Luxury onboard apartments, Big Data and self-scaling onboard Wi-Fi all feature on this year’s 10 most popular ‘Up in the Air’ stories. Find out what else made the list.


Luxury onboard apartments, Big Data and self-scaling onboard Wi-Fi all feature on this year’s 10 most popular ‘Up in the Air’ stories. Find out what else made the list.

One year after closing its merger with US Airways, American Airlines is looking ahead to 2015 and beyond with more than $2 billion in investments, which will include fully lie-flat seats, international WiFi, and more inflight entertainment options.

Air France and Orange will offer Wi-Fi access onboard two Airbus A320s on short and medium-haul networks during a three-month trial phase, from summer 2015. This will allow passengers to surf the internet, read their emails, watch live TV, or enjoy their favourite series.

Japan Airlines’ new B787-8 has been equipped with the Thales AVANT in-flight entertainment system, making it the first airline in Asia to carry the state-of-the-art technology.

Increased passenger comfort is at the heart of KLM’s new-look 777-200 economy and business class cabins, which include a next-gen IFE system.

A partnership between Southwest Airlines and Beats Music means passengers can now access bespoke playlists on their own electronic devices.
Content plans: Focus on the future of baggage handling, Proof of Concepts updates & knowledge sharing
Find out more >>Content plans: AI, IOT & Robotics case studies & knowledge sharing
Find out more >>Content plans: Tour on 9th hosted by GOAA; Networking Day on February 10th
Find out more >>Content plans: AI, IOT & Robotics case studies & knowledge sharing
Find out more >>Content plans: Members of the FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub and the FTE Baggage Innovation Working Group will convene in London for an action-packed joint members meetings, hosted by Heathrow
Find out more >>Content plans: Members of the FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub and the FTE Baggage Innovation Working Group will convene in London for an action-packed joint members meetings, hosted by Heathrow
Find out more >>Content plans: Focus on the future of baggage handling, Proof of Concepts updates & knowledge sharing
Find out more >>Content plans: AI, IOT & Robotics case studies & knowledge sharing
Find out more >>Content plans: Focus on the future of baggage handling, Proof of Concepts updates & knowledge sharing
Find out more >>Content plans: Focus on the future of baggage handling, Proof of Concepts updates & knowledge sharing
Find out more >>Content plans: Join us in Dublin for APEX FTE EMEA, APEX FTE Ancillary & Retailing – co-located to deliver the region’s most comprehensive gathering of air transport leaders.
Find out more >>Content plans: Focus on the future of baggage handling, Proof of Concepts updates & knowledge sharing
Find out more >>Content plans: AI, IOT & Robotics case studies & knowledge sharing
Find out more >>Content plans: AI, IOT & Robotics case studies & knowledge sharing
Find out more >>Content plans: Focus on the future of baggage handling, Proof of Concepts updates & knowledge sharing
Find out more >>Content plans: Join us at the 20th anniversary FTE Global, the “CES of Aviation” taking place in the new location of Dallas, Texas, on 8-10 September 2026, co-located with IFSA Global EXPO. Headline Partners include Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Southwest Airlines, and Dallas Love Field Airport.
Find out more >>Content plans: Focus on the future of baggage handling, Proof of Concepts updates & knowledge sharing
Find out more >>Content plans: AI, IOT & Robotics case studies & knowledge sharing
Find out more >>Content plans: Focus on the future of baggage handling, Proof of Concepts updates & knowledge sharing
Find out more >>Content plans: AI, IOT & Robotics case studies & knowledge sharing
Find out more >>Content plans: Focus on the future of baggage handling, Proof of Concepts updates & knowledge sharing
Find out more >>Content plans: AI, IOT & Robotics case studies & knowledge sharing
Find out more >>Content plans: Join us for APEX FTE Expo Asia, 18-19 November 2026 – uniting the world in Singapore for the largest end-to-end passenger experience and innovation expo.
Find out more >>Content plans: Focus on the future of baggage handling, Proof of Concepts updates & knowledge sharing
Find out more >>Content plans: AI, IOT & Robotics case studies & knowledge sharing
Find out more >>
Hong Kong-based Dragonair will introduce its new StudioKA wireless IFE system on its A320s, and upgrade the Business and Economy Class products.

Virgin Atlantic, SITA, Droiders and JAL outline why wearable technology has an important role to play in improving the passenger experience.

Philippines-based Cebu Pacific Air has started a trial of the SKYfi club wireless in-flight entertainment (IFE) system alongside KID-Systeme GmbH.

Mary Kirby explores how the collaboration between Panasonic Avionics and Recaro, and Lufthansa Systems’ semi-embedded IFE, could impact economy class travel.

Philippines-based Cebu Pacific Air has started a trial of the SKYfi club wireless in-flight entertainment (IFE) system alongside KID-Systeme GmbH.

Mary Kirby explores how the collaboration between Panasonic Avionics and Recaro, and Lufthansa Systems’ semi-embedded IFE, could impact economy class travel.

BA has confirmed that 18 of its Boeing 747s will receive a cabin refresh, with Panasonic’s eX3 in-flight entertainment system to be installed.

British carrier Thomas Cook Airlines has unveiled its all-new Airbus A330, which includes a Premium cabin for the first time, as well as an enhanced Economy offer.

Japan Airlines’ new 787 includes a 23-inch IFE monitor in Business, a new Premium Economy class and more spacious seating in Economy.

United Airlines has become the first North American carrier to take delivery of the 787-9 Dreamliner, which is equipped with Panasonic’s eXConnect Wi-Fi service.
FTE looks at how Cathay Pacific’s investment in Economy, Premium Economy, Business and First Class, plus next-generation IFE, has contributed to its “world’s best airline” title.
Air New Zealand’s first refurbished Boeing 777-200ER has entered service and includes the new Premium Economy product, Skycouch and Panasonic’s eX3 IFE system.
Get Future Travel Experience news & updates sent to your inbox