Safety

A woman readies to give the COVID-19 vaccine to occupants of a car at SFO Airport

A shot in the arm at the airport

It seemed unusual at first, but now many airports and airlines offer some form of pre-flight COVID-19 testing to passengers. In some cases, ... Continue Reading

A photo of Jennifer Coutts Clay
Jennifer Coutts Clay on overcoming the challenges of COVID in aviation
March 5, 2021
Sound and lighting control is shown smoothly and seamlessly embedded into a premium seat, with the mere gentle touch of a finger used to activate.
Panasonic tables Active Surfaces to support hygienic design
March 3, 2021
Passengers walk past sign prior to immigration control. The sign points towards queues for UK, EU and Non-EU passport holders.
2021 starts off worse than 2020 as travel restrictions bite
March 2, 2021
A photo of Jennifer Coutts Clay

Jennifer Coutts Clay on overcoming the challenges of COVID in aviation

Industry veteran and author Jennifer Coutts Clay has seen the aviation industry overcome several black swan events in her more than 40 years working in the airl... Continue Reading

Comfort

The PaxEx on board the A320neo ranges from all-business, as seen here on La Compagnie's A321neo, to all-economy. The La Compagnie premium seats have blue headrests, and bedding on each seat.

Five years on: how the A320neo is changing aviation

For many who followed the development of Airbus’ A320neo family of aircraft very closely during the first half of the 2010s, it will seem as... Continue Reading

Close up shot of an airplane window and the headrest on a leather seat. A beautiful blue sky and fluffy clouds can be seen through the window
Hamburg’s Foviatech developing pressure sensor SmartSeat
February 26, 2021
The BEHA, as conceived, features a triplane wing for maximum lift and substantial endplate fins. A computer-generated rendering of the aircraft, in a green livery, is shown parked, as passengers climb aboard.
Faradair aims for hybrid aircraft service entry in 2026
February 19, 2021
The basic premise of business-plus is to create a front row hard product option. Collins Aerospace, then known as Rockwell, tabled its "Elements" options for this category in 2018. This image shows a close-up of a Collins front row product, with ample legroom and table space, a large IFE screen, and the ability to have a door.
Options for a light-touch, low-cost “business plus” product
February 18, 2021

Connectivity

The Safran electronically steered antenna for aviation as seen on a show floor. The active array antenna is very flat, and considered well suited for LEO and MEO networks.

ESA adoption in commercial aviation could take years

When will electronically steerable antennas be ready for primetime in commercial aviation? COVID has kicked the proverbial can down the road... Continue Reading

Man sitting inside airplane wearing a mask
APSTAR-6D expected to support domestic IFC trials in China
February 25, 2021
The demonstration array used in testing
Commercial aviation takes back burner to defense for NXTCOMM
February 24, 2021
Businesswoman traveling by corporate jet, using a laptop
SmartSky raises additional capital; plans test corridor in Florida
February 22, 2021

Details and Design

Rows of Recaro BL3710 seats, as seen on the Aircraft Interiors Expo show floor

Kitting has its day, as Recaro’s SWIFT seats gain A320 SFE appeal

It may have taken a global pandemic for aircraft seat “kitting” to really take off, but it appears its time has come in industry... Continue Reading

An aircraft galley with multiple galley inserts in view, as well as the exit door
Designing the future of single-aisle galleys and service areas
March 2, 2021
A computer rendering showing the separate parts of Airtek, the new JPA herringbone in which composites feature prominently
Airtek seat designers on the certification challenges of composites
February 21, 2021
Close-up of a dark green seat cover with the word Antimicrobial printed on it
COVID’s cabin design challenge: how do you “show clean”?
February 14, 2021

Nose to Tail

A double bed, as found in Etihad's The Residence, with a thick duvet and pillows, plus amenity kits on the bed.

After the A380, whither the new wave of halo products?

With the demise of Airbus’ A380 programme, a crucial aspect of premium passenger experience design finds itself looking for a new home: the ... Continue Reading

Collins' MiQ seats with greyish seat covers and black headrests
Filling the premium economy gaps: opportunities and risks for airlines
February 23, 2021
A snowy apron at EWR, with a Delta aircraft parked at the gate, and deicing trucks.
Delta sets high standard for cleanliness and comfort amid pandemic
February 17, 2021
Slimline seats aboard a Lufthansa A320
The growing case for middle-seat-free class
February 8, 2021