2025: The year of airline innovation

Airlines have shaken off the pandemic and are going on the offensive. After the 2020 revenue shortfall of over $300 billion, many airlines have recovered significantly, with several turning substantial profits in 2023.

Many previously sidelined innovation projects are now gaining renewed momentum. Notably, airlines are unveiling a significant number of new initiatives planned for 2025. Here is an overview by Travelnews highlighting innovations from 26 airlines.

Air Canada has introduced a new feature in its mobile app that allows travellers within Canada to locate their baggage in real time. The app provides customers with important updates, such as the baggage carousel number where they can retrieve their luggage.

Air France is revolutionising its on-board Wi-Fi service. Starting in 2025, the airline will gradually roll out an ultra-high-speed connectivity service for a ‘ground-like’ experience. This new service is free and based on Starlink.

Air New Zealand plans to introduce ‘Skynest’, an economy class bunk bed that offers passengers on long-haul flights the opportunity to lie down and sleep. The bunks are 2 metres long and 58 centimetres wide and are divided into three levels, with two beds per level. Each pod includes a pillow, duvet, privacy curtain and in-ear headphones.

Air Serbia is reconfiguring its fleet and introducing a new business class product on Airbus A330 aircraft, offering a 1-2-1 layout with aisle access, lie-flat seats and an improved in-flight entertainment programme. Improvements to narrow-body cabins will include more ergonomic seats and standardisation. Plans include enhanced in-flight catering, the reintroduction of duty-free shopping, pre-ordered meals and potential streaming services on board.

All Nippon Airways (ANA) has developed a fire-resistant storage bag in collaboration with Kikuchi Sheet Industries and Toppan Corporation that protects passengers, crew and aircraft from the risk of fires caused by overheated batteries in electronic devices.

Air Tahiti Nui is now working in partnership with Air Rarotonga, enabling seamless flight connections between the United States, the Cook Islands and French Polynesia

Beond plans to expand its fleet to open up new destinations. The airline is committed to an all-business-class configuration and focuses on luxury aviation and tailored travel experiences.

Cathay Pacific has converted the Boeing 777-300ER and is offering a new cabin experience in the new Business Class, Aria Suite, as well as in the new Premium Economy and Economy Class.

Croatia Airlines is integrating 15 new Airbus A220s, all of which have a new high-speed Wi-Fi. The new aircrafts reduce noise by 50 per cent and fuel consumption by 25 per cent.

Delta Airlines is upgrading the interiors of its aircrafts with updated seating materials, improved lighting and a refreshed colour palette to create a more soothing and welcoming atmosphere. The first updated aircraft have been in operation since autumn 2024, with further updates to follow in early 2025.

Emirates is introducing the first of a total of 65 Airbus A350-900s from 3 January 2025; this aircraft offers a modern cabin layout in three classes: Business Class, Premium Economy and Economy Class. The A350-900 has an advanced in-flight entertainment system with 4K screens (four times higher screen resolution than HD) and improved connectivity, including Wi-Fi that works even over the North Pole.

Ethiopian Airlines is the first African airline to add the Airbus A350-1000 to its fleet, with the first flight scheduled for November 2024. The A350-1000 is equipped with the Avant Up in-flight entertainment system from Thales and the HBC+ connectivity system. The aircraft features improved fuel efficiency, reduced environmental impact and cutting-edge technology.

Etihad Airways is set to invest $1 billion in a major modernization of its older Boeing 777 and 787 Dreamliner fleet.

Flydubai is introducing new business class suites with sliding doors that are designed to offer maximum privacy. Frequent flyers will benefit from improved lounge access. The airline has also further improved the cabin design for 2025, with personalised lighting and optimised storage spaces.

Gulf Air has introduced the new Falcon Gold seats in its Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which offer flat-bed seats and more privacy. New meal options tailored to passenger preferences and improved in-flight entertainment systems are part of the enhanced service.

Icelandair has just taken delivery of its first of four Airbus A321LR aircraft. Passengers will receive a completely new in-flight entertainment system of the latest generation and 60 per cent more baggage space. The new aircraft will reduce CO2 emissions by 20 per cent.

KLM is launching eSIM technology for passengers. This solution allows travellers to access the internet in 190 countries at affordable prices. Thanks to the eSIM technology used, customers can keep their phone number while using mobile data via the eSIM from provider Kolet.

LOT will add nine new E195-E2 aircraft to its fleet. In-flight entertainment in the cabin will be expanded by 20 per cent. New amenity kits will be provided for business and premium passengers.

Lufthansa is introducing a new cabin interior called ‘Allegris’, which will be available on long-haul flights from 30 March 2025. Passengers can book special Allegris seats in First and Business Class. There are eight different seat types in Business Class alone. Passengers can heat or cool the seats themselves.

Malaysia Airlines is introducing updated cabins in its Airbus A330neo fleet, which will enter service at the end of 2024. The Business Class will have 28 suites with sliding doors, direct access to the aisle and high-tech amenities such as wireless charging and USB-C ports. The seats are based on the Elevation platform from Collins Aerospace and offer improved comfort and privacy. In Economy Class, there are 269 seats in a 2-4-2 layout, with 24 of them offering extra legroom. The ergonomically designed Recaro CL3810 seats feature larger screens, drink holders, coat hooks and more storage space.

Oman Air has introduced new business studios. This alternative to traditional first class is now available on selected flights and offers an upscale business class experience with the luxury of a mix of open and private spaces and the latest equipment. Passengers can enjoy free Wi-Fi on board and an à la carte menu.

Riyadh Air is equipping its Boeing 787-9 fleet with advanced screens that provide a cinema-like experience on board.

Singapore Airlines is investing 1.1 billion US dollars in modernising its Airbus A350 fleet. All 41 aircraft will be modified with a new design and new equipment in all classes.

Swiss will launch the new long-haul experience Swiss Senses and with it the completely redeveloped cabin, which will be introduced with the new A350-900. This concept aims to offer passengers a more personal and comfortable experience that appeals to all the senses.

Turkish Airlines is launching a new stopover campaign. Passengers can take advantage of a free hotel stay in Istanbul. Economy Class travellers receive one night's accommodation for free, while Business Class travellers receive two nights' accommodation for free.

United Airlines will provide all passengers with free, high-speed Wi-Fi thanks to Starlink.