The doors may have finally closed on the latest edition of PTE World (Passenger Terminal Expo & Conference), but the conversations about this stimulating segment of aviation will continue long throughout the year.
As a media partner of PTE World 2026, AeroTime was on the ground over the three-day event from March 17 to 19, 2026, to speak with industry stakeholders and learn more about the technology shaping airports.
As one of the largest and highly regarded airport conferences in the world, many of aviation’s most prominent companies were in London at the ExCel center to exhibit their work and be on the lookout for new opportunities.
What makes airports so critical within the aviation sector is that they represent the first true touchpoint on the passenger experience, with the chance to set the tone for the entire onward journey.
First impressions count, and the passenger experience is established right from the get-go and at PTE World, you see first-hand how airport stakeholders are stepping up to that responsibility.
Over 400 companies exhibited along with more than 400 industry speakers providing their insights including the CEO of Heathrow Airport, Thomas Woldbye, and Lord Sharpe, the UK’s Shadow Business Minister for the House of Lords.
In and among the exhibitors at PTE World
However, it was among the exhibit stands along the walkways of the ExCel where conversations and interactions were at their most energized.
As with all aviation events and exhibitions, company representatives were more than happy to chat and take time to talk about their latest innovations and technologies.
AeroTime spoke extensively with Nik Karnik, Vice President of Global Security Products Division at Leidos, about the company’s advanced screening technologies, that ensure passengers are kept safe and moving through streamline operations.
Karnik explained that innovation never stops, with Leidos collaborating with other solution providers to ensure that security continuously strengthens.
Some of the most exciting advancements for travelers could be found at the Amadeus exhibit where multiple solutions were presented to transform the passenger experience.
These include the Amadeus ‘Journey Pass’ which allows for multiple documents such as boarding passes and hotel bookings that can be reduced to a single identifier.
“Travelers simply authenticate with their chosen method— whether it is by showing ID, scanning a QR code, or using biometrics,” said an Amadeus spokesperson.
Seamless, secure, stress-free passenger journeys through advanced technology and biometrics were key themes, and there was a sense that the industry is only at the start of what could become possible in the future.
Thales was also present at the event to share innovations on how automation and biometrics can be harnessed to enhance security, speed and passenger experience.
In particular Thales was showcasing its Automated Border Control (ABC) eGates, the 4th generation of Thales eGates.
One of the most exciting companies exhibiting their work was French firm Outsight which is providing incredibly accurate data about passenger movements in airports which in turn can then be used for a variety of functions.
Using 3D Artificial Intelligence (AI) Outsight was even mapping the pathways of visitors to their stand, providing an authentic real-time insight into how the technology works.
Day Two at Excel for #PTEWorld – Team of AeroTime staff on the ground. Get in touch if you would like to chat. pic.twitter.com/lxf66B4q0s
— AeroTime (@AviationNews) March 18, 2026
There were body and hand luggage scanners galore at PTE World with several companies including Smiths Detection, showing how AI is becoming a gamechanger for airport security.
Representing the broader aviation and airport community was British Aviation Group (BAG) which represents hundreds of industry stakeholders.
AeroTime had the unique opportunity to interview the British Aviation Group Chair Tim Walder, an aviation veteran who gave his insights on the current UK airport industry.
Poland’s airport mega project
Port Polska was also on site to discuss with AeroTime one of Europe’s most exciting mega projects that will bring together air, rail and road travel in Poland.
As part of the project, a new state-of-the-art airport will be constructed between Warsaw and Łódź, with 34 million passengers expected annually in the first few years of operations.
This is a project AeroTime will look to cover extensively over the next few years with the airport and surrounding infrastructure set to generate huge opportunities for stakeholders present at PTE World.
Another big presence at PTE World that spoke with AeroTime was Jacobs, a global engineering and consultation company that works with governments and businesses to manage complex projects.
Within aviation Jacobs has been involved in the development of Noida International Airport (DXN) in India and Red Sea International Airport (RSI).
A special mention must also go to German company Desko which gave AeroTime an incredibly interesting peek into security measures that lay hidden within passports to keep us all safe.
Desko specializes in document scanners and AeroTime will be writing more about the hidden world of passport validation very soon.
Stay tuned for PTE World features on some of the companies discussed within this wrap-up particularly AeroTime’s interviews with Leidos’ Nik Karnik and British Aviation Group’s Tim Walder.