Future Travel Experience (FTE) has announced its 2025 Power List, highlighting the most significant developments and leading figures in digital transformation within the airline and airport sectors in the EMEA region. The list honours leaders who showcase innovative approaches with the potential to enhance travel experiences for passengers and make the aviation sector safer, more efficient, and commercially successful.
EMEA Edition: Pioneers of Digital Innovation
FTE Power List EMEA 2025 focuses on individuals and organisations that have successfully implemented digital transformation within the airline and airport sectors in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. This edition was specifically designed to celebrate pioneers who have embraced digital innovation and led transformation efforts in the industry. FTE is committed to supporting these transformation processes through the FTE Digital, Innovation and Venture Centre, which aims to drive change in the sector from the forefront of digital transformation as of 2025. This year, the Power List highlights leadership efforts in three core themes—Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics, and the Internet of Things (IoT)—with the FTE Centre acknowledging the leaders in these fields.
Notable Figures on the FTE Power List 2025
The FTE Power List 2025 announces the names of innovative leaders and organisations in the sector who have distinguished themselves through their achievements in digital transformation. After in-depth research into each candidate, the following 12 leaders are recognised for being at the forefront of digital transformation and for leading significant changes in the industry.
Jorge Saco, Director of Information, Procurement, Services, and Innovation, International Airlines Group (IAG)
Jorge Saco began his role as Director of Information, Procurement, Services, and Innovation at International Airlines Group (IAG) in July 2023, which is a corporate partner of FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub. The group includes airlines such as British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus, Vueling, and LEVEL, and is undergoing a profound transformation in both its operations and the aviation sector.
Robotics and automation are critical for IAG and form the foundation of its innovation efforts. The company aims to enhance customer experiences, improve operational efficiency, and develop sustainable solutions by leveraging AI technologies. IAG is reducing solution times by developing AI-based products that enable more intuitive interactions with customer service teams. The group has also taken significant steps to foster collaboration and innovation at its IAG.ai laboratories in London and Barcelona.
IAG’s GenAI has begun trials on the Microsoft 365 platform. The group is experiencing an exciting digital transformation, focusing on AI and startups, and Jorge Saco’s leadership is highly recognised in the industry.
Isabelle Droll, Chief Information Officer, TUI Airways
TUI Airways has developed a digital transformation strategy to improve operational efficiency, enhance customer experiences, and achieve sustainability goals. Chief Information Officer Isabelle Droll plays a key role in the implementation of this strategy. TUI is modernising customer interactions through AI in its applications and accelerating corporate-level AI development with tools such as OpenAI’s Enterprise ChatGPT and Amazon Web Services’ Bedrock. This allows large customer data to be used securely and makes the booking experience more personalised.
TUI also aims to offer faster and more accurate platforms with Machine Learning technologies. Additionally, the airline is exploring new solutions to improve customer experiences through collaborations with tech startups.
Sühail Kadri, Chief Information Officer, Qatar Airways Group
Sühail Kadri was appointed Chief Information Officer of Qatar Airways Group in September 2024. Qatar Airways aims to enhance flight experiences by combining digital innovations with human connections. Examples include Sama 2.0, the world’s first AI-assisted flight attendant, and the virtual travel platform QVerse, which is transforming digital interaction by predicting customer issues and making travel experiences more efficient.
Qatar Airways is also innovating with advanced technologies such as augmented reality (AR) and the Internet of Things (IoT). These technologies will enhance passenger interaction and create more seamless travel experiences.
Abe Dev, Vice President of Digital and Innovation, Riyadh Air
Riyadh Air aims to be the most innovative airline in the industry by offering personalised travel experiences based on digital innovation. The goal is to create a unique experience for each passenger by providing AI-supported intuitive travel solutions. Additionally, passengers will be able to manage their travel from a single platform by combining their bookings with AI-powered applications.
Riyadh Air’s digital infrastructure will make it easier for passengers to access flights, hotels, and other travel services, fully digitising these processes. Abe Dev is leading this digital transformation to ensure Riyadh Air uses technology in the most efficient way possible.
Kerem Kızıltunç, Chief Information Officer, Turkish Airlines
Turkish Airlines follows an ambitious strategy to improve the digital passenger experience. Chief Information Officer Kerem Kızıltunç leads this transformation process. The airline offers services with a broad digital strategy involving fintech, AI, biometrics, and digital experiences. Its vision for its centenary in 2033 is to provide personalised digital experiences at every touchpoint.
Turkish Airlines continues to offer digital solutions to improve operational resilience and enhance the customer experience. For example, the TK Wallet app simplifies payment processes.
Thomas Rückert, Senior Vice President and CIO, Lufthansa Group
Thomas Rückert plays a key role in the digital transformation process at Lufthansa Group. The group aims to digitise customer services using AI and machine learning technologies to offer faster and more efficient services. Furthermore, Lufthansa Group plans to use augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies to provide passengers with more immersive experiences.
Lufthansa has teamed up with Meta to foster innovation by offering Meta Quest 3 VR headsets in its new Allegris Business Class. The group’s digital transformation strategy aims to enhance customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.
Ali Serdar Yakut, EVP and Information Manager, Emirates Group
Ali Serdar Yakut leads the digital transformation processes at Emirates Group as EVP and Chief Information Officer. Emirates, in collaboration with AWS, has developed Extended Reality (iXR) platforms to transform employee experiences. These platforms include virtual training, gamified environments, and AI-supported simulations.
Emirates also aims to enhance customer experiences using technologies such as robotics, AI, and Web 3.0. The Innovation Council serves as an important platform to explore these innovations more deeply and share the latest developments.
John Hurley, Chief Technology Officer, Ryanair
John Hurley, Chief Technology Officer at Ryanair, leads the airline’s digital transformation strategy. Ryanair has transformed its legacy systems into cloud-based services in collaboration with AWS and is further exploring the potential of machine learning and AI. The airline also offers digital solutions such as a travel assistant, a digital self-service centre, and the myRyanair wallet in its applications.
Ryanair continues to enhance its digital services through digital innovation centres to provide passengers with a better experience.
Barış Fındık, Chief Information Officer, Pegasus Airlines
Pegasus Airlines is making significant strides in its digital transformation journey. Chief Information Officer Barış Fındık leads the airline’s digital innovation efforts. Pegasus has established a Technology Innovation Lab in Silicon Valley to keep up with global technological developments.
The airline focuses on improving operational efficiency and customer experience through technologies such as AI, mobile solutions, and self-service. Recently, Pegasus has improved baggage tracking processes with Apple’s AirTag technology.
Pierre-Olivier Bandet, Vice President of Information Systems, Air France-KLM
Pierre-Olivier Bandet is investing in high-performance information systems to accelerate digital transformation at the Air France-KLM Group. The group’s digital strategy aims to improve customer experiences and increase operational efficiency by using data and AI.
Bandet is strengthening the group’s digital infrastructure and innovating with digital products and services. Additionally, as of 2023, AI-based new systems are being used in customer services and operational processes.
Peter Cabello Holmberg, Chief Information Officer at SAS
SAS appointed Peter Cabello Holmberg as Chief Information Officer in November 2024. Holmberg, who previously served as Chief Digital Officer at Fiskars Group, will lead the digital transformation process, advance digital solutions, and improve operational efficiency. He also aims to drive innovation to support the airline’s future growth.
Holmberg’s previous experience, particularly in fast-moving consumer goods and retail, has provided significant insights into how technology can transform and improve customer experiences. SAS aims to enhance operations and customer experiences by actively integrating advanced technologies such as AI, Machine Learning, and the Internet of Things.
SAS’s ultimate goal is to shape the future of the industry by achieving a seamless integration of business, people, and technology, delivering flawless travel experiences to its customers.
Frank Meyer Leads Digital Transformation at Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways has appointed Frank Meyer, who leads the Digital, Technology, and Innovation Department. Before joining Etihad, Meyer held a senior transformation role at Emirates and served as CIO at Swiss International Air Lines. At Etihad, Meyer is guiding digital transformation processes and technological innovations.
Etihad aims to provide a fully connected experience at all customer touchpoints, including air travel and ground services. This ambitious vision seeks to create a seamless journey for passengers from booking to arrival. The airline plans to use AI technologies, Machine Learning, predictive analytics, and automation to improve both operational efficiency and customer experience.
Last year, Etihad introduced “Skypad,” an innovative digital tool to enhance the passenger experience. Developed by Etihad’s Digital Transformation and Innovation team, Skypad represents a significant step in offering personalised air travel services.
Moreover, Etihad is exploring innovative solutions like robotic technologies and AI-assisted baggage tracking to improve baggage management. Such automation and digital integration aim to enhance service quality and optimise operational processes.
Golden Ticket Awards
Members of the FTE Digital Transformation Power List will celebrate their leadership and success by attending the APEX FTE EMEA event in Dublin from 10-12 June 2025 with a complimentary “Golden Ticket.” This event will be a platform where leaders from the forefront of digital transformation gather and discuss the latest innovations in the sector.
