Aircraft manufacturers such as Boeing and Airbus have teams that do research and study on how to improve the current design of their aircrafts. Announced last 2010 at the Farnborough International Airshow, Airbus is rethinking the shape of the tail of the planes to resemble a "U" rather than an inverted "T," with slimmer wings and a lighter body, all designed to make the plane more fuel-efficient. Another aircraft design this time by Boeing, in cooperation with NASA, is the X-48B, which has a blended body-wing design, aiming to reduce drag and enhance fuel efficiency.
Currently, all aircraft passengers, including the members of the cabin crew, are required to switch off their cellular phones during the flight. But recent innovations in mobile technology now allow safe use of cellular phones while in a flight, which is what AirChina, China Southern and China Eastern are planning on doing. This would mean that calls and SMS's will be allowed while on board, keeping the passengers connected to the rest of the world in-flight.
If mobile coverage will soon be allowed while on board, Wi-Fi on flights are also in the works. At least that is what Cathay Pacific, in tandem with Panasonic, is planning to do to their flights starting 2012. Cathay Pacific is targeting to have Wi-Fi, aside from the initial plans of GSM voice and cellular data service activated while you are on board one of their flights. There is no promise that the service will be free, though.
Innovations regarding seating structure, fuel efficiency and even reusing of old aircraft materials are being thought of by the aircraft manufacturers. But a rather radical change that Airbus is thinking of, mentioned in the 2010 Farnborough International Airshow, is the idea of changing the flying pattern of planes itself. Referring to the flying "V" pattern of migratory birds, Airbus is considering flying in this formation to help reduce drag and increase speed, as well as lowering emission rates from the planes.
