Inflight editor Satu Dahl explores the theme of passenger wellbeing and what airline and business aviation operators are doing to enhance their wellbeing on board.
This article was originally published in the July/August 2024 edition of Inflight. To receive articles like this directly to your inbox, subscribe to Inflight here.
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Innovations for on board wellbeing
With wellbeing on board being a key criteria for airlines to consider in order to ensure they meet the needs of passengers and crew, it’s no wonder the topic was in discussion at this year’s Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX).
Several cabin suppliers were displaying their innovative solutions that contribute to passenger wellbeing at the expo. Caynova, for example, showcased its Seat Heating and Cooling System, which offers personalised thermal comfort and enhances passenger wellbeing by allowing control over seat temperature.
Integrated into Lufthansa’s Allegris cabin concept, the solution will be installed in more than 100 new aircraft according to Caynova. Of course, carriers will also need to consider crew comfort, and just one innovation showcased in this field was Safran Cabin’s galley waste disposal unit, The CUBE.
The solution, which won this year’s Crystal Cabin Award for Cabin Systems, can be easily applied into any unused space in the galley and is automatically flushed by simply closing the door, making it easier for the cabin crew to operate and ensuring leaner, more efficient and more hygienic waste disposal on board.
Passenger wellbeing for longer hauls
Qantas unveiled its Project Sunrise cabin for its Airbus A350s last year. The direct ultra- long routes from Sydney to New York and London are set to start from late 2025.
The unique cabins, which have a special focus on wellbeing, will feature dedicated Wellbeing Zones, with the carrier being the first airline in the world to offer this. The wellbeing area features sculpted wall panels and integrated stretch handles, a guided on-screen exercise programme, a hydration station and a range of refreshments.
Speaking at the time of the launch, Qantas Group’s then Chief Executive Officer, Alan Joyce, said: “We have spent just as much time on the second half of the aircraft as we did the front. In fact, we started studies on the Wellbeing Zone before any other area of the A350.
“The new Project Sunrise flights give us the opportunity to rethink long-haul travel in its entirety, from aircraft cabin design to what ingredients we include on the in-flight menu.”
Qantas worked with Diehl Aviation to create the Wellbeing Zone, and it was no surprise that the exciting solution was awarded the Passenger Comfort award at this year’s Crystal Cabin Awards.
Exclusive interview with Diehl Aviation
Inflight got the opportunity to speak exclusively with Diehl Aviation’s CEO Jörg Schuler at the Aircraft Interiors Expo, where he gave more insight into the ground- breaking new solution.
Jörg Schuler, CEO of Diehl Aviation shares his insights and innovative solutions regarding passenger wellbeing; Picture credits – Diehl Aviation.
“These will be 22-hour flights,” he says. “Imagine yourself on such a long flight – you’ll want to walk around and spread out, and that’s what this zone is all about. You can grab some healthy drinks and snacks and stretch. It’s all about giving the passenger a better travel experience.”
Schuler notes that importantly the area is accessible by all passengers, this is because it is situated between the Premium Economy and Economy cabins, and therefore provides benefits for everyone on board.
With the company demonstrating the Wellbeing Zone design at AIX, Schuler says the expo was a good opportunity to showcase Diehl Aviation’s innovation capabilities. “We can show what you can get today, but also in the future, and highlight our thinking on the future of flying – and especially our contribution to cabin systems.
“This shows our dedication to customer- centricity, which is very important. We are not only addressing the airline customers but also the end customer, the passenger.” Schuler also notes that while physical wellbeing is important, the company has other innovations that help passengers’ overall wellbeing.
“Our cabin management system makes flying more comfortable, providing services that contribute to wellbeing, such as personalisation and pre-ordering meals,” he says, highlighting the importance of a connected cabin.
In addition, taking care of the environment contributes to people’s mental wellbeing, and Diehl Aviation’s sustainable solutions such as the ECO Sidewall that features lightweight materials and innovative design, reducing the weight of the sidewall by 10 per cent, which in turn reduces the CO2 footprint in the production phase by 19 per cent, as well as during operation by 10 per cent.
Neurodivergent-friendly travelling
Aircraft cabin material suppliers are also innovating when it comes to passenger wellbeing.
Aviation leather company Muirhead has launched a new “Sensation” collection which is designed to address common barriers to travel for neurodivergent passengers, including those with neurological or developmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder, learning impairments and ADHD.
Jamie O’Donnell, Designer at Muirhead, shares more details about this pioneering vision for the world’s first neurodiverse- friendly aircraft seat covers.
“The purpose of the new ‘Sensation’ collection is to inspire CMF [colour, material and finish] designers as they envision the future of people-focused aircraft cabins.
“At Muirhead, we wanted to recognise that for neurodivergent individuals, including those with neurological or developmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder, learning disabilities or ADHD, the air travel experience is often stressful and overwhelming.
“Many have heightened sensitivities compared to neurotypical travellers, which amplify their discomfort on board the aircraft.”
Balacing factors in passenger experience
O’Donnell says that seat covers – the unsung heroes of inclusive aircraft interiors – play a vital role in providing them with comfort and a sense of security, enabling them to better regulate their emotions on board.
“However, while progressive cabin designs often feature adjustable lighting and other helpful amenities, the significance of seats in fostering an inclusive environment is frequently overlooked.
“To guide our design process, we conducted extensive online research and spoke directly with neurodivergent individuals who have faced difficulties while travelling. Every story, every perspective helps us refine our approach, ensuring that our designs were not just visually captivating but also attuned to the needs of the community.”
O’Donnell notes that most importantly, the company vowed to veer away from approaches that are overly medicalised or infantilising towards adults with non-visible disabilities.
“Often, these initiatives are tailored for neurodivergent children, leaving adults feeling marginalised and ‘othered’. We recognise that the inclusive cabin of tomorrow must balance functionality with aesthetic appeal.”
Enhancing passenger experience with materials
According to O’Donnell, in this quest, genuine leather emerges as the perfect material. Leather seat covers convey a sense of luxury and sophistication that is far from infantilising.
Jamie O’Donnell, Designer at Muirhead, discusses the important details when creating neurodiverse-friendly aircraft seat covers; Photo credits – Muirhead
Meanwhile, leather has the advantage of being a natural material – something neurodivergent individuals often favour over synthetic alternatives as they offer a less invasive sensory experience.
“Beyond the material itself, colours played a crucial role in developing our vision for people-focused aircraft cabins.
“The new collection features a soothing palette of greens, blues and neutrals, with green tones dominating to evoke a calming and tranquil ambience.
“We wanted the collection to be as monochromatic as possible – a departure from the vibrancy of our other design concepts.”
Passenger multi-sensory experience
Regarding what kind of textures and patterns are offered in the collection, O’Donnell says the Sensation collection harnesses Muirhead’s expertise in digital printing to introduce a new dimension to seat covers, demonstrating how signage and patterns on leather seats can be used to help passengers locate their seats and process their environment ahead of the flight.
“Meanwhile, we were also proud to showcase a variety of bespoke leather embosses as part of the collection, highlighting the importance of textures in curating a multi-sensory experience for neurodivergent travellers.
“This pioneering collection marks just the beginning of a transformative journey towards inclusive seat covers.
“In the years ahead, we’re hoping to see airlines and CMF designers pushing the boundaries of creativity, infusing their designs with functional yet visually appealing features to enhance the passenger experience.”
These could include using digital printing or stitching around the perimeter of the seat to distinguish them from one another. For neurodivergent individuals, many of whom have other non-visible disabilities that prevent them from seeing between the seats, such innovations could introduce a sense of independence and ease.
“Equally, we expect that the inclusive cabin of the future will boast features such as seatbacks adorned with large seat numbers, or essential safety instructions against a backdrop of luxurious natural leather, blending practicality with elegance,” says O’Donnell.
People-focused aircraft cabins
When it comes to comfort on board executive aircraft, Kerstin Mumenthaler, Accountable Manager at AXIS Aviation, notes that looking after passenger wellbeing is naturally a priority for charter businesses.
Some passengers require high-speed connectivity to host seamless business meetings, while others simply desire rest and relaxation.
It is important that customers have access to a wide variety of resources tailored to create a bespoke travel experience suited to their unique needs, as Mumenthaler points out.
“We take the time to really get to know our aircraft owners and charter customers, understanding what kind of service they hope to receive while travelling with AXIS Aviation.
“For our owners in particular, our family- office approach ensures we build strong, professional relationships with our clients.”
AXIS Aviation prides itself on knowing exactly what its passengers expect throughout each stage of their journey – this could be anything from providing custom wellbeing packages to welcoming therapy pets on board. Mumenthaler says that for passengers who work on board, in-flight connectivity is an important part of their journey.
The benefits of in-flight connectivity
Providing a strong Wi-Fi connection allows passengers to hold business meetings, meet work to deadlines and conduct research. “Flying privately eliminates the need to plan business travel around an already busy schedule,” Mumenthaler notes.
“Instead, customers can travel with flexibility and feel empowered with more time to conduct important business matters.”
Accountable Manager, Kerstin Mumenthaler discusses the importance of passenger wellbeing for charter businesses.
In-flight connectivity is also an important part of rest and relaxation, especially during long journeys. “By providing a strong connection, as well as high-definition entertainment systems, customers can stream any form of entertainment that they wish, from movies and TV shows to podcasts and YouTube videos.
“For passengers with children, or those who want to relax and enjoy the luxury of their journey, the ability to stream entertainment provides an important opportunity to recline and experience unhurried entertainment.”
But comfort can only be achieved by providing a truly tailored experience, Mumenthaler says.
“At AXIS Aviation, we have a team of professionals ready to process passenger requests on an independent basis, ensuring that no need goes unmet, regardless of its individuality.
“From surprising a client’s wife with flowers to finding a gluten-free version of a special local cake, our willingness to support our clients’ wishes transforms their in-flight experience.”
Wellbeing can take several different forms, as Mumenthaler acknowledges. “Opting for private travel not only delivers an unmatched cabin experience for business and leisure, but it also offers a greater degree of flexibility, luxury and privacy.”
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