Skift Take
This week in aviation, we focused on tech in the cabin. In-flight entertainment systems somehow persist in the age of personal tablets. Meanwhile, United finally commits to speeding up Wi-Fi.
Throughout the week we post dozens of original stories, connecting the dots across the travel industry, and every weekend we sum it all up. This weekend roundup examines aviation.
For all of our weekend roundups, go here.
>>The rise of the so-called Brexpat, those who will commute from London to jobs in European financial hubs, is a prime opportunity for Surf Air as it expands in Europe: Surf Air Positions Itself for the Post-Brexit Commuter
>>Airline in-flight entertainment systems never age well. They’re expensive, and they’re often heavy, so airlines burn more fuel having them on board. Why do they persist? Passengers — even those who bring their own devices — tend to like them. But can airlines keep installing these systems forever? Interview: Why In-Flight Entertainment Screens May Persist on Long-Haul Routes
>>Updates to Cathay Pacific’s Marco Polo loyalty program may be a thinly veiled effort to bring business back to the company. Either way, frequent flyers on the airline are in for a loyalty bonus soon: Cathay Pacific Bucks the Trend in Rewards Boost — Business of Loyalty
>>JetBlue has one of the least generous frequent flyer programs in the United States. But it’s easy to understand, and travelers seem to appreciate that. Many just prefer belonging to a program that makes it simple to redeem for free tickets: J.D. Power Finds U.S. Frequent Flyers Prefer JetBlue’s Loyalty Program
>>Seatback entertainment screens are so 2002. Airlines should remove them and focus on what their highest-value travelers actually want — fast, reliable Wi-Fi. Passengers who care about quality entertainment can load up their own devices with stuff they actually want to watch. Or they can stream from a server on the plane: Do Seatback Screens on Planes Have a Future? — Airline Innovation Report
>>Road warriors have long suspected a systematic Wi-Fi problem on many United planes, but the airline has said little about it. Now, we know more about this issue. The good news? It will be fixed soon, according to United: United Is Making Tech Changes to Boost Wi-Fi Speeds on Many Planes
Get Skift Research
Skift Research products provide deep analysis, data, and expert research on the companies and trends that are shaping the future of travel.
Have a confidential tip for Skift? Get in touch
Tags: airline innovation, aviation, Travel Trends, trends roundups
Photo credit: American Airlines' premium economy. Earlier this year, American Airlines announced that it will accept new Boeing 737 Max aircraft without in-seat screens. American Airlines Group