Article By Marisa Garcia, Skift – Dec 16, 2015 10:01 am

1. Launch of A350 Aircraft and 787-9 Dreamliners

While we don’t want to go all avgeek on you, there’s no flying without planes, and new aircraft designs are loaded with innovations and improvements which improve the passenger experience onboard. Airlines have also lavished a lot of love on their new toys introducing beautiful new interiors, and new in-flight entertainment technology.

More importantly, we need new aircraft to limit aviation’s CO2 footprint. Airlines that invest in new aircraft are also investing in the future of our planet. With double the amount of flyers expected by 2034 (up to 7 billion) more efficient aircraft are welcome.

We’re look forward to what airlines will do with Boeing’s ambitious 777X, and to the possibility of new greener and more passenger-friendly aircraft designs in years to come.

New Leaps Forward in Aircraft in 2015

• Qatar Airways A350
• Vietnam Airlines A350
• Finnair A350
• British Airways Dreamliner
• KLM Dreamliner
• American Airlines Dreamliner 
• Qantas Dreamliner
• Etihad Dreamliner
• ANA R2D2 Dreamliner
• KLM Aircraft of the Future

2. Rise of Biometric Kiosks and Passport Apps at Airports

It’s hard to decide which is a greater pain point of travel: an uncomfortable cabin or a tedious check-in and transfer process. Actually, SITA ran a study on that and found that just trying to get on the plane in the first place is the worst part of air travel for many. That’s why we celebrate the rise of Biometric Kiosks and Passport Apps. Automation and self-help processes are top trends for the future of air travel, and they can’t come soon enough.

New Leaps Forward in Airport Technology in 2015

• Oman Improves Border Crossings
• From curb-side to gate in 10 minutes 
• Tech gives Asian airports an edge
• Survey: Biggest Pain Points of Travel at Airports
• Qatar Airways Designs Airport to Around Passenger Experience
• JFK Terminal CEO on Making Flying to New York Better

Read Full Story