Thales is a late-comer to the U.S. market, and it's not clear that its technology is any better than what is already on the market or is planned by other companies.
With American Airlines capitulating, in-flight entertainment on all three legacy carriers is now completely free. The next phase of competition will likely revolve around the quality of that content with each airline trying to out-do the other.
American's international Premium Economy is a significant upgrade from standard economy -- and for a while, their best passengers will be able to try it out for free.
Design firm Acumen did something no one thought possible. It created a high-density, direct-aisle access business class cabin for United Airlines. Will passengers like it? We'll find out early next year.