AUTUMN 2019 | ISSUE 11
Virgin Galactic partner with Under Armour for Spacewear WWW.AMENITIESMAGAZINE.COM
Contents
In this issue... NEW ARRIVALS The latest industry offerings.
THIS YEAR’S PICK OF ECO-FRIENDLY KITS
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Some of our favourite ecofriendly amenity kits of 2019.
WHY NOT? IT’S GREEN & IT’S CLEAN!
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Creators of ‘flyingbambu’ tell us why disposability and sustainability are essential for onboard dental care!
IN FLIGHT CONNECTIVITY IS NOW AN EXPECTATION
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Airlines must provide passenger Wi-Fi onboard as an ameniity similar to complimentary drinks, meals, sleepsuits and amenity kits!
IN THE SPOTLIGHT Amenities magazine put Albert Facques, CEO of Bayart Innovations, In the Spotlight.
CAN FLYING GO GREEN? Bamboo, corn starch, PET, PCR, and now the first carton-based tube, clearly demonstrate the alternative materials and packaging available to meet airline’s demands for Greener Credential, but it’s going to take more!
IT’S TIME FOR A RETHINK ‘Get Onboard: Reduce.Reuse.Rethink’ is an exciting exhibition curated by PriestmanGoode at the London Design Museum, exploring the issue of waste in travel. Following our visit we caught up with Jo Rowan Associate Strategy Director at PriestmanGoode. COVE R STOR Y:
FLY ME TO THE MOON Virgin Galactic Founder Sir Richard Branson and Under Armour CEO and Founder Kevin Plank announced a collaboration which saw Under Armour become Virgin Galactic’s Technical Spacewear Partner.
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Copyright © Avenel Investments. All right reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is strictly prohibited. The title Amenities is published three times a year and is a trading division of Avenel Investments. While every effort has been made to ensure that the information is correct, neither the author nor publisher can be held responsible for inadvertent inaccuracies or omissions. The views of the writers in Amenities Magazine are not necessarily share by the publisher.
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From The Editor
Welcome
AMENITIES IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY...
As this year draws to a close, a year in which we have witnessed airline amenities reach new levels of design, creativity and branding the hot topic for 2019 was sustainability. The industry has met this challenge headon reducing plastic packaging, introducing new eco-friendly textiles and developing new sustainable items. All of this demonstrates clearly that our industry is playing a key role in developing new eco-friendly and sustainable passenger amenities. But wait a minute! Hotels faced similar challenges some years ago! Remember those tent cards and mirror sticks appearing in the bathroom asking you to think of the environment? They encouraged us to use our towels more than once, and today we see the small bottles of shampoo and conditioner being replaced with larger refill options helping to reduce plastic waste. Today it has become standard practice to use towels more than once and not to have our bedding changed every night during our stay. We have come to appreciate that this is the norm. I fully expect the same to happen to onboard passenger amenities over the next few years and our industry will adopt more standardisation. Bamboo toothbrushes and combs will become the norm, paper packaging will replace plastic and eco blankets made from 100% recycled plastic bottles will be mainstream.
Airlines and suppliers must standardise the range of sustainable products if only to ensure manufacturing costs remain competitive.
Publisher Simon Ward
In this packed issue we explore the subject of onboard Wi-Fi. With a recent report from BBC World reporting that 67% of passengers would now choose an airline based on connectivity. Is it time that Airlines consider Wi-Fi as a must? Surely Wi-Fi should become a standard amenity, much like the amenity kit or complimentary drink? Albert Facques, CEO of Bayart Innovations is In the Spotlight, we also speak with Jo Rowan at PreistmanGoode about the Get Onboard: Reduce.Reuse.Rethink exhibition currently on at the London Design Museum. We also ask the question can flying go completely green? Concluding the answer is ‘no’, but we must all continue to try! Once again a big thank you to all those who continue to support Amenities, helping make it the success that it is!
Features Editor Hayley Hartland
Features Editor Lily-Fleur Bradbury
Editor in Chief Debra Bradbury-Ward
Designer Alison Parsons
Published by Avenel Investments Limited. Registered address: 5 Castle Street, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1BH
Editorial: Debra / Lily-Fleur / Hayley @amenitiesmagazine.com 4
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From design to complete solution
We understand what makes you unique We deliver the most complex projects AlbĂŠa Travel Designer has been serving leading airlines since 2006 Designing, manufacturing and delivering amenity kits from Business to First class www.albea-group.com traveldesigner@albea-group.com
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New Arrivals
Brussels Airlines celebrates the iconic Belgian designer Natan! In partnership with Galileo Watermark, Brussels Airlines are celebrating one of the most iconic designers from Belgium – Natan. This new collaboration sees the introduction of a new Business Class amenity kit which feature sophisticated designs in black and blue. The kits themselves are created from vegan leather and have the longevity of use in mind for their intercontinental passengers. The functional kits have a hand strap in a woven design, that means they can be utilised post-flight. Natan is a true Belgian icon and has been designing fashion, leather goods and jewellery for 36 years. Their founder, Edouard Vermeulen is known as the designer of choice for a number of European Royals. They also have a number of international stores around the world and have firmly cemented their position on the global luxury fashion stage. The kits, which are available on all North American and African flights, contain all the essentials that passengers expect in their amenity kits. This includes eye-mask, earplugs, socks and high-quality cosmetics provided by RainPharma. 6
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Refreshed First & Business Class Acqua Di Parma kits Etihad Airways have launched their Boeing 787 Dreamliner Services to Milan in style, with an exclusive reception held at the Palazzo Clerici, located in the heart of the beautiful Italian City. As part of this launch, Etihad has developed their partnership with luxury, Italian brand Acqua Di Parma, refreshing their First and Business Class onboard offerings. The First Class bag, featuring a new shape, is offered in black whilst the Business amenity kits have evolved into a convenient zipper pouch in yellow, the colour synonymous with Acqua Si Parma, and a grey valet tray. Acqua Di Parma worked closely with Etihad to tailor its unique products to each stage of the guest experience, on the ground and in the air, using its signature Colonia, a perfume
with a formula which has remained unchanged for 103 years, along with a selection of additional fragrances in The Residence. CEO & President of Acqua Di Parma, Laura Burdese, said: “After 103 years, Acqua Di Parma has become an icon of Italian style. We are extremely selective when choosing brands to associate with, so partnering with Etihad was a natural choice due to its premium services and high-end inflight experience. I see this partnership as an enhancement of a relationship founded on the same shared values of excellence and quality.”
New Arrivals
New sleep experience onboard Cathay Pacific
Singapore Airlines gives the gift of Origami! Decorated with the iconic Singapore Airlines batik print, the new ‘Inflight Skills’ package from SIA introduces their passengers to the ancient Asian art of paper folding; Origami! The launch of Singapore Airlines new ‘Inflight Skills’ programme perfectly coincides with the up and coming October half term, promising to keep the whole family entertained during a long-haul flight. Specially designed and sustainably produced, these origami how-to kits contain a step-bystep guide to five creations including a bird, plane, fortune teller, a box and a box lid. With the growing trend of adult arts and crafts, such as the popular colouring books promoted for adults to destress, Singapore Airlines’ new ‘Inflight Skills’ initiative adopts this popular trend. However, on top of this, it also makes strong cultural links to the airlines’ heritage, therefore encouraging the whole of their family passengers, children and adults alike, in sharing a fully creative and informative experience. 8
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A new First and Business Class bedding range has been launched onboard Cathay Pacific’s First and Business Class Cabins. Working in partnership with Matrix, and luxury, sustainable lifestyle brand Bamford, they have created beautifully crafted bedding sets, amenities, as well as washroom and lounge products. Both the Business Class and First Class amenities have been created with sustainability at the forefront, using natural, high-quality materials, all made with 100% BCI cotton or cotton blends. Bamford sources the purest natural active ingredients to produce its skincare products and has curated a selection for Cathay passengers that soothes, protects and deeply hydrates skin. First Class passengers will receive a 600-thread count, full retail size pillow, with the option for them to choose the softness to suit them. This will go alongside a 2-piece duvet set, day blanket, cushion and mattress topper to ensure they travel in complete comfort. Business Class passengers will also receive a 100% cotton, retail size pillow with a 400-thread count, with coordinating duvet set, day blanket, cushion and padded mattress topper. To complement the new range of bedding, Cathay Pacific are also launching new amenity kits for their First and Business Class Passengers. The First Class amenity kits are presented in an elegant, vegan leather travel bag with different designs for male and female kits.
From the Bamford Skincare Range, the women’s kit features a four-step Skin for Sleep ritual which includes moisturising lotion, eye cream, lip balm and balancing tonic. From the Bamford Grooming Department, the men’s kit features a three-step Skin for Sleep ritual which includes moisturiser, lip balm and hydrating face mist. Business Class passengers can expect equally high-quality bedding all made with 400-thread-count 100% cotton including a luxury, full-size retail-quality pillow, a luxurious twopiece duvet, beautifully soft oversized day blanket and padded mattress topper. The contemporary, vegan leather travel bag includes Bamford Botanic hand and body lotion, hydrating face mist and lip balm.
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New Arrivals
FORMIA overhaul EVA Air’s amenity offerings Taiwanese Airline EVA Air have exciting developments in both their amenity kit and sleepwear offerings onboard in partnership with FORMIA. They have partnered with a number of new global brands to offer their passengers in the Royal Laurel and Premium Laurel classes something luxurious whilst inflight. In partnership with Taiwanese-Canadian designer Jason Wu, EVA Air have created sleepwear that suits different heights and body types and comes in a variety of colours. This allows their passengers to travel long haul in comfort, whilst still wearing something that is flattering and suitably luxurious for their discerning passengers. For their amenity kits, they have partnered with luxury brand Salvatore Ferragamo for their new range of hardcase amenity kits, resembling a mini suitcase. EVA Air has already rolled out soft kits for inbound flights and is planning to launch a second-generation which includes Taiwan’s aboriginal rhombus totems, alongside western cultural elements included in the design. The kits being offered will also come with exclusive Salvatore Ferragamo key chains for their passengers. Alongside Salvatore Ferrgamo, EVA Air have also partnered with luxury cosmetic brand Bianco Di Carrara, featuring their fragrance in body lotion, lip balm and hand cream. Commenting FORMIA’s Co-Founder, Roland Grohmann, said: “FORMIA continues to lead the travel and hospitality markets, by focussing on creating innovative, high-quality products with distinctive bespoke designs. Our latest collaborations for EVA Air have enabled us to partner with exclusive, well-known brands to offer unique products which are sure to delight passengers.” 10
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Rossiya Airlines breaks the mould with new AR children’s kits Rossiya Airlines youngest passengers are in for a treat this Autumn, with their wonderful range of new amenity kits for children. The exciting new onboard offerings see a new level of Augmented Reality Technology take to the skies. There are 2 designs available, one for the over 7 age group, and one for the under 6. For the older children onboard they will be gifted a fashionable bag, that is worn around the child’s waist, with enough space to carry all the ‘musthave’ essentials safely, both inflight and long after their journey is over. The kit for the youngest passengers can be utilized as a shoulder bag, or as a secure backpack. Alongside the fashionable design, the kits contain everything children might need to keep them entertained during their journey. The kits are designed as a dedication to aviation, and the excitement of air travel. There is an activity book that teaches about all the different professions that are needed to make a flight possible, as well as board games, and accessories, such as collectable badges, trinkets and pencils that can be used in school as a reminder of the child’s adventure. The final piece of the kit is a 3D puzzle which, once assembled, shows an airport, aeroplanes, helicopters and other aspects of a fully functioning airport. It is here that the AR Technology comes to life. By downloading a mobile app and pointing the camera at the built puzzle the airport scene is transformed into a game the children can play and which simulates scenes from around the airport. These include controlling aircraft, boarding and disembarking passengers from their flights and much, much more. The exciting development of a mobile app means that the fun can continue to be updated, and allow for hours of entertainment once the child is home.
New Arrivals
Albea Travel Designer launches amenities across the board on Air France Air France has launched a number of brand new inflight amenities. As Albea’s VP Travel Designer Corinne Brand says, “Airline amenity kits contribute to the wellbeing of long haul passengers. They promote the brand image of both airline and the associated beauty brands. At 11 kilometres up, the traveller experience should mean pleasure, comfort, wellbeing, excellence and authenticity – every detail matters!” Air France has grabbed this ethos and created a new range of beautiful onboard offerings to ensure their passengers, of all ages, can relax in style. Starting with the smallest of the airline’s passengers, Air France has created a new ‘feeding bottle bag’ kit for infants aged up to 23 months flying in their La Première, Business and Premium Economy cabins. This
beautiful, attractive kit contains all the necessities when travelling with a small child, including feeding spoon, bib, comforter, diaper and 2 Mustela baby cosmetics. Now for the bigger passengers! For those travelling in Air France’s Premium Economy Cabin, they have created a sachet shaped kit that is available in attractive shades of blue and green. Passengers will be offered a range of materials onboard their different long haul flights. The kits will contain the travel essentials, including toothbrush and toothpaste, socks, sleep mask and earplugs. Working up the cabin classes, they also have a return of kits first seen in 2017 for those in their Business Class cabins. These kits are back by popular demand, featuring 4 new colours in the collection – Ocean blue,
peacock blue, camel and mineral grey – a modern colour palette for the modern traveller. These kits contain the travel essentials, alongside Clarins cosmetics, including hand cream and cooling gel-cream. Finally, this winter sees the introduction of a new set of kits for those travelling in Air France’s La Première cabin. Designed as a gift box, the kit contains cosmetics from luxury brand Carita, comes in 2 colours – Camel and Navy Blue. The box is created out of leatherlook material and features the Cabin Class’s iconic seahorse design. Albea Travel Designer and Air France have been working together for 14 years, and these kits are a continuation in their creation of kits that are beautiful, stylish and functional. AMENITIESMAGAZINE.COM
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New Arrivals
Hawaiian Airlines put sustainability front and centre Hawaiian Airlines, in partnership with WESSCO International, have shown their commitment and dedication to providing sustainable kits to their passengers by developing a new range of amenities with Moloka‘i-based brand Kealopiko. Both companies are keen to showcase the beauty and culture that Hawaii has to offer, and the kits feature designs of coral and fern alluding to the state’s abundant natural resources. Kealopiko was founded by three women passionate about sharing the rich culture of Hawai‘i, protecting the environment and operating as an eco-conscious brand. The company’s production is done in a small shop on Moloka‘i, where organic materials are sustainably dyed, cut and sewn by hand before being sold online or in its downtown Honolulu store. Each of their designs honours indigenous wildlife, language, practices, ali‘i (royalty), kupuna (elders and ancestors), and mo‘olelo (stories and history). “Embarking on this redesign, we knew we wanted a partner who could help us tell the stories of our island home,” said Avi Mannis, senior vice president of marketing at Hawaiian Airlines. “Kealopiko is a natural fit. Their sustainable production and bold, contemporary design align with our values and complement the flight experience we want to offer our guests.” First and Business Class guests onboard will be treated to a canvas clutch bag, which is available in two colourways, and features Hawaiian
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Airlines branding, coral print and coconut shell button. Whilst those sitting in their Extra Comfort cabin will receive a kit made from natural felt, with a wooden engraved tag featuring a story from Hawaiian culture that details the symbiosis between Earth, Sea and Sky, known as ‘Ekaha. The kits contain all the travel essentials including a bamboo comb, socks, dental kit and cosmetics from the Hawaiian Airlines’ private skincare line, Loli‘i. Economy passengers also have new offerings onboard, with a coral Kraft paper bag containing travel essentials including earplugs and a sleep mask featuring the Hawaiian coral design shown in the other kits. As they are dedicated to sustainability and the reduction of single-use plastic onboard the amenities feature eco-friendly paper packaging. The kits are designed to honour the special islands of Hawaii, and everything they have to offer, whilst also helping to look after the environment for future generations.
This Year's Pick of Eco-friendly Kits
This year’s pick of EcoFriendly Kits
Kaelis/Air Europa This lit in soft-touch velvet leather material in a neutral grey tone contains a set of cosmetics from The Rerum Natura - a cosmetic collection inspired by authentic formulae that only use pure botanical essential oils to create the clean fragrance for all its products. In addition, all cosmetics packaging is also eco-friendly, presented in Doypack bags with a recycled plastic closing system. In removing all plastic wrapping package from its new Business Class Kit Air Europa reduce’s 1,000-kiloplastic waste per year.
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Whilst many hotels and restaurants have done away with single-use plastics, airlines remain behind the times - wrapping everything from blankets to dishes in sheets of the stuff. Airline amenity kits, however, are one area where carriers are starting to ditch harmful plastic. Here are some of our favourite ecofriendly amenity kits of 2019.
Skysupply / Finnair Finnair unveiled a new range of ecofriendly amenity kits designed in partnership with Marimekko for Business Class passengers. The kits include products from L:A Bruket – the natural and organic skincare brand from Sweden. The kits contained a toothbrush made from bio-plastic containing cornstarch, plastic wrappings for the earplugs have been replaced with wax paper and the new slippers are a Nordic-style design made entirely from recycled PET plastic bottles.
This Year's Pick of Eco-friendly Kits
WESSCO International / Icelandair Icelandair celebrates its wonderful Icelandic wildlife with four new ecofriendly kits that honour Iceland’s unique natural inhabitants working closely with WESSCO and skincare company Hannes Dóttir. Each purse is made from a combination of materials including recycled canvas, vegan leather, and felt made from recycled plastic bottles. It contains a toothbrush made from cornstarch-based biodegradable material and socks made from recycled material.
Galileo Watermark / Virgin Atlantic (REN supplied by Buzz)
Working with Galileo Watermark, Virgin’s new Goodie Bags were introduced across its fleet in both Upper Class and Premium cabins. The bags are made from responsibly sourced FSC certified recyclable kraft paper. They include @Bambuubrush toothbrush, earplugs in paper packaging, WhiteGlow toothpaste, a Kraft paper pen, and all-natural REN Clean skincare products, which are vegan and use recycled and recyclable packaging.
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This Year's Pick of Eco-friendly Kits
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Buzz / Delta
Wessco/Hawaiian Airlines
Delta unveiled updated TUMI Business Class kits in June along with new products from fragrance house Le Labo. The kits are no longer wrapped in single-use plastic, neither are the individual items inside, such as toothbrushes and toothpaste, and the Le Labo products come in paper pouches.
Hawaiian Airlines teamed up with Moloka‘ibased brand Kealopiko to launch a new line of in-flight amenities carrying a message of sustainability. The new Premium Economy kit feature bamboo comb and toothbrush together with hand and body balm, lip balm and hydrating mist from Hawaiian Airlines private skincare line, Loli‘i. Eco-friendly paper packaging has replaced plastic.
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Why Not? It’s
Green & It’s
Clean! Creators of ‘flyingbambu’ tell us why disposability and sustainability are essential for onboard dental care!
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Why not? It's green & It's Clean
Dr Pedram Dehdari, a life science consultant, and Dr Dariush Taghavi, a dental specialist, are the creators of the ‘Flyingbambu’ biodegradable toothbrush. A unique product that provides a solution to two problems for onboard and daily dental care. Sustainability and disposability! Dental hygiene is a part of everyone’s daily routine, whether it’s before or after breakfast, at least twice a day, after every meal or even in the shower. Although a mundane part of your routine it’s a top priority for those desirable Hollywood pearly whites! Onboard, having a quick freshen up before touch down, especially for those frequent business flyers, is just as important. It’s surprising then, that we are blissfully ignorant of the real impact dental hygiene can play on the build-up of bacteria and germs in our mouths and therefore our allimportant health! Dr Dariush Taghavi, is keen to highlight why oral hygiene is so important along with the absolute necessity for disposable dental care. He states “bacteria feeds particularly well on toothbrushes. In the oral cavity, there is a lot of activity...staphylococci, pseudomonas, even intestinal bacteria. Researchers have found up to 500 different bacteria in the human mouth, many of which only reach the mouth via our toothbrush!” He continues, “the small Nylon brushes, are in fact the perfect breeding grounds for germs.” Dr Dariush Taghavi’s words may have us changing it up for a more disposable alternative both onboard AND at home. He suggests that
“your toothbrush onboard an aircraft should be disposable and the use of a large container for the toothbrush is recommended, in order to provide enough fresh air (oxygen) to avoid bacteria breeding.” Airlines provide disposable dental kits already, however, with sustainability a key issue and a top priority for global
industries, what solutions are airlines providing for disposable yet sustainable dental kits? As Dr Pedram Dehdari, points out, “The procedure onboard is always of the same means of going to the washroom, with your dental kit, opening a plastic sachet, taking out the plastic brush, removing plastic foil
and the plastic cap of the toothpaste, making a hole in the toothpaste tube and trying to get a good amount onto the plastic bristle! Imagine how much waste and the extent of the carbon footprint you have made all for a 2 min teeth clean!” Dr Dariush Taghavi promotes, “Flyingbambu wet&clean biodegradable toothbrushes are the perfect solution for such a journey as they are pre-coated with toothpaste and also reinforced with antibacteria.” With the toothpaste already infused into the brush bristles, there is no need for all the extra products that accompany the ‘normal’ dental kit. Dr Pedram Dehdari is keen to stress that, “The team of Flyingbambu didn’t only develop the wet&clean 100% biodegradable toothbrush to save plastic waste and protect the environment but they also want to deliver something smart and comfortable to give passengers a balance of a green and clean feeling promoting good oral hygiene.” Finding a solution that can be both disposable and sustainable is a big challenge for the airlines but our experts have created a product which could not only become the norm onboard but also in our everyday dental routine. Why not, it’s green and it’s clean! AMENITIESMAGAZINE.COM
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GOING UP? PREPARE FOR A SOFT LANDING.
The genius flyer tablet
The active rehydration formula in Uppy acts as a water multiplier, the added vitamins and minerals for natural energy, recovery and wellness. If you are flying, with dry and thin air, arriving, or if you are working out, Uppy will assist you to feel better, perform better and recover faster. We developed Uppy! red as a complement to our original Uppy by adding caffeine for energy making it perfect for day flights or upon arrival from an overnight flight. Both versions are also great when exercising, playing golf, skiing, attending a meeting or conference or even when dancing all night long. uppyflyer.com
WI-FI ONBOARD 
In-flight connectivity is now an expectation
by Lily-Fleur Bradbury AMENITIESMAGAZINE.COM
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WI-FI ONBOARD
BBC World’s report found that up to 67% of frequent Business Class flyers would choose an airline based on their connectivity offerings whilst onboard, and the desire for Wi-Fi access increases as you move up the cabin classes. Airlines must provide passenger Wi-Fi onboard as an amenity similar to complimentary drinks, meals, sleepsuits and amenity kits! As a freelance writer/actress, my working week can take me anywhere from Pinewood Studios to Elstree, London to America or, when I’m ‘resting’, the quaint local coffee shop where I live. No two weeks are the same; which suits my overactive imagination down to the ground. However, there is one thing that this nomadic work life solely depends on. Mobile connectivity. We are all creatures of habit, so imagine my horror when I decide to work at a different local coffee shop that has caught my eye, only to find that they do not have Wi-Fi! I hate to be dramatic, as it’s simply not in my nature, however in today’s technological landscape this is as debilitating as hypothetically losing a limb. Connectivity has opened up communication channels, improved commerce and transformed modern culture. It’s no surprise that business travellers admittedly favour the promise of fast reliable Wi-Fi over that all-important good night’s sleep. As airlines rapidly evolve into hotels in the clouds, particularly for Business and First Class, why wouldn’t Wi-Fi onboard be a top priority too? BBC World’s most recent findings in their Slipstream Report 2019, have found that up to 67% of frequent Business Class flyers would choose an airline based on their connectivity offerings whilst onboard, and the desire for Wi-Fi access increases as you move up the cabin classes. This, in part, is down to the demographics of those who upgrade their seats into 22
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Business and First Class. According to the BBC Slipstream Report, the ‘Focussed Workaholic’ demographic far outstrips the others with their thirst for onboard connectivity. This is not surprising, as it is these people who use their time on an aircraft as an opportunity to get more work done, to arrive at their destination ready for whatever meeting or project they are going into. However, they are not the only group that has a desire for access to the internet whilst travelling, other groups mentioned in the report include, ‘Switched On Multitaskers’, ‘Social Millennials’, ‘Traditional Lifestyle Travellers’, and ‘Entertainment Junkies’. It seems that this need is wide-spread – and, of course, getting wider as more and more devices require access to the internet to work to full capacity. But where did our desire to stay in touch at 38,000ft come from? The idea of the internet and worldwide connectivity began in computer labs across Europe and the United States throughout the 1960s. However, in 1989 Tim Berner-Lee, a British computer scientist launched the World Wide Web, with the first web browser being released in 1990, and the first public use in 1991. Fast forward to the late 1990s and early 2000s and Wi-Fi technology was introduced to the public, and the appetite for staying connected 24 hours a day, 7 days a week became insatiable. These developments, in just 30 short years, have changed the way the world communicates, explores and does business, with many worldwide cities pledging to have complete Wi-Fi connectivity available at all
times. For example, Boris Johnson, who was Mayor of London in May 2010 pledged that London would be completely connected by 2012. The final development in the Wi-Fi story, and arguably the one that has impacted travellers lives the most, is that of mobile data. The ability to connect to the internet wherever you are in the world has changed the face of society globally. It has allowed people of all ages to develop a thirst for information, to raise questions and have international conversations that have changed the world of politics, finance, culture and entertainment forever, and has created the ‘always on, always connected’ society. The technology landscape is such a rapidly evolving one, that it is difficult to extract trends and create forecasts. Thus, the insatiable demand for mobile data has caught even the most discerning of service providers offguard. Network providers have had to accelerate the roll-out of 4G in order to meet these demands but even then, they are still on the back foot. So, how can airlines harness this need and offer their passengers something that they really want whilst travelling the world? It has been proven that connectivity to the outside world whilst onboard really has an impact on the reputation of an airline, and so it would be futile for the aviation market to ignore this growing call. In a 2018 Inflight Connectivity Survey 78% of 9,300 respondents noted that Wi-Fi was “fundamental” to their lives and 55% agreed that the connectivity on the ground was as crucial in the skies, and key to improving passenger experience and driving passenger
WI-FI ONBOARD
loyalty to an airline provider. Aside from reputation, according to the BBC Slipstream Report passengers would happily pay up to 20% more for an airline ticket that included guaranteed connectivity onboard, so airlines can’t afford not to develop the technology. So, just offer Wi-Fi onboard, how hard can it be? Right? Unfortunately, as with all things technological, there are a number of stumbling blocks that airlines are facing. 74% of Business Class travellers in the 2018 Inflight Connectivity survey stated that the quality of the Wi-Fi offered onboard was key to their inflight experience. This has proven a challenge for the airlines, with demand onboard often far outstripping the capability of the
Wi-Fi system. In 2016 American Airlines sued their inflight Wi-Fi provider, gogo which supplies to a number of other worldwide airlines over unreliable connectivity and faster speeds being offered by other providers. They also experienced issues with an inability to connect under 10,000 feet, and a bandwidth that was unable to support the number of passengers trying to connect.
of the same nature. Nearly half of all available seat miles now have at least a chance of Wi-Fi connectivity, a 10% increase from the year before. Three carriers now offer Wi-Fi on 100% of their flights: Icelandair, Southwest, and Virgin Atlantic, and a full 13 airlines offer Wi-Fi on 100% of their long-haul flights: Air Europa, Delta, Emirates and Etihad Eurowings, EVA Air, Iberia, Kuwait, Lufthansa, SAS, Scoot, United, and Virgin Atlantic.
However, it is certainly not all doom and gloom when it comes to onboard connectivity, and, according to the 2018 Routehappy Wi-Fi Report, 82 of the world’s airlines now offer some form of Wi-Fi onboard which states a 12% increase from their 2017 report
The quality of connectivity is also improving, with Basic Wi-Fi continually losing out to Best Wi-Fi as airlines choice, though Better Wi-Fi still maintains as the most popular choice, currently covering 57% of available seat miles. However, there is a
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WI-FI ONBOARD
change in the air as airlines continue to upgrade their onboard connectivity options, and Best Wi-Fi is starting to gain ground representing 16% of available seat miles, which is up an incredible 129% from 2017. The other challenge for airlines is how to monetise this need for constant connectivity. Providing inflight entertainment doesn’t come cheap, and with the addition of Wi-Fi the bills soon add up. It is a careful balancing act for them to ensure that their passengers are provided with what they need, whilst also keeping their costs competitive, in an increasingly budget-conscious world. A few leading airlines have already set up a subscription service for their frequent flyers. United Airlines’ subscription allows you to access one or more of the four internet providers for a month, or a year, dependent on the subscription that you have paid for. Emirates, similarly, have different grades of connectivity for their passengers. They have created the ability for every passenger to stay connected via an online messaging service, or have 20MB for the first 2 hours of their flight. However, Emirates Skywards Members, their frequent flyer scheme, have the chance for discounted, or completely free Wi-Fi available for the duration of their flight 24
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dependent upon their membership tier. There is a branding battleground available for internet provider services, which may start to lower prices for airlines in a simple supply and demand situation. Global brands such as Panasonic are already in the airline market, with a number of others vying for position. This could be a benefit to the airlines, and the supplier brands, as with high-quality connectivity comes the ability to improve your brand reputation amongst a captive audience. For suppliers, this could be an opportunity to develop their global brands and extend their marketplace. This advertising opportunity may mean that airlines have a strong bargaining chip when it comes to doing deals with their internet providers. There has been a lot of talk across the amenity marketplace for personalisation of amenities onboard, and Wi-Fi is no different. In the BBC Slipstream Report, respondents were asked ‘How would you prefer to pay for your inflight connectivity?’ and an overwhelming 60% said they would like it included as part of their ticket, with less than half (27%) saying they would rather pay for it separately onboard. Whether this is a psychological ‘value for money’ exercise or the fact that passengers don’t wish to be hassled buying
‘extras’ onboard, it seems clear that frequent travellers are more than happy to pay a little bit extra to allow them to continue to stay connected, whether for work or play whilst in the sky. It seems that airlines have no choice but to continue to improve their inflight connectivity options. Passenger loyalty is increasingly dependent upon their ability to stay connected, and so airlines cannot afford to ignore the trend. The days of being able to switch off and enjoy a gin and tonic when travelling are now far behind us, with passengers saying their productivity can actually increase whilst onboard. Although the logistics are complicated, technology develops at such a rate that it is getting easier for airlines to give their passengers, of all ages, exactly what they want. Internet capability has continued to make the world a smaller place, for business and leisure. Connectivity onboard should be seen as the next leading amenity for passengers, similar to their slippers, eye-masks and cosmetics already offered. In fact, some might argue that passengers would rather have free Wi-Fi than a free toothbrush.
Celebrating
10 years
to book your tickets online today at www.travelplusawards.com Event:
The TravelPlus Airline Amenity Awards 2019
Venue:
IntercityHotel Hamburg Dammtor-Messe
Date:
Tuesday 31st March 2020
Time:
6.00pm until 9pm
OFFICIAL SPONSORS
The awards will be presented as a component part of an early evening cocktail reception from 6.00 pm with the actual awards ceremony commencing at 7.15 pm; Drinks, together with canapĂŠs will be served throughout the evening.
When was Bayart Innovations established and what attracted the company to the onboard amenity sector? My relationship with the airlines has a long history. I was born in the heart of the cradle of industrial textiles in northern France. In the 70s my grandfather weaver, provided blankets for airlines. In continuity, it has been 15 years since I expanded the range by developing products for air passenger comfort, and that is how Bayart Innovations was born.
How do you predict the market will change in the coming years and what innovations are you hoping to see?
In the Spotlight Amenities magazine put Albert Facques, CEO of Bayart Innovations, In the spotlight
by Lily-Fleur Bradbury
Tomorrow’s leitmotivs will be digital, eco-designed, compostable, second life of the product and the passenger experience. We will produce differently and understand the expectations of future consumers. Not only will offsetting the carbon footprint of air travel be rooted in everyone’s actions, but compliance with the law banning single-use plastics will also be applied by everyone. The eco-design of the kit will no longer be optional. The entire kit will be compostable and/or reusable.
As a company, what accomplishment/ project /partnership are you most proud of? I am proud of our ability to retain our partnerships. Once a link is developed with a company, this collaboration remains, it is constant. As a result, we feel that our customers are committed to our know-how and that they share our values.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
And it is thanks to my team, the talents of this company! They listen to customers to build an offer that meets their expectations while nurturing exchanges.
origin, our comfortable equipment eco-friendly products. Through our products, the consumer becomes a link in a chain that is more virtuous for our planet.
What is the most significant change you have seen in the amenity market in the past ten years?
Passengers needs drive airline offerings onboard, however, are airlines doing enough to keep up?
It is undeniable that yesterday’s consumer has evolved well. It is the evolution of his behaviour that is the most significant change for me. It is more difficult to convince, and the consumer is now over connected via the digital. I am aware that consumer behaviour is the key to understanding market transformations. That’s why it is necessary to develop the customer experience. We are therefore making sure to offer airlines kits that will arouse the passenger’s senses, an emotion so that they can remember this moment. The experience then begins with the purchase of the ticket, during the flight, afterwards, in order to create a link and meet the expectations of future generations while sharing the same values.
How are airlines changing their approach towards their onboard amenity offerings in the context of the current market? The current economic situation is punctuated by a more eco-responsible offer, green, compostable materials, eco-friendly, a second life for products. Airlines communicate with passengers to make them aware of the urgency of consuming green. For example, by using raw materials of vegetable
To my mind airlines are trying to refocus on the customer, and above all to listen to them. This can be seen with the rise of the customer experience. This notion of focusing on emotions, the 5 senses of the customer through our products drives us. A real challenge that we strive to incorporate into our DNA.
As a supplier, what challenges do you face in enabling airlines to offer more sustainable solutions at an affordable cost? We currently have the ability to offer companies a 100% compostable offer. Sustainable is no longer a possibility but a part of our identity.
Some airlines offer their economy passengers the opportunity to purchase higher cabin class amenity kits. How do you think this affects the overall exclusivity of the airline’s offering? Receiving the business kit reflects a privilege for those travellers who feel unique. For me, it is good to offer the business kit to passengers in eco class. Moreover, I think that ecotourists will keep the kit longer and reuse it more easily.
THE PERSONAL TOUCH Where is your favourite place to go on vacation? During the holidays, I like to be with my family. To recharge my batteries, I love sailing along the Mediterranean and the Adriatic Sea. What is your favourite city? No doubt Paris. Our French capital is a real source of inspiration in terms of fashion, design and culture. Your favourite onboard tipple? As an epicurean, a good glass of French wine. AMENITIESMAGAZINE.COM
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Can flying go green? 
Can flying go green? Bamboo, corn starch, PET, PCR, and now the first carton-based tube, clearly demonstrate the alternative materials and packaging available to meet airlines demands for Greener Credential, but it’s going to take more!
by Simon Ward AMENITIESMAGAZINE.COM
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Can flying go green?
‘Can Flying Go Green?’ was a recent television documentary that explored this topic, and in short, the answer was no.
Salpa collection
It will take action from governments, airlines, manufacturers and suppliers, and considerable advancement in technology to stand any chance of success. Worldwide passenger numbers have quadrupled in the past 30 years, and by 2037 they are expected to double again to 8 million people per annum. With the current technology, all these journeys have a large carbon footprint, they emit greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, which is a scientifically proven factor in the speeding up of global warming. However, the airline industry is already making moves to go green by seeking alternative zero-carbon fuels, and working in partnership with the major aircraft manufacturers to develop allelectric aircraft that are commercially viable. Indeed, this year at the Paris Air Show we saw the launch of the world’s first commercial all-electric passenger aircraft, albeit at this stage just in the prototype phase. Speaking to Johan Lundgen, Chief Executive of EasyJet, she said that “Electric flying is becoming a reality and EasyJet can now forsee a future that is not exclusively dependent on jet fuel.” Governments around the world also need to be more proactive, although 30
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Paper Kiss lipstick Albéa
how effective this is, is questionable! When the UK government introduced an Air Passenger Duty Tax back in 1994 the tax was to pay for the environmental cost of air travel. The idea was to make passengers think twice before flying however, in reality, it just made UK flights more expensive. 25 years on passengers have forgotten it is an environmental tax and is now just part of the norm. Passengers are expected to have paid around £3.7 billion in 2019-2020,
which is the equivalent of around £130 per household according to the Office of Budget Responsibility. How is this money used to make air travel more sustainable? Is this tax really just another levy against the passenger? Who is holding the government to account to ensure that the money raised is used toward environmental schemes? Interestingly, despite the seeming financial incentive, no other country has introduced a tax of this nature.
Can flying go green?
The passengers too are encouraged to play their part by carbon offsetting their flight. However, whilst the principle of offsetting remains appealing, is it just a case of allowing passengers to feel less guilty about flying and easing their conscience? So hats off to the onboard passenger amenity market! They are under enormous pressure with the ever-increasing demand from airlines to make the key passenger touchpoints more sustainable, greener and biodegradable. However, unfortunately, sustainability often compromises luxury, and although this
might sound silly, in my experience it’s the point where most mistakes have been made. When the sum of the items included in a kit is not perceived as luxury passengers are turned off. There needs to be a movement within the luxury brands market, which means airlines can offer recognisable names, whilst not giving up the quality of the items offered. In the past, we have reported on the continual quest by suppliers to provide airlines with sustainable options, and airlines, to their credit, have adopted a number of them. Including combs, hairbrushes, shoehorns and toothbrushes made from bamboo or corn starch, removing plastic packaging from around individual items replacing it with paper, and cardboard barrel pens. However, we must remind ourselves sustainability is not a new issue, but it certainly is the buzz word of today for our market. Indeed, suppliers have been developing and researching sustainable alternatives for the past 15 years whilst struggling with reducing costs. Take Albéa a pioneer in terms of sustainability, as a major manufacturer of packaging for beauty solutions that
we all use every day including tubes, perfumes and lotion pump applicators. They were the first cosmetic packaging company to sign the New Global Plastic Commitment from the Ellen McArthur Foundation committing to making 100% of plastic packaging reusable or recyclable by 2025. L’Oréal in partnership with Albéa announced recently a breakthrough innovation for cosmetic packaging inventing the first carton-based tube, where plastic is for the most part replaced with bio-based and certified paper-like material. Philippe Thuvien, Vice-President Packaging & Development of L’Oréal, explains: “By working closely with Albéa to co-develop this breakthrough innovation, we aim to create a new paper-based tube packaging for our cosmetic packaging. We target a first market launch for skincare products in the second half of 2020.” Other responsible packaging alternatives that Albéa presented at LUXE PACK MONACO the premier show for creative packaging earlier this year include
Virgin Atlantic limited edition washbag made from the upcycled seat leather
L’Oreal and Albéa launch paper-based tube AMENITIESMAGAZINE.COM
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Can flying go green?
Albéa PCR range
• A new range of tubes with three different PCR concentrates to respond to market expectation • Paper Kiss lipstick packaging made from FSC-certified cardboard sourced from sustainably managed forests. The plastic mechanism is detachable from cardboard packaging for better paper recyclability. Besides being ecodesigned the cardboard packaging allows infinite design possibilities • A range of 100% PCR packaging offer with lotion pumps, foam pumps and mascara. It, therefore, goes without saying that in time we will see these packaging innovations introduced into airline amenity kits, with the traditional, almost predictable small range cosmetic, lip balms being packaged in paper, hydrating facial mists and perfumes in 100% PCR packaging and facial moisturiser and hand and body lotion in paper-based tubes Albéa Travel Designer clearly benefit from Albéa’s strong commitment to investing in the research and development of innovative sustainable technologies was clearly evident on their stand at IFSA Expo in September. 32
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On display were new polybags and amenity kits designed from biosourced plastics as well as fibres from pineapple and banana waste. Upcycling is another key sustainable solution with Virgin Atlantic together with Galileo Watermark recently creating a limited-edition washbag to gift to all passengers on the inaugural brand new A350 aircraft flight. The bag itself is made from the upcycled seat leather and lined with upholstery from the new ‘Loft’ space – a newly designed social area to relax away from the main cabin. It’s clear that our industry is certainly going that extra mile to help airlines meet their Corporate Social Responsibility, and the environmental issues in air transport have grown in importance in recent years. As global airlines become more proactive to demonstrate their green credentials, it is worth remembering that
becoming more sustainable will, in the short term cost more. Airlines will have to invest more in passenger amenities if they are going to continue to meet, and satisfy the increasing demand of their guests on both luxury and sustainability. To make sustainability a success it will take a monumental effort, with all areas pulling in the same direction. The packaging options and reduction of single-use plastics is an important baby step in the road to change. However, suppliers, manufacturers, airlines, brands and passengers will all have to work together to find a solution in time to help the planet. The technology is beginning to come through, now is the time to seize it, invest in it, and make it a reality.
Albéa Travel Designer Vegetal & RPET Collection
WWW.SKYSUPPLY.DE
It's time for a rethink
It’s time for a rethink ‘Get Onboard: Reduce.Reuse.Rethink’ is an exciting exhibition curated by PriestmanGoode at the London Design Museum, exploring the issue of waste in travel. Following our visit, we caught up with Jo Rowan Associate Strategy Director at PriestmanGoode. Throughout previous issues, Amenities has explored the growing importance of sustainability in the airline marketplace. So you can imagine how excited we were to see an exhibition at the London Design Museum that deals with just that! How far the discussion about greener travel has come, in just a couple of years. We are now able to bring the debates, and products into the public domain, making them normality for not only the travellers of tomorrow but for those who are travelling today. The exhibition entitled GET ONBOARD: REDUCE. REUSE. RETHINK takes an in-depth look at the various elements that make up a passenger’s travel experience. Although it primarily focusses on the meal service, it also challenges passengers to rethink the way they travel, and what products they should expect to be provided by the airline. The exhibition is the result of an internal R&D project by the London and China-based design studio PriestmanGoode, which specialises in travel and transport design and who work with companies such as Airbus, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines, BAA (Heathrow T5), Transport for London and Hyperloop Transportation Technologies. It is the studio’s latest in a series of concepts that raise awareness and encourage 34
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public discourse of important societal and environmental issues. Amenities were so excited that we took the opportunity to chat with PriestmanGoode’s Associate Strategy Director Jo Rowan to explain a little more about what they do, and what they are hoping to achieve with this exhibition. Jo explains, “PriestmanGoode is the leading design company in aviation and transport. For the last twenty years, we’ve been at the forefront of innovation in aircraft interiors. We work across the whole spectrum of the travel industry, from trains and air rail design, to airports, ground services, lounges, across aircraft interiors, as well as hotels. We work with airlines as well as with suppliers, seat manufacturers and airframe manufacturers. This means we have a unique overview of the industry as a whole. It means we’re able to effectively innovate, as we understand the regulatory limitations we have to work within.” As we all know, a greener future of air travel is increasingly important, and Jo explained that this was at the forefront of their thinking when putting together their exhibition, “Sustainability is a big buzz word in the industry... We wanted to raise awareness of the impact both from the perspective of what is provided to the passengers and to encourage people to think about their impact when they travel.”
A big problem for airlines when it comes to their carbon footprint is the weight that they carry onboard, and so the amount of fuel they have to use. A large part of this is in the fixtures and fittings related to the meal service. PriestmanGoode has developed a prototype meal tray created from materials such as coffee grounds, wheat bran, algae, banana leaf and soluble seaweed amongst other components which weighs less and is fully biodegradable. It is this thinking outside the box and searching for alternatives, that means that the possibility of a no singleuse plastic flight seems not too far out of reach. Jo Rowan continues, “While there is currently no perfect solution, this design proposal aims to encourage suppliers and airlines to rethink the meal service in a more eco-friendly manner, particularly ahead of legislation to ban single-use plastic, which in some countries is proposed for as early as 2021”. However, it is not just the meal tray that comes under their microscope. They have developed a number of visualisations and videos for visitors to experience at the exhibition which discuss the other onboard amenities offered to passengers. These films are designed to challenge the way we think about inflight offerings, asking passengers to really think about what they need. Here at Amenities, we have long discussed the idea of
It's time for a rethink
personalisation of the amenity kit, with passengers only being gifted what they need and ask for, and this is the route that PriestmanGoode is trying to explore with their visualisations. But does Jo think that passengers are really interested in their own carbon footprint when travelling the world? “We are noticing a real behaviour shift with a more ‘refill attitude’ people have in their daily lives which does not continue whilst travelling so we know there is an appetite for a more sustainable journey.” If passengers travel with their own toothbrush and toiletries, do airlines need to provide a single-use toothbrush and toothpaste that will end up in a landfill? Or are there incentives that airlines could offer their passengers for them bringing their own refillable containers onboard? Discounts at their partnership cosmetics stores, perhaps? Or a coupon for money off bamboo, biodegradable toothbrushes? Unfortunately, the stumbling block to sustainable amenities is the ageold problem of budget restraints that shackle both airlines and suppliers from offering fully green alternatives to their passengers. However, as Jo explains, this is a simple case of supply and demand, the higher the demand for these sustainable products, the lower the cost will become, couple that with the increasing cost of disposing of plastics and other non-recyclables, she seems optimistic that change is not far off, “We know that at the moment, sustainable products cost more, but we also know that some of these items are currently produced at a very small scale - with the economy of mass production there is scope to make them more cost-effective. Consider also that whilst sustainable products may be more expensive presently, so is the cost of processing waste - by looking holistically at the lifecycle of the products we explore AMENITIESMAGAZINE.COM
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It's time for a rethink
the potential to shift the investment from the end to the start.” It is extremely exciting that this discussion is no longer theoretical, and a plan for the future seems to be forming. The optimism of people like Jo does make it feel like change is possible. The changing attitudes of travellers and the willingness of airlines to be open to the ideas might mean that she is right, and a green future can be realised, sooner rather than later. Although Jo concedes that their offerings in their exhibition may not be perfect for every person or airline, it is starting to think of ways to alter the current status quo, “There has been a hugely positive response to the exhibition - not only in the aviation sector but across all industries - airlines / airports / manufacturers / rail / hotel. It’s easy to say that waste is a problem but the answers are not easy to find and will need to fit with the unique offers, processes and systems each airline has. Our exhibition and our designs show that there are alternatives, that there is an appetite from the industry (and from consumers) for change, and that together we can engender systemic change.” The world is waking up to the importance of creating long term solutions to an increasingly short term problem. With the climate change marches, and climate activists such as Great Thunberg making headlines daily, it does feel like there is no choice but for the aviation industry to catch up. Although the challenges are far from solved, exhibitions like this will continue to provoke discussion, and if passengers and airlines begin to work hand in hand, real change doesn’t seem that far out of reach. The exhibition is running at the London Design Museum until 9th February 2020. By Hayley Hartland 36
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Fly me to the moon 
Fly Me To The Moon CEO, Simon Ward, Forecasts The Future Of Aviation
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Fly me to the moon
During my time in this multi-faceted industry, I have witnessed an astounding amount of innovation thanks to the advancement of technology, engineering and design. With this year marking fifty years since the Apollo 11 mission to the moon, it won’t be long before airlines are offering commercial space travel to the elite. We’ll see the gradual emergence of cabin class and it’ll have that similar buzz of excitement that surrounded the beginning of commercial air travel where the seemingly impossible became possible. But before I get lost in the stars, it’s time to come back down to earth and really look at what is happening in our industry right here and now! It’s undeniable the aviation industry has continued to grow at an increasingly rapid speed, so much so that by the year 2037, global passenger numbers are forecast to double to an overwhelming 8.2 million. As passenger numbers double, we will see the support of 100 million jobs, generating huge global economic benefits over the next 20 years. With its robust economic growth and continued improvements in household incomes, it’s no surprise the Asia Pacific region will act as the main catalyst of this growth, resulting in an exponential geographical reshuffling of global air traffic. Within the next 20 years, the eastern market will represent over 50% of new passengers, with China displacing the US as the largest air passenger market by 2025.
recovering passenger class and now generates the majority of airlines’ sales. It’s no surprise that it represents the largest growth opportunity for the amenity sector. As this demand increases, Business Class will take the spotlight from First Class which will see a slow continual decline. The amenity industry will be required to create cost-effective solutions as airlines look to offer Economy Class passengers more comfort. Airbus is already a step ahead, announcing it’s soon-to-be onboard bunk bed offering, where passengers can rent a bunk in the cargo hold. But along with all the benefit of growth, comes challenges, and with climate change a top priority for global business, the aviation industry is no exception. Sustainable, ecoconscious amenity offerings will be in high demand all the way from the amenity kit, the bedding offering, to the manufacturing processes. This is expected to drive costs up
as providing such items uses more extensive production techniques and could in theory negatively affect the market. However, as a result of CSR, the efforts taken to produce amenity kits will increase the desirability of kits and lead to a positive shift towards higher-value amenity bags, increasing the re-usage of bags and reducing waste and our current throw-away culture. For 2018, the market size for amenity kits was estimated to be at USD 300-350 mil. Looking ahead to the future, we will see an amenity kit market growth of c.5% p.a. until 2022, with APAC and MEA regions growing above the market due to the purchasing orders at Boing and Airbus. Europe and the Americas will also display a stronger growth than in the past, due to an increase in penetration rates as well as the Americas positive economic positioning and consolidation among airlines.
This positive underlying market trend in passenger flight is not only as a result of growing middle classes in emerging countries but also a recovering premium passenger traffic since the 2009 crisis. In the last 25 years, the emergence of Premium Economy has been proof of this AMENITIESMAGAZINE.COM
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