Southwest’s Kevin Kleist on AI, Robotics, Startups & Human-Centred Aviation Innovation

In this episode of the FTE Podcast, host Max speaks with Kevin Kleist, Head of Emerging Trends at Southwest Airlines and Head of Innovation & Startup Engagement at Future Travel Experience.Kevin shares his views on the biggest technology opportunities in aviation, including AI, robotics, autonomous ramp operations, employee-led innovation, startup collaboration and the future passenger journey.The conversation explores why technology should be introduced in service of people, how frontline employees can become champions for change, why aviation and startups need better bridges between speed and discipline, and how the industry can learn faster by collaborating more openly.