World Aviation Festival hunts aviation’s next revenue idea

Inspired by Shark Tank and Dragons’ Den, the Ancillary Arena will give five shortlisted start-ups, entrepreneurs and independent innovators the opportunity to pitch their ancillary revenue concepts to a panel of five senior airline commercial leaders.

World Aviation Festival (WAF) is the premier aviation technology conference and exhibition. Bringing together the world’s airlines, airports, and their top executives in charge of software, services, marketing, and distribution, it is the platform where the future of aviation is shaped.

The event returns to FIL in Lisbon from 13-15 October 2026, bringing together more than 4,500 attendees and 600 speakers over three days.

Daniel Boyle, General Manager of Transport at WAF organiser Terrapinn, said: “Margins are tight, costs are rising, and airline executives are looking for new ways to grow revenue. The Ancillary Arena will put five innovators directly in front of the people responsible for finding those opportunities. We want to uncover ideas that could change how airlines do business – and help the strongest one take its next step.”

Entries might focus on a unique airline retail or loyalty idea, an untapped revenue stream, or a better way to serve passengers. The judges will ask challenging questions and share honest feedback with innovators, before choosing the idea they believe has the most real-world commercial potential.

The winner will receive a complimentary 6 sqm exhibition stand at the next WAF 2027, giving them the chance to showcase their idea to more than 4,500 aviation professionals from around the world.

The competition offers innovators a rare opportunity to test their ideas directly with senior airline decision-makers and gain visibility among the global aviation industry.

The live final will take place during lunch at 1.15pm on Thursday 15 October.

Applications are now open.

To learn more, and to apply, visit https://www.terrapinn.com/conference/aviation-festival/Ancillary-Arena.stm.