We love air travel. We love innovation. So naturally we’re always on the look out for air travel innovation. Ever since that somewhat uncomfortable first flight of the Wright Brothers, the history of commercial air travel has been all about making your journey above the clouds as pleasant as possible. We’ve found some of the latest, most interesting approaches to doing so.
British Airways
Together with Solena Fuels, British Airways is working on making air travel greener. Their project GreenSky aims to convert waste into plane fuel.
Air France & KLM
Ever looked out the window and wished you knew more about what you were flying over? Geotainment is the answer. The in-flight entertainment displays on Air France & KLM flights offer additional content aimed at informing passengers about geographical and historical points of interest along the flight route.
Singapore Airlines
The Airbus A380 is a sensation in itself, but even more spectacular is the new offer for luxury-seeking passengers of Singapore Airlines. If first class just isn’t quite enough, perhaps a private suite will cater to your needs. Designed by a french luxury yacht designer, the suites boast a full size double bed, private restroom, the largest flat screen you can get at 30,000 feet, Bose headphones, a Salvatore Ferragamo amenity kit, and oh so much more.
Virgin America
While in-flight movies and music are more or less standard these days, Virgin is taking it a step further. Their in-flight entertainment system allows you to chat with other passengers, order drinks and snacks to your seat and even make donations to charity.
South African Airways
South African Airways is adding a more social aspect to flying. By sharing a few details from your Facebook profile, their social check-in feature allows you to choose your seat neighbour based on mutual interests. You can find each other using the provided seat plan which shows hobbies or events you have in common with fellow passengers who opt in.
Other airlines, among them Lufthansa, Qantas and Virgin Australia, have special smartphone and tablet apps that allow you to connect to in-flight entertainment services. With these apps you’re able to stream music and films on your own handheld device. The new Turkish Airlines app offers a ‘Sky Library’ that provides you with books, magazines and newspapers.
Online or offline?
According to a study from Honeywell, a provider of plane parts, around 66% of passengers are influenced by the availability of WiFi when choosing a flight. In addition, 22% stated they had paid a higher price for a flight at least once in order to get a WiFi equipped travel experience. Many airlines such as Lufthansa, Air France and Emirates are already offering in-flight WiFi and it’s only a matter of time before others follow the trend.
While most passengers enjoy the extra comfort that comes with staying connected to the world below, WOW Airlines takes a different approach by declaring their planes an internet- and phone-free zone. WOW offers a digital detox during their flights. No ringing, vibrating or chatting. Just the blissful snoring of the guy beside you and the sweet screaming of the baby in seat 4F.
Would you pay more for a flight just to be connected to WiFi?
(Preview photo cred: iStock.com/Michal Krakowiak)
