Pizzas, google glasses and Bear Grylls’s safety videos

‘Safety in Paradise’ – Air New Zealand, the airline that has brought us tongue-in-cheek YouTube safety video hits featuring unusual cameos including Hobbits from ‘Middle-earth’ and Bear Grylls’s ‘The Bear Essentials of Safety’, has delivered a controversial new offering. Starring bikini-clad Sports Illustrated models, the new video is already another viral hit, with almost half a million YouTube views in the two days after its launch.

This new offering, while attention grabbing, is standing accused of being far less original and creative than previous offerings however, relying simply on eye candy. We don’t know about you, but looking out of our window onto a grim and grey London, it certainly makes us want to book a holiday!

Boldly going where no airline has gone before, KLM now allows customers to pay for flights through Facebook and Twitter. Customers can now book, arrange extra baggage and make seat reservations through the social media platforms using private messages to keep details confidential. KLM has 130 social media agents that look after its pages and is known for developing new initiatives on social media. With in-flight Wi-Fi now slowly becoming the norm, no doubt it’s only a matter of time before thirsty punters will be able to Tweet drink request to flight attendants. G&T anyone?

Last week, Virgin Atlantic launched a Google Glass pilot scheme giving concierge staff the technological headwear to help check passenger’s flight updates, give weather information and details on local events happening in their destinations. With a trial taking place in the Upper Class Wing only, future plans include using the glasses to give staff the correct information regarding passenger’s dietary and refreshment preferences. With a history of technological advancement, it’s no surprise that Virgin Atlantic is an early adopter of this latest innovation. We’re interested to hear how the trial goes…

And finally, it really was a battle of the airlines last week. Adding to KLM’s and Air New Zealand’s offerings Virgin America have developed their very own onboard social media network with Gogo using the Here On Biz iphone app. Gone are the days of settling down to watch a movie or catching 40 winks as air travel is now the perfect opportunity to discuss business ventures, evening plans or even Virgin America itself to name but a few – thanks to Virgin America’s new opt in app, you never know your next business partner may be in the seat next to you.