A bold new concept by Airbus and Zodiac Aerospace could have first class passengers heading downstairs to sleep next time they take a long-haul flight.
Ever wondered where crew disappear to on long-haul flights? In the history of commercial flight, we’ve never flown longer non-stop, and that means at some stage the crew needs to take a break. On the most modern aircraft, they quietly slip off to dedicated crew rest areas above or sometimes below the passenger cabin, where they can stretch out and grab some sleep.
It might not be long until first class passengers are doing the same. Airbus and Zodiac have collaborated to create a series of modules that can be added to the cargo deck and offer full-length bunk beds in a dedicated sleeper cabin.
This isn’t as groundbreaking as you might think; when the Boeing Stratocruisers, Lockheed Constellations, and Douglas DC-6s crossed the Atlantic, they offered sleeping accommodations akin to a night train. Fast forward to today and the new modules will offer spacious bunks, dedicated crew, and insulated walls to ensure a good night’s kip at 40,000ft.
And this bold image of the future isn’t as far off as you may think. The 24-bunk modules, which can also be configured as private lounges, children’s play areas and even conference rooms, could be snapped up by forward-thinking airlines as early as 2020.
For more Travel inspiration click here.