IFSA Global EXPO is entering a new era marked by its relocation to Dallas, Texas, USA this year, running from September 8 to 10. “This move allows us to create an experience that is even more tailored to the onboard services community,” Lauren Costello, Executive Director of International Flight Services Association (IFSA), tells PAX International. At the time of writing, representatives from 50 airlines are registered to walk the joint IFSA and Future Travel Experience (FTE) show floors, and 75 exhibitors across 250 booths are confirmed, making this year’s event larger than last year’s in Long Beach, California.

After more than 50 years at the helm of Stellar Entertainment, Founders Rob and Helen Lynch have transferred ownership of the company to Chief Executive Officer Sam Allen, Chief Financial Officer Annie Zhong and Chief Operating Officer Daniel Jacobs (DJ), completing a carefully planned succession. In their respective executive roles, Allen, Zhong and Jacobs have led Stellar’s growth in recent years, expanding its global airline partnerships while continuing to invest in technology and innovation. Under their leadership, Stellar will continue as an independent business, focused on delivering exceptional inflight entertainment experiences to airlines around the world, the August 31 press release said. 

As the worlds of sports, culture and lifestyle become increasingly interconnected, airlines are rethinking partnerships and onboard experience to create deeper emotional connections with passengers. PAX International caught up with FORMIA to learn more about how amenity kits can turn a moment of passion into long-term brand affinity. “Airlines are increasingly using partnerships to connect with the cultural moments and passions that matter most to their passengers, bringing those stories into the travel experience in new and meaningful ways,” says Roland Grohmann, CEO & Managing Partner, FORMIA.

Viasat’s new ultra-high-capacity ViaSat-3 F3 satellite has entered service, making capacity available for its government, maritime, and airline customers operating in Asia-Pacific, including Delta Air Lines and Qantas. Expected to deliver more than one terabit per second of throughput, the satellite has been hotly anticipated by airlines for years, as it plugs a key gap in Viasat’s near-global, three-satellite ViaSat-3 constellation, and enables them to offer gate-to-gate service, including over Asia-Pacific. Download speeds are expected to be north of 100 Mbps.

Lisbon-based euroAtlantic Airways is not necessarily a household name, nor does it feature prominently in the public imagination. However, for more than three decades, the carrier has been a prominent player in the European charter and ACMI scene. These companies provide aircraft, complete with crew, maintenance, and insurance, to airlines and operators which need capacity on demand, and often at short notice, in order to fulfill their commercial and operational commitments. 

While final journey from the catering kitchen to the aircraft is often invisible to passengers, this last mile is critical to an airline’s overall service delivery. Every meal, beverage, service item and piece of onboard equipment must arrive at the correct aircraft, in the correct quantity and specification within a very narrow operating window. gategroup’s Chris Kinsella, Regional Chief Commercial Officer North America, gategroup, tells PAX International that success in the final stage directly impacts an airline’s on-time performance, operational reliability and ability to consistently deliver the onboard experience promised to passengers.

As airlines intensify efforts to enhance the single-use materials in onboard services, Global Inflight Products (GIP) is continuing to upgrade the plant fiber casserole it introduced three years ago. The sturdy casserole supports a more sustainable inflight meal service. Made from 100 percent renewable plant fibers, the casserole is oven-safe, enabling dishes to be reheated or served directly in the container without compromising performance. The lightweight and durable construction withstands the demands of high-volume airline catering operations, maintaining its shape even with heavier or sauce-based meals. 

The expectations placed on onboard textile products have evolved significantly in recent years. In an August interview with PAX International, MyDrap’s Business Manager Cornelia Talmazan detailed how what was once considered a simple onboard necessity is becoming a strategic consideration. She highlights five textile priorities shaping the industry: weight reduction, efficient operations, supply chain sustainability, personalization and a premium experience. Every kilogram carried onboard contributes to fuel consumption. By reducing the weight of table linen, airlines can reduce fuel burn and the associated emissions. 

Every memorable travel experience is made up of carefully connected moments. For premium passengers, those moments often begin in the lounge and continue seamlessly onboard. Wine has a unique ability to connect those experiences, creating continuity across the journey while reinforcing an airline's hospitality, culinary vision and brand. AMI Group works with airline partners to develop wine programs that complement the broader passenger experience. Its wine specialists collaborate with culinary, sourcing and logistics teams to create cohesive strategies across lounge and inflight environments, while recognizing the distinct role each plays in the passenger journey. 

Korean Air is coming back to Melbourne after more than a decade. From 18 December 2026, the airline will operate nonstop flights between Melbourne and Seoul Incheon three times a week, its first services out of the city since 2013. The seasonal route runs until 14 March 2027, covering the Australian summer. The move fills a gap left by Asiana Airlines, which had operated the Melbourne-Seoul link seasonally since December 2023. Korean Air is stepping into that slot as the two carriers complete their long-running merger, with the deal formally taking effect on 17 December, the day before the first Korean Air flight touches down in Melbourne.