Stellar Entertainment has launched Cosmo Vision, a new AI-assisted technology that can screen in-flight entertainment (IFE) content up to 75% faster than manual screening, according to recent testing. The technology reviews video, subtitles, and metadata based on each customer’s requirements, then flags and time-codes potential issues for Stellar Lab specialists to review. As airlines add more content across different markets, Cosmo Vision can help Stellar screen more titles at once while ensuring specialists still make the final decision.

What happens when inflight entertainment (IFE) becomes much more than a place to watch movies? In the latest episode of the APEX Future Travel Experience Podcast, host Max Gosney, Managing Director, Future Travel Experience, speaks with Dominic Green, Director – Inflight Entertainment at United Airlines and President of APEX, about United’s vision for a more connected, personalised and engaging passenger experience. Green explains how seatback IFE and Starlink connectivity are coming together to create a powerful digital channel between the airline and its passengers, supporting entertainment, real-time journey information, loyalty, personalisation and potentially new commercial opportunities. 

Collins Aerospace and the commercial aerospace business of ST Engineering have signed three multi-year agreements that build on their longstanding working relationship to enhance component support for airlines.These agreements enable ST Engineering and Collins to integrate original equipment manufacturing (OEM) and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) expertise, providing airline operators with reliable, fast-turnaround component repairs to meet aircraft dispatch needs.

Thai Airways is joining the ‘better late than never’ club of airlines embracing premium economy, with extra-wide extra-comfortable recliners taking to the skies next year. They’ll debut in mid-2027 on Thai’s Boeing 777s, which will also launch new ‘first lite’ and business class suites, fresh lighting, wall panels and galley kitchens, along with a business class snack bar, in a tip-to-tail transformation sweeping through all 14 of the flagship 777s. Premium economy will also appear on 15 new Boeing 787-10s to be delivered from early 2028, and on Airbus A350s due for a refit through 2028-2029.

Recognise the products, services and programmes that are making a meaningful impact on the passenger experience and advancing innovation across the industry. Nominations are now open for the 2027 APEX Awards, with four categories celebrating excellence in cabin innovation, inflight connectivity, inflight entertainment and safety videos. The new deadline to submit your nominations is 14 October 2026. Winners will be announced at the APEX Awards Ceremony on 19 November in Singapore.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines, the largest Bangladeshi carrier, announced on September 24, 2026, that it has ordered an additional 11 aircraft from Boeing, consisting of five B787-10 and six B737-8 MAX aircraft. This is separate from an earlier order placed by Biman with the US manufacturer in April 2026. On that occasion, Biman ordered 14 aircraft; a mix of eight 787-10s, two 787-9s and four 737 MAX 8 aircraft. The deal was signed on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, in the presence of the US Secretary of Commerce, Howard Lutnick, and the Deputy Secretary of State, Christopher Landau, as well as the Minister of Civil Aviation and Tourism of Bangladesh, Rashiduzzaman Millat. 

Turkish Airlines has finalized an order for 100 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, with options for another 50, completing a purchase delayed by a dispute over engine maintenance terms. Boeing announced the agreement on September 23, 2026, calling it Turkish Airlines’ largest single-aisle order from the manufacturer. The deal was finalized in New York in the presence of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan during the United Nations General Assembly being held this week. Deliveries are scheduled for 2033 through 2037. The agreement also gives Turkish Airlines the right to substitute the larger 737 MAX 10 for MAX 8 aircraft.

Gearing up to celebrate its 100th birthday in 2027, Iberia next year plans to start refurbishing its long-haul aircraft with new interiors. “Throughout 2027, Iberia will continue to develop new initiatives to enhance the customer experience, both on the ground and on board. One of the main milestones will be the retrofit of the cabins” on long-haul aircraft, the Spanish flag carrier reveals. Iberia’s long-haul widebody fleet of Airbus A330s and A350s do not presently offer a consistent passenger experience.

Riyadh Air launched a nonstop service between Riyadh and Manila on 9 September 2026, and it’s already stepping up frequency to a daily flight in each direction from 19 October. The upgrade puts one of Southeast Asia’s largest expatriate corridors on a full-time footing, and gives Riyadh Air a stronger footing against the established operators already flying the route nonstop. Riyadh Air is deploying its four-class Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on the route – the same cabin it has rolled out across its expanding Asian network.

Explore St. Louis today welcomed British Airways’ announcement that it will expand its seasonal nonstop service between St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) and London Heathrow Airport (LHR) to seven flights per week for four months of Summer 2027 season. The expanded schedule represents an 80 percent increase in total seats, compared to summer 2026, with more than 35,400 seats added between St. Louis and London next summer. The route launched April 19, 2026 with four flights per week. British Airways is the only U.K. airline offering nonstop service between St. Louis and London, providing direct access to the British capital as well as connections through Heathrow to destinations across Europe and around the world. 

Qatar Airways has launched a new signature onboard menu created by British chef, James Knappett, chef-patron and co-founder of two-Michelin-starred restaurant, Kitchen Table, in London. The new culinary collaboration, designed to deliver world-class cuisine and elevate the Qatar Airways passenger experience, comprises four menu items in First Class and four dishes in Business Class. Seafood is featured prominently, with dishes including blue shell lobster, roasted cauliflower and caramelised mango, with cashew nut and apple salad with Goan curry powder and Cornish crab salad with warm apple soup and brown crab mayonnaise.