Episode 057: Airline content trends and new lav concepts revealed

05/06/18 • 35 min

First, APEX Media has published a number of interviews from the APEX MultiMedia Market, an annual event where the world’s leading airlines choose the content line-up for their inflight entertainment systems, and ergo, their passengers. A number of airline content trends emerged at the show, and accessible entertainment – for the deaf, hard of hearing and visually impaired - was one of those hot topics. Maryann, who attended this sold-out event in Paris, delivers her biggest takeaways.

Next, APEX was once again prominently featured at the record-breaking Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg. The association helped to launch a new event, called Passenger Technology Solutions, and hosted a variety of sessions about transforming passenger data into personalized experiences. Maryann was on the show floor, interviewing #PaxEx industry stakeholders. She shares her thoughts on the most exciting IFEC news from the Expo, highlighting the rapid growth of the portable wifi sector.

Last but not least, aircraft lavs are having a moment. New lavatory innovations are being brought forward by aircraft interiors specialists and even university students. One idea from Jamco calls for a sort of communal bathroom on board. It would feature a row of closed toilet stalls and a central sink area. Maryann explains some of the new lav concepts to co-hosts Max Flight and Mary Kirby, and this leads the group into a broader discussion about new modular lavatories on narrowbodies, how they've been received by passengers, and how their rollout is occurring in parallel with airlines' adoption of high-density seating configurations.

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Episode 056: Flight Chic talks trends in advance of AIX

First, Qantas has set a new record for non-stop flight after a Boeing 787-9 flew from Perth to London in 17 hours. Marisa has been involved in aircraft interiors for years, and is an avid traveler. She shares her thoughts on why it’s important for passengers to consider their well-being and comfort on these ultra-longhaul flights.

Next, Iberia’s first Airbus A350-900 aircraft is prepped for delivery. The aircraft features some rather passenger pleasing attributes. Having covered the story for her Flight Chic site, Marisa tells us what should passengers expect on board. Co-hosts Max Flight and Mary Kirby also discuss the importance of premium economy with Marisa.

Last but not least, the big Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg is around the corner, and seatmakers, materials specialists, inflight entertainment and connectivity providers, airline caterers and ground-based tech firms will be showing their wares. Even the rail industry will be getting in on the #PaxEx action this year. With ample experience in the aircraft interiors space, Garcia joins Kirby in discussing the products and themes emerging in advance of the show.

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Episode 058: Unpacking sexism at AGM, guns in carryon, pot in transit

First, gender equality in the aviation industry was a major topic of discussion at the recent International Air Transport Association annual general meeting in Sydney. And as many of you will have heard, Qatar Airways chief, and newly appointed IATA chair, Akbar Al Baker had a shocking “open mouth, insert foot” moment when he suggested that the job of CEO can only be held by a man. Harriet, who was present at the AGM, shares her thoughts on what transpired, and on IATA’s efforts to be more inclusive of women, including in the C-Suite. Co-host Mary Kirby makes the case for why IATA should issue a formal apology.

Next, the Transportation Security Administration continues to confiscate record numbers of firearms at airport security checkpoints, despite warning travelers that they cannot bring guns in their carry-on bags. Incredulously, more than a few passengers try to fly with loaded weapons. Harriet, who has been tracking this story, considers if anything can be done to ensure passengers don’t pack heat when they fly. And co-host Max Flight chimes in as a gun owner.

Last but not least, Harriet’s Stuck at the Airport blog is known for giving passengers great advice on how best to make the hours fly by at airports. Harriet delivers a fresh list of clever new installations, entertainment options and concessions at airports. And Harriet, Max and Mary weigh in on the topic of traveling with cannabis now that some states have legalized its recreational use.