El Al wins first place prize for startup program

El Al launched its Cockpit program in May with the aim of exposing the airline to the latest technological innovations.

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
Updated: SEPTEMBER 30, 2015 21:43
An El Al airliner. (photo credit: REUTERS)
An El Al airliner.
(photo credit: REUTERS)
Cockpit, El Al Israel Airlines’ program for supporting and accelerating startups in the fields of aviation and tourism, won first prize in an international competition held by the Airline Passengers Experience Association (APEX), in the category ‘Best Achievement in Passenger Experience 2015.’ The prize was awarded Sunday at APEX’s conference EXPO, which gathered together the world’s top airlines for what is considered to be the Oscars of the aviation world. This is El Al’s first-ever win at the annual competition.
“The Cockpit program was launched just a few months ago in May and it is already receiving international recognition. We’re proud to have won this important prize and to be among the world’s top airlines that are working to create innovation for the benefit of the passenger experience and the business environment in which they operate,” said El Al CEO David Maimon: More than 100 of the world’s leading airlines submitted entries in this category and four companies made it to the finals. The other finalists were the Latin American LATAM Aviation Group, the Australian Qantas Airline and Emirates Airline from the United Arab Emirates. The prize was awarded at the association’s gala event, held in Portland, Oregon.
El Al launched its Cockpit program in May with the aim of exposing the airline to the latest technological innovations Cockpit. El Al’s support for startups includes allowing the companies in the program to use the airline as a beta-site platform, exposing the companies to prominent aviation professionals both inside El Al and outside of it, as well as forging connections and opening doors in the local and international markets.
“The whole world of aviation gathers together once a year for this special event. Our win marks the overwhelming support of the global aviation industry in Cockpit’s way – an innovation hub for groundbreaking technologies improving the world of aviation tourism,” said Cockpit CEO Henry Chen Weinstein.