American Airlines Turns to Indie Bands for In-flight Music

American Airlines only started playing indie music on board its planes in October, but reaction from passengers was swift. Brian Richarson, director of in-flight entertainment and connectivity at American, told Mashable, "Different types of music have been tried over the years. It wasn't changed very often. It was generally the same kind of soothing spa music every time you boarded or deplaned." The airline recently announced a $2 billion investment in "customer improvements," and in-flight music is one part of the "new" American. It is trying to make more than just superficial changes, and renew its image without losing a valuable brand history while doing so.