The Economist covered in flight apps:

• Virgin Atlantic is launching what it calls the world’s first airline social networking app.
• The app allows individuals to connect with their social media accounts and see if any of their contacts are on the same gate or plane – or even another Virgin Atlantic flight.
• The app allows business travelers seated far from one another to chat with each other through instant messaging.
• Attendees to a conference could get to know each other before they arrive at their destination.
• Travelers could also send a message to passengers in the flight ahead of them and ask how long they’ve been delayed by weather.
• Other apps allow passengers interested in midair romances to find each other.
• Younger travelers might soon have apps they can use to play games with others on their flight.
• Airlines may use all the data they gather from this to improve their marketing.

You can read more about the app, why Virgin Atlantic is leading the way, and more over here.

Source: The Economist