finalists will have the opportunity to present their submission at GAPS 2018. This is a unique platform to profile winning ideas, solutions, products or services while developing relationships with key industry stakeholders. The winner will be awarded a one-year membership to IATA's Strategic Partnership program.

A panel of industry experts will choose the winning submission based on its transformative potential for the passenger journey.

The closing date for entries is 28 July 2018. 

For more information, please contact:
Corporate Communications
Tel: +41 22 770 2967
Email: corpcomms@iata.org

Notes for Editors:

  • IATA (International Air Transport Association) represents some 280 airlines comprising 83% of global air traffic.
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