Tal Kalderon argues that airlines should develop inflight connectivity and entertainment as platforms for ongoing passenger engagement, rather than treating them chiefly as channels for internet access and content. In an opinion piece for Runway Girl Network, the longtime EL AL inflight entertainment, content and connectivity executive outlines ways to link seatback systems with airline apps, loyalty programmes and commercial services. He plans to leave EL AL at the end of December 2026, after nearly 20 years with the airline.
Kalderon sees low-Earth-orbit satellite networks and multi-orbit connectivity as opportunities to offer more personalised services, but argues that faster internet should not be the end goal. Examples in his proposal include displaying passenger profiles and loyalty information on seatback screens, tailoring content, carrying a film between flights and offering wellness prompts. Longer term, streaming services could appear on seatback screens, subject to technical integration and licensing.
He also points to possible airline uses beyond the passenger interface, including loyalty engagement, ancillary sales, content updates, system monitoring and remote diagnostics. The article does not describe a new product, airline rollout or quantified commercial results. Kalderon identifies integration costs, cybersecurity, privacy, operational requirements, certification and investment as constraints on implementation.