At the launch of Joon, Jean-Marc Janaillac, CEO of Air France-KLM, surprised the audience by mentioning the possibility of creating a new airline.berths in the cargo holds for economy class passengers. In any case, the aircraft manufacturer is no longer shrouding this revolutionary idea in secrecy. Quite the contrary, in fact. At the Aircraft Interiors Expo 2018 recently held in Hamburg, Airbus announced a partnership with Zodiac Aerospace to "develop and market berth modules for passengers."
Installed on the cargo deck, following the model of the rest areas currently only available to flight crews, these bunk beds will allow economy class passengers to enjoy real beds, just like business class customers. Without the intimacy of the cabins of course and for a feeAs a result, airlines can expect additional revenue from the use of these berths.
"An enhanced passenger experience is a key differentiator for airlines today"says Christophe Bernardini, Managing Director of Zodiac Aerospace's Cabin Segment. This innovation is not limited to sleeping berths. Aircraft holds could in fact accommodate meeting roomsThese include business centres, lounges, children's play areas and even a doctor's surgery.
"This new approach to air travel is a major step forward in improving passenger comfort."said Geoff Pinner, Director of Cabin & Cargo Programmes at Airbus. In practice, these passenger modules will be easily interchangeable with cargo containers and can be modified during aircraft turnaround times at the airport. Airbus estimates that the first A330s to feature this innovation could appear on the market. by 2020. The aircraft manufacturer is also studying the possibility of offering such rest compartments on board the A350 XWB.
