Rolls Out "The Future By Airbus" For Paris Air Show
In advance of the Paris Air Show at Le Bourget, Airbus on
Tuesday invited the passengers of 2050 to discover its Concept
Cabin - what it calls a whole new flying experience inspired by
nature.
"Personalised zones" replace traditional cabin classes to offer
tailored levels of experience. While taking a hop between
destinations, according to Airbus, passengers in 2050 could join an
interactive conference; enjoy a game of virtual golf; read the kids
back home a bedtime story; and recharge in a ‘vitalising
seat’ whilst watching the planet spread out beneath their
feet.
This latest instalment of The Future by Airbus – a vision
of aviation in 2050 – follows last year’s unveiling of
the revolutionary Airbus Concept Plane, packed with technologies to
reduce fuel burn, emissions, waste and noise. Airbus says its
Concept Cabin now gives further insight into some of the
innovations and technologies that will shape future passenger
experiences on board.
The aircraft’s "bionic" structure mimics the efficiency of
bird bone, which is optimised to provide strength where needed, and
allows for an intelligent cabin wall membrane which controls air
temperature and can become transparent to give passengers open
panoramic views. The Concept Cabin has an integrated "neural
network" creating an intelligent interface between passenger and
plane. It can identify and respond to passenger needs and
enables bespoke features such as morphing seats which change to
your body shape.
New personalised zones replace the traditional cabin classes in
the Airbus Concept Cabin to offer new tailored levels of
experience. The “vitalising zone” is all about
wellbeing and relaxation allowing you to proactively recharge your
batteries with vitamin and antioxidant enriched air, mood lighting,
aromatherapy and acupressure treatments whilst taking in the
infinite view of the world around you.
In the center zone of the concept cabin – the
“interactive zone”, virtual pop up projections can
transport you to whichever social scene you want to be in, from
holographic gaming to virtual changing rooms for active
shoppers.
The “smart tech zone” is tailored towards the more
functional oriented passenger and designed to meet individual needs
ranging from a simple to a complete luxury service, but all
allowing you to continue life as if on the ground. By
offering different levels of experience within each zone, airlines
would be able to achieve price differentials and give more people
access to the benefits of air travel with minimal environmental
impact.
Showcasing the innovative interior design, Charles Champion,
Airbus Executive Vice President Engineering, said “Our
research shows that passengers of 2050 will expect a seamless
travel experience while also caring for the environment. The Airbus
Concept Cabin is designed with that in mind, and shows that the
journey can be as much a voyage of discovery as the destination.
Whichever flight experience is chosen, the passenger of 2050 will
step out of the Airbus Concept Cabin feeling revitalised and
enriched.”
More than 90 percent of Airbus’ annual research &
development investment of over $2.8 billion has environmental
benefits for current and future aircraft. For example, due to
advances in technologies the concept cabin will be 100%
recyclable. It will have self-cleaning materials made from
sustainable plant fibres which reduce waste and maintenance and
will harvest passenger body heat to power cabin features.
Such technologies are already being developed and, while they
may not be seen in the exact same manner as in the Airbus concept
plane and cabin, some of them could feature in future Airbus
aircraft programs.
Visitors to Le Bourget International Airshow in Paris will also
be able to experience the Airbus’ Future of Flight film, a
360 planetarium movie – a vision of the transformations in
air transport between now and the middle of the century which not
only focuses on aircraft designs and innovations, but also
addresses passenger expectations.