Year after year, the Crystal Cabin awards present innovative ideas that seek to create new concepts that could improve different aspects of commercial aviation. Thanks to this award, the future of aviation could be brighter as its eight broad categories include greener alternatives.
After the Covid-19 pandemic that put many sectors in check. But now, many are interested in making flying not only attractive, but also sustainable and comfortable. Therefore, strategies to eliminate the middle seat in the aircraft row were welcome.
In 2023, the Crystal Cabin awards will be an indicator of what might be expected for the future of aviation. In that sense, 80 ideas have been pre-selected as candidates and the trophy will be awarded on June 6 in Hamburg, Germany.
Among the innovations presented, the representatives of Air New Zealand stood out, which proposed sleeping capsules, made up of six flat bunks, a strategy to achieve a restful rest when thousands of kilometers above the ground for hours at a time. This new concept was presented as Skynest.
In that sense, such capsules are arranged as bunk beds, composed of two rows, each with three beds, and can be booked for a period of four hours. This concept was first presented in 2020 and the company is currently working to certify it on a Boeing 787 aircraft.
Another finalist for this award included more amenities for business class flying on narrow-body aircraft. It is well known that wide-body aircraft have space to enhance the experience for first-class passengers, but this is not the case when the fuselage is narrow.
Adient Aerospace presented a proposal that offered something new for business travelers. Even if flights were short, business class could have more space for luggage storage, a library, a minibar and even an area to meet with another passenger to chat, as reported CNN. The Guatemalan company Taller De Arquitectura T36 presented three separate economy cabins on two levels. The aim of this proposal is to eliminate the middle seat, so real and virtual windows were included.
A French company focused on another part of the traveler’s experience: the consumption of multimedia material on board the aircraft. It is well known that, up to now, the only way to watch a series or movie or enjoy a music album is through the use of headphones.
Safran Seats introduced Euphony, which eliminates the need for headphones when on board. Instead, the headrests of each seat will have speakers installed so that each traveler can enjoy songs, series or movies without disturbing others or being overheard.
