To celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD) 2026, IFSA Insights Editor Stephanie Taylor spoke to three members of the IFSA Board of Directors about their proudest moments, favorite part of working within the in-flight services industry and their advice for young people wanting to enter the sector. United Airlines Global Director Food Safety & Regulatory Compliance, Catering & Lounges Vanessa Lindstrom; ITW Envopak Business Development Director, Airlines Nicky Slater; and Adulce Group Founder and Owner Dulce Martin share their stories. 

As aviation accelerates its digital transformation, strong innovation leadership is critical to delivering seamless, efficient and truly passenger-centric journeys. To mark International Women’s Day on 8 March, Future Travel Experience presents Part 1 of a special editorial focus in which we spotlight female innovation leaders from Schiphol Group, Star Alliance, Charlotte Douglas International Airport, Aeroporti di Roma, Vancouver Airport Authority and RAVE Aerospace. In a series of in-depth interviews, we explore their career journeys, the progress and challenges of gender equality in aviation, and the technologies shaping the next era of travel.

Hawaiian Airlines has announced the appointment of Chef Dell Valdez, the Hawaii-born culinary leader behind Vein in Kaka’ako, as well as Dell’s Kitchen & Bakery and Mio PASTALOGY, as the carrier’s new executive chef. Known for his ingredient-driven approach and deep respect for local food culture, Chef Valdez will bring his modern interpretation of Hawaii’s diverse culinary identity to the airline’s First Class dining programme while continuing to oversee the airline’s Featured Chef Series. “Our goal is to elevate the inflight dining experience by prioritising Hawaiian hospitality,” said Alisa Onishi, Managing Director of Hawaii Marketing, Hawaiian Airlines. 

LOT Polish Airlines has begun equipping its long-haul fleet with Viasat inflight connectivity. The service is currently available on the first Boeing 787 Dreamliner. It will be offered on two more aircraft by the end of April. WiFi availability marks another stage in the process of expanding the airline’s inflight offering and is a response to the expectations voiced by passengers, who called for continuous internet access while on the go. The service allows passengers to stay connected with their loved ones, work remotely, and enjoy online entertainment during their flight.

Brazilian carrier GOL Linhas Aéreas has revealed plans to launch its first long-haul passenger route, connecting Rio de Janeiro with New York. The airline will begin nonstop flights between Rio de Janeiro–Galeão International Airport (GIG) and New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) on July 8, 2026. The service will operate three times per week and represents a major milestone for the airline, which has historically focused on short and medium-haul operations. The launch forms part of GOL’s broader strategy to expand internationally and introduce widebody aircraft into its fleet. 

Passengers sharing their bag location through personal devices is becoming a key part of airline baggage recovery. As more travelers choose to share their bag’s location when it is delayed, airlines can use that information inside their baggage systems to resolve cases faster and reduce permanent loss. To support this shift, SITA has integrated Google’s Find Hub share item location feature into WorldTracer, the global system airlines use to find and reconcile delayed and mishandled baggage. When a passenger chooses to share their bag’s location, airline teams can view that information directly within WorldTracer to support recovery. 

Air Canada has been making headlines for all the right reasons of late, with its first Airbus A321XLR having recently taken its maiden test flight. The Montreal-based Canadian flag carrier and Star Alliance member initially plans to deploy the type domestically, before using it to foster international growth on secondary transatlantic routes. Air Canada will also use the Airbus A321XLR to modernize one of its transborder routes to the US. At the time of writing in early March of 2026, current scheduling data made available by Cirium, an aviation analytics company, shows that the airline plans to use its new long-haul narrowbody twinjets on a grand total of 12 different routes this year. Let's dive deeper into the data to see where exactly it will be flying.

Eurowings is introducing new premium seats on eight Airbus A320neo aircraft, as it aims to reshape a cabin standard in air travel that has been established for decades. Instead of a uniform 2×3 seating configuration, Eurowings is introducing a more spacious 2×2 layout in the first two rows, featuring eight comfortable premium seats – an innovation in the German market. What had previously been reserved for long-haul passengers on scheduled services on widebody aircraft is now being introduced on smaller narrowbody jets such as the Airbus A320neo. Eurowings primarily deploys the A320neo on longer medium-haul routes with flight times of roughly three to six hours.

American Airlines is focused on giving customers more control and convenience throughout their journey – even before their travels begin. The airline is expanding its digital wallet integrations to Samsung Wallet, becoming the first U.S. airline to offer direct boarding pass integration for Samsung users. This latest launch builds on the airline’s existing integrations with other digital wallets, ensuring customers can access real-time boarding pass updates right on their phone. By connecting boarding passes directly to digital wallets, customers receive live updates from American...

Brussels Airlines is enhancing the passenger experience in its different booking classes, both on short-haul and long-haul flights. The biggest investment goes to Premium Economy on long-haul flights, with improved tableware and more meal options and an improved service flow, but other booking classes will see improvements too. Brussels Airlines is on a journey to improve its passenger experience. The airline has already announced a full renovation of THE LOFT – its lounge in Brussels – as well as free WiFi for all passengers and brand-new cabins on its long-haul fleet.

Air Canada today announced the first of its updated Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft has entered service at Air Canada Rouge, introducing the industry’s best leisure carrier experience. This marks the latest milestone in Rouge’s comprehensive cabin renewal program, focused on delivering a more comfortable, connected, and consistent onboard experience. This fleet transition will allow most customers flying Rouge leisure and sun routes across North America and the Caribbean to enjoy upgraded interiors, including personal seatback entertainment, reclining seats and complimentary Fast, Free Wi-Fi sponsored by Bell.

In a partnership brokered by Touch Inflight Solutions, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) has become the first airline to launch a dedicated BBC Nordic on-demand channel onboard. Passengers can now enjoy a premium inflight experience packed with fan-favorite British titles, from murder mysteries to wildlife documentaries. “Enhancing the inflight experience is a key part of how we continue to evolve SAS as a premium and customer-focused airline,” said Aron Backström, Vice President of Product and Loyalty at SAS Airlines.