Skift Take
Looking back on a year’s worth of news in aviation paints a picture of an industry that is eager to innovate for the future. Now that airlines are more profitable, they can afford to be more ambitious with their passenger experience improvement programs. Let’s hope the industry continues rising, and moving closer to a better future of flight in 2016 and beyond.
Air travel might be a hassle, at times, but in many important ways it’s getting better.
Really.
We found ten innovative trends that reveal a better future for the industry, and are set to make air travel more pleasant for passengers in 2016 and beyond.
1. Launch of A350 Aircraft and 787-9 Dreamliners
While we don't want to go all avgeek on you, there’s no flying without planes, and new aircraft designs are loaded with innovations and improvements which improve the passenger experience onboard. Airlines have also lavished a lot of love on their new toys introducing beautiful new interiors, and new in-flight entertainment technology.
More importantly, we need new aircraft to limit aviation’s CO2 footprint. Airlines that invest in new aircraft are also investing in the future of our planet. With double the amount of flyers expected by 2034 (up to 7 billion) more efficient aircraft are welcome.
We’re look forward to what airlines will do with Boeing’s ambitious 777X, and to the possibility of new greener and more passenger-friendly aircraft designs in years to come.
New Leaps Forward in Aircraft in 2015
Qatar Airways A350
Vietnam Airlines A350
Finnair A350
British Airways Dreamliner
KLM Dreamliner
American Airlines Dreamliner
Qantas Dreamliner
Etihad Dreamliner
ANA R2D2 Dreamliner
KLM Aircraft of the Future
2. Rise of Biometric Kiosks and Passport Apps at Airports
It’s hard to decide which is a greater pain point of travel: an uncomfortable cabin or a tedious check-in and transfer process. Actually, SITA ran a study on that and found that just trying to get on the plane in the first place is the worst part of air travel for many. That’s why we celebrate the rise of Biometric Kiosks and Passport Apps. Automation and self-help processes are top trends for the future of air travel, and they can’t come soon enough.
New Leaps Forward in Airpo
