#PaxEx Podcast

In this episode we discuss Airbus’ decision to re-certify its A320 to accommodate nine more seats for a total 189-seats, and how this development – which will be accomplished by adding wider evacuation slides – is driving fresh conversation about slim seats and seat pitch. French manufacturer Expliseat, for instance, believes its super-light titanium/composite seat would suit operators of higher-capacity A320s, and has suggested that some carriers might consider a mixture of seats pitched at 27 inches and 28 inches.

We also chat with Green about what the future holds for inflight entertainment. The operative word here is “choice”. Says Green, “In terms of how the content is provided, we have to meet the desire for individual choice and an expectation to manage your own experience. So that includes delivery to personal devices, not just through seat-back screen.” Thales is laying the groundwork to allow passengers to manage their own experience in how and when they consume the content.

Passenger choice is certainly a theme of this episode, which is sponsored by the APEX-backed Passenger Choice Awards (PCAs), a unique awards system that allow travelers to rate every aspect of the passenger experience (#PaxEx), and gives them a way to recognize when airlines get it right and when there is room for improvement. The deadline to participate for 2014 is 30 June, so if you haven’t done so already, be sure to cast your vote! For airlines, the awards is beneficial as well, because APEX shares the data with its airline member so that they know what areas to improve, reveals Green.

Welcome to episode 009 of the #PaxEx Podcast.

Ancillary fees are fairly new for the Latin American market, but Volaris passengers will need to start getting used to them. Now that Volaris has migrated to a new reservations system, the carrier is banking on a new ancillary revenue scheme to expand its ability to develop non-ticket sales. In this episode, Ghim-Lay updates us on Volaris’ plan and considers it in the broader context of how ultra low-cost carriers are growing.

Speaking of LCCs, Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary made headlines this week when he promised that the carrier would eventually offer $10 flights across the Atlantic. Yes, we’ve heard O’Leary make these claims before, but co-hosts Max Flight and Mary Kirby join Ghim in addressing the question - are we seeing a race to the bottom in terms of both fares and the passenger experience (#PaxEx)? They also discuss whether the introduction of Wi-Fi on LCC carriers might lure more business travelers to LCCs.

On the inflight connectivity front, Delta Air Lines tomorrow will launch Gogo's Ku-band satellite-supported Internet on two Boeing 747s. The carrier schedule for rolling out of connectivity on its long-haul fleet is significantly delayed, however. We talk about the reason for this costly delay. Mary also reveals details about some of the behind-the-scenes finger pointing that's occurring, and highlights areas where the US major is, in fact, progressing.

Ghim recently attended the Singapore Air Show, which represented a return for Flightglobal to producing a show daily magazine at the event. We get Ghim’s pulse on the show, and talk to her about the now notorious Nok Air press conference, in which Nok Air’s CEO left an impression on Ghim and others in the room. “I’ve never seen women quite as objectified as they were at the press conference,” she says. Max gives us his take as a man who flew for decades for his aerospace industry employer.

Last but certainly not least, we talk about how Delta and American Airlines and other carriers fought to ground Arizona’s anti-gay bill, which, if implemented, would have had a profoundly negative impact on businesses, employees, passengers and, of course, human rights. Props to these airlines for taking a stand!

Welcome to Episode 001 of the #PaxEx Podcast. We’re delighted to announce that Runway Girl Network founder and editor Mary Kirby has teamed with industry veteran Max Flight, of Airplane Geeks Podcast fame, to co-cost these regular shows, which will cover virtually every aspect of the passenger experience.

Our first guest is Routehappy director of data John Walton, an aviation geek through and through, and a leading thinker in the world of #PaxEx.

In this episode, Mary and John talk about their shared experience in testing JetBlue’s brand new inflight Wi-Fi service, Fly-Fi, which could be a game-changer in the industry.

More broadly, Mary, Max and John explore the ‘connectivity conundrum’ currently being debated in the United States. A majority of airline passengers seem to be vehemently opposed to allowing inflight voice calls, but their opposition on this matter has served to stall the introduction of inflight mobile text and data. Can a middle ground be reached?

We also look at how Ryanair is improving the passenger experience (hell has frozen over!) and its intent to partner with global distribution systems (GDSs). Last but not least, we discover how Routehappy is bringing transparency to the airline industry by divulging #PaxEx details about each carrier’s products. The site has elicited excitement from airlines and passengers alike, as well as myriad major media networks.

In this episode, co-hosts Max Flight and Mary Kirby discuss how the COVID-19 crisis has dramatically altered PaxEx, and whether some changes – like the axing of change fees by US legacy airlines – will be permanent.

They also consider how the inflight connectivity landscape is being reshaped in the face of sector consolidation and heightened passenger expectations, and share their thoughts on how the broader aviation industry will recover from the pandemic.

First, Southwest Airlines has long served peanuts to passengers as a signature snack. But as of 1 August, the airline stopped offering peanuts to “ensure the best onboard experience for everyone, especially for customers with peanut-related allergies”. There is always some push-back when airlines take something away from passengers. Becca shares her thoughts on Southwest’s decision, explains why bagged nuts are better than loose nuts (found in premium cabins), and suggests way in which airlines can protect allergic passengers while improving #PaxEx overall.

Next, airlines are ramping up their crack-down of emotional support animals on board. And here again, Southwest has found itself in the headlines after issuing a statement with updates to its Service Animal Policies. Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) will be limited to dogs and cats. Trained Service Animals (TSAs) align with recent DOT guidance and are limited to dogs, cats, and miniature horses. Also, now fully-trained Psychiatric Support Animals (PSAs) are formally accepted as Trained Service Animals. Previously the airline informally accepted them as TSAs. Co-hosts Max Flight and Mary Kirby discuss whether airlines can find a happy balance between being empathetic to passengers who need emotional support animals and fighting abuse of the system. And Becca shares her thoughts on some of the discrepancies between the different airlines’ policies. Should a standard be set for the industry?

Last but not least, the big APEX EXPO and co-located AIX, Americas shows will be held next month in Boston. These are considered must-attend events for many on the #PaxEx industry calendar. Mary and Becca are gearing up for the big show, and Mary shares the themes, topics and products she’s eager to explore.