Hyperconnected planes, accessible travel, and lots of technology: here's what's in store for us in the flights of the next decade

The first day of theAIX 2026, the leading exhibition dedicated to the world of aircraft interiors. The event, now in its 25th edition, is a benchmark for understanding where the aviation industry is going. We don't talk about cars and engines, for that there are London, Paris, Dubai, and Singapore, but of everything inside the fuselage.

At theAircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) of Hamburg is talked about Cabins, seats, inflight entertainment, connectivity and passenger experience in the world of aviation and is also flanked by related events such as the Passenger Experience Conference and the WTCE, dedicated to catering and on-board services.

For airlines, manufacturers, suppliers, and designers, it is the place where they get a close look at the innovations that will then end up on the planes of the coming years, from the new concepts of business class to technologies to make the passenger experience more modern and efficient.

This was my third time in Hamburg, and I must say. This year there were no fancy booths, such as the iconic one that occasionally resurfaces by Italian Geven.

There is not even a trace of the lofty one anymore., or rather this time they presented the evolution of the economy (or premium economy) cabin and a lot of innovation aimed toward sustainability, accessibility, technology and innovation.

Travel increasingly accessible

Here at TFC, the issue of mobility, the freedom to travel for all PRM - passengers with reduced mobility - has always been an important issue. I talk about it in my reviews, but also in a lot of articles.

What Airbus has unveiled is the "nearly ready" version for the market for Allow wheelchair passengers to board with their own wheelchairs, all without going to the companies' revenues, rather opening up a new market segment that does not travel today, precisely because of certain barriers.

Of course, tests will still need to be completed and all certifications passed, but the road is set.

In addition to this, the accordion bathroom that, without affecting the standard spaces, Allows a PRM and his or her companion to go to the bathroom at the same time: a real galactic leap from what is happening today. In this case, the solution is ready to use and will be installed soon.

Accessibility does not only mean PRM, but also improve travel for families or passengers with service animals. For example, Collins Aerospace presented its Nook.

The idea is simple, but ingenious: reclaim an unused space in the last row of wide-body airplanes and give it meaning. Space for an animal, cradle or a service table. In addition to this, also a small barrier to protect against noise Classics of the plane's tail.

Again, (almost) zero cost to the company, but plenty of opportunity to make more money by selling as premium an area of the plane usually avoided by many.

Onboard connectivity changes everything

Onboard connectivity is not only seen to "stuff" theIFE of content, but also and especially to know everything about the plane in real time: what dishes are being eaten, what passengers are watching, how passengers are moving. Everything, thanks to connectivity, will be possible.

Even talking to one's seat, as conceived by Recaro, and ordering what to do as one does with Siri or Alexa. Or interacting with screens, which, in Safran's vision, will be the future of first class Of the next decade. And I honestly can't wait to fall asleep surrounded by the northern lights while my A350-1000, or perhaps a 777X, will fly over the North Pole.

Sustainability, increasingly a central issue

Connectedness also serves to optimize onboard consumption and not only that, recycled materials and second-life materials feature prominently in many stands. In aviation, even 20 grams per seat can make a difference, and so we see seat structures created from sugar hemp or fabrics made from plastics recovered from the sea.

In conclusion

Many things seen here in Hamburg are already a reality, others are coming soon and others next decade, but if you want to see what the future of aviation holds, you have to go through here, and the great thing is that there is also a lot of Made in Italy.