Keeping passengers entertained in the air is no easy task, especially when pop culture moves at lightning speed. Some of our programmers were recently featured in a recent issue of PAX International, showing how they stay ahead of trends to keep inflight entertainment fresh and relevant to what passengers love.
Vanessa Pennisi, Manager of Video Programming, Sophie Leahy, Senior Manager of Client Service & Programming, Samah Ali, Manager of Video Programming, and Sebastian Conde, Manager of Audio Programming, explain how airlines balance trending content with long-term favourites to create memorable inflight experiences.
Social media now acts as a key indicator of what audiences are engaging with, from short-form videos to music and film. While viral trends influence what airlines choose to bring onboard, the impact is often nuanced. Programming often starts earlier, identifying content with the potential to go viral and securing it before the trend takes off.
Some trends fade quickly, others can grow into larger successes. By tracking audience interest and cultural buzz, programmers can identify content that will resonate with passengers and ensure it reaches them at the right time, balancing short-lived hype with long-term appeal.
Beyond viral social media trends, popular blockbusters and TV series, programmers at Stellar also looks to the global film festival circuit for clues about what might perform well onboard. Programming decisions are chosen based on data, audience insights, and cultural context, ensuring the content resonates and stands the test of time.
Read the full feature here or below:
