AirFi, a provider of inflight entertainment, connectivity, and onboard retail solutions, has launched WingMan, which it says is the first-ever real-time AI travel assistant to be available inflight. The tool, powered by AirFi LEO connectivity, is designed to enhance the passenger experience by delivering personalised, real-time travel itineraries to passengers whilst in flight. WingMan could also present new ancillary revenue opportunities for airlines which may choose to integrate direct-to-passenger offers such as bookings for tours, activities and services.
This AI-powered feature of AirFi’s Crystal Cabin Award-winning LEO Connectivity system integrates with AirFi’s portable and wireless inflight entertainment (IFE) solution, appearing on the user interface alongside movie, TV, music and magazine options. Airlines can also deploy WingMan independently of the entertainment content if their aircraft only have the AirFi LEO Connectivity system.
WingMan uses the Iridium Certus network connection provided by LEO Connectivity to deliver a personalised and interactive travel planning experience for airline passengers. Travellers access the web-based WingMan portal directly from their seat using their wi-fi enabled mobile device. WingMan then prompts users to give details such as destination, trip duration, group size, budget and other personal preferences, in a multiple-choice format.
The user’s responses are then merged by WingMan to form a query, which is sent to the ground and processed through an AI algorithm. A customised itinerary for their trip is then supplied, which the user can save or share with their companions
WingMan also continuously refines recommendations by learning from user interactions and accessing real-time local information to provide up-to-date suggestions for any destination.
“This is a world-first innovation that aligns perfectly with our mission to enhance the inflight experience,” said Laura Rösges, who succeeded Job Heimerikx as CEO of AirFi on 1st April. “AI is transforming the way we travel, and bringing that capability onboard creates new possibilities for both passengers and airlines. This is just one of many unique features that we have in the roadmap for our LEO Connectivity solution.”
WingMan is on display at the AirFi stand at this week’s Aircraft Interiors Expo 2025 in Hamburg, Germany (Hall B2, Stand 2C35).
