Though weather in Denmark was pleasantly moderate, it has been a hot summer in aviation.
This time of year, many take their vacations. Trying to coördinate schedules for interviews can require a certain amount of persistence and flexibility, but plenty of work gets done.
The aviation industry pushes forward with innovations year round, and the skies are a favorite topic for many, so there’s always something to write about.
Professionally, I’m very pleased to reveal the work I produced for Travel+Leisure included in this month’s summaries.
This July, we looked at two of today’s best planes: (The Boeing Dreamliner and the Airbus A350 (In order of development). These efficient planes include the latest technologies to improve the passenger experience. Both have performed well in their markets, and both have a large fan base. We also had a peek at two concept aircraft.
From São Paulo to Oshkosh, the A350 XWB Visits Friends and Fans in the Americas, Airline Passenger Experience (APEX) Association Magazine, Digital
British Airways’ Leads With Passenger Experience in New Dreamliner First Class, Skift
KLM Gives Its Dreamliner Interiors a Dose of Dutch Design, Skift
Could Airbus’ Bizarre New Double Decker Be the Plane of the Future? Skift
KLM Goes to School to Help Create the Passenger Experience of the Future, Skift
I wrote a story that went crazy viral this July, versions of the story covered by all sorts of publications well into August. Though tinged with humor about the basic lay-out of Zodiac’s controversial forward/aft seating cabin, my original article also provided grounded industry perspective on these mystery patents aviation regularly produces. Bottom line: the industry will keep coming up with this stuff, but don’t panic! The fact is what makes finally makes it on the plane is more humane, or, at least, more conservative.
The Essential Guide to the Weirdest Airline Seats Ever Conceived, Skift
Five Ways Aviation Designers Try to Make the Most of the Middle Seat, Airline Passenger Experience (APEX) Association Magazine, Digital
In the beauty category, the new SWISS cabin takes the cake. These sleek and elegant aircraft interiors are simply scrumdiddlyumptious.
Good Taste and High-Tech Make Swiss’ New Cabins a Haven for All Classes, Skift
SWISS New First Class Cabins/SWISS
SWISS New First Class Cabins/SWISS
SWISS New First Class Cabins/SWISS
For more aircraft interiors goodness, check these out:
The 13 Best Cabin Innovations Ever, Travel+Leisure, Digital
The World’s 6 Best Airline Suites and Where to Fly Them, Skift
This is still going on:
Open Skies Debate Deteriorates Into Disagreement Over Agreements, Skift
Europe made positive advancements in aircraft tracking, at least in policy.
European Parliament Pushes Action on Aircraft Tracking After Multiple Air Disasters, Skift
There were some light fun developments to cover too.
Delta Debuts TUMI Amenity Kits With Review of Amenity Kits Past, Skift
You Don’t Need An Oculus Rift to Enjoy Qantas New Immersive Tour of Hamilton Island, Skift
More Content, More Games, and More Advertising Coming to In-Flight Entertainment, Skift
KLM’s New App Wants to Know You Better Than You Know Yourself, Skift
United Strikes Deal With Cowshed Spa for Better Airborne Amenities, Skift
And Ryanair gave the IAG Aer Lingus deal a green light:
Ryanair to Sell Aer Lingus Stake, Focus on Own ‘Successful’ Strategy, Skift
Plus Other Sky Happenings:
What It Will Take to Get Airport Curb-Side to Gate in 10 Minutes, Skift
U.S. Airlines Lead the World in Ancillary Revenue as Total Tops $38 Billion in 2014, Skift
3 Stats That Forecast the Rapid Growth of In-Flight Connectivity, Skift
Airlines Look to Beacons to Improve Their Internet of Things Infrastructure, Skift
Survey: Millennial Flyers Are More Willing to Pay for Premium Conveniences, Skift
The U.S. aviation industry trapped in a political quagmire over FAA funding–trying to decide how to cover the costs of modernizing its aging infrastructure. Airports want to increase the PFC fee added to tickets by $4.00, to support new projects. Airlines feel a $4.00 fee is onerous, and that they fund airports plenty already.
It’s a highly charged issue which will ultimately be decided by Congress. Frankly, it’s anybody’s guess how this will turn out. Here are two different takes on the debate, both searching for the balance between opposing sides.
What Will It Take to Bring U.S. Airports Into the Future? Only $4, Skift
Perspectives on the Proposed Airline Baggage Fee Cap, Airline Passenger Experience (APEX) Association Magazine, Digital
Meanwhile, in the rest of the world:
Avinor Airports Puts the Cloud to Work in Norway, Airline Passenger Experience (APEX) Association Magazine, Digital
YouTube’s Airline Rockstars Do More Than Just Play Videos, Airline Passenger Experience (APEX) Association Magazine, Digital
And I really enjoyed this peek behind the scenes while visiting Singapore Airlines earlier this year:
Secrets of the Singapore Girl Flying College, Travel+Leisure, Digital