The next generation of aviation innovation will be shaped by the innovators of today. The 2025 Crystal Cabin Awards finalists are among those expected to have outsized impact.
AIX
ESAs, China, and the future of inflight connectivity
Depending on who you ask – and I asked several people at at Aircraft Interiors Expo 2024 last month – ESAs are the best way forward for inflight connectivity, or a compromise that come up short for airlines.
AirBaltic takes Pratt to task for engine issues
There are few airlines in the world as bullish about the A220 as airBaltic. When it comes to the GTF engines however, CEO Martin Gauss says Pratt is beating up on the smaller carriers.
Shifting install sequencing
Will airlines hit their 2025 target to replace the inflight internet services on smaller planes in North America? Probably. But the sequence and timing on those appears to be shifting a bit.
SES Open Orbits brings multi-constellation, multi-orbit Ka-band connectivity together on a global scale
SES will bring together a collective of Ka-band capacity providers under its Open Orbits program, providing a new type of competition in the global inflight connectivity market.
Collins, Panasonic launch Maya: next-gen business class concept seat
The Maya business class concept seat shows off an immersive (and borderline overwhelming) entertainment experience paired with dynamic seating adjustments from Collins Aerospace and Panasonic Avionics.
ThinKom sees trio of innovations driving growth
Not content to rest on recent program wins, ThinKom outlined the future it sees for its antenna solutions.
Airbus adds to HBCplus backlog
Airbus will add two additional airlines to its HBCplus inflight connectivity portfolio. The deals, announced at Aircraft Interiors Expo 2024 last week in Hamburg include a couple firsts for the program.
Southwest shows off customizations for new Recaro seats
Southwest’s new seats will include a few custom options, beyond the base offering from Recaro.
Starlink sees Qatar Airways, airBaltic both online by end of year, architecture changes beyond
Both Qatar Airways and airBaltic expect to have their first few planes flying with Starlink internet before the end of the year. Expectations beyond that are even more interesting.