Aircraft seating and inflight wifi; post-pandemic outlook

As unprecedented numbers of aircraft sit idle and airline coffers are laid bare by the pandemic, a lifeless and even dull environment for airline inflight product development might be expected.

But the reverse is true. The inflight connectivity (IFC) market is bustling with energy. Changes are afoot also in the way airlines are looking to configure new and existing fleets.

One outstanding trend is the greater focus on premium economy seating, as a reduction in business travel promises to reshape passenger demand and the airline yield profile.

There have been some big moves and new trends emerging, all tracked and made available courtesy of the newest edition to the CAPA Fleet data offering: The CAPA Aircraft Interiors Database.

This short report highlights some of the major innovations are under way in Wireless inflight entertainment (IFE), seat amenities and seating products.