Ok, Ive been reading the replies here. Really good ones, and a few need more research.
Before I say anything I want to share something amazing. The
ARINC Standard (Aeronautical Radio, Incorporated) has about...I dont know more than 300 protocols for in-flight to ground control communication catering to different things from weather to air-path and status of the flight. So about our ideas... we need to read more.
god i was going to write my thoughts on ideas u guys gave, but after reading a bit on ARINC I just ...got tired, its HUGE! and still there is more:
Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System (or ACARS)
One thing to note is that most of what we are talking about can be possible with mainly software and some hardware changes. For example the displays can show what you want it to show through software.