Coming to a jet near you: Walk-up food kiosks and piped birdsong

Aircraft-interiors industry expo showcases latest innovations

As planemakers focus on delivering record jetliner backlogs at the expense of designing new models, airlines are keener than ever to secure an edge over rivals with the latest onboard upgrades and gizmos.

That might mean snazzy new business seats each costing more than a family car, or cheap and cheerful innovations aimed at making 10 hours in coach just a little more bearable.

The 2018 Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg -- the industry’s biggest event devoted solely to the inside of the aircraft -- featured the following highlights, some more likely to make it to market than others:

Serve-yourself nibbles

Tired of waiting