Image: Marcelo Cáceres
APEX Insight: APEX today announced it will enter a closely aligned relationship with the International Flight Service Association (IFSA). Both organizations will maintain their existing autonomy, identity and structure, with APEX CEO Joe Leader now serving both associations.
Over the past 12 months, APEX has continued to bolster its global profile as a leader in the airline passenger experience industry and fostered partnerships with several international organizations. Building upon this success, APEX today announced it will enter a closely aligned relationship with the International Flight Service Association (IFSA).
Both organizations will maintain their existing autonomy, identity and structure, with APEX CEO Joe Leader now serving both associations. The alliance will include co-locating for international events, coordinating on joint working groups, reciprocal guest board member attendance at board meetings and more integrated sharing of their common association management company.
“We are proud to announce a more integral relationship with IFSA,” said Brian Richardson, APEX president and director of Aircraft Interiors, In-Flight Entertainment and Connectivity at American Airlines. “The inclusion of more catering and service elements at APEX events will attract greater numbers of senior airline decision makers who oversee this sector, along with IFEC. It will also offer a greater diversification of products, services and information.”
“I will work with our members to elevate both associations worldwide while maintaining each organization’s unique culture and approach.” — Joe Leader, APEX CEO
The alliance will enable APEX to represent its catering and services segment through IFSA, while providing IFSA the opportunity to extend its global footprint and cement its role as the top airline association for the catering and in-flight services market. “IFSA has always viewed APEX as an important ‘sister association,’ as we have a lot in common, from our focus on in-flight services to our shared desire to evolve our value propositions and expand our memberships,” said Jane Bernier-Tran, IFSA president and managing director at United Airlines. “Having a CEO serve both associations is a natural progression for these two associations with a long-standing history.” As CEO of both associations, Joe Leader will garner greater global recognition for IFSA by aligning it with APEX’s global strategy.
“I am honored to represent both APEX and IFSA, serving as a bridge of commitment between these two world-class associations to provide our members increased value and influence across the airline industry,” said Leader. “Through aligned strategic vision, I will work with our members to elevate both associations worldwide while maintaining each organization’s unique culture and approach.”
source : http://tinyurl.com/jcyv8qm