AIX 2018: Airbus and Zodiac eye lower-deck sleep solution

By April 11, 2018 April 30th, 2020 Design, Featured, Seating

Sleeping berths fitted inside the existing cargo compartments of aircraft are being studied in a partnership between Airbus and Zodiac Aerospace.

The two companies announced at Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) in Hamburg that they are looking to develop and market lower-deck modules with passenger sleeping berths. The modules would fit inside the aircraft’s cargo compartments, and offer new opportunities for additional services to passengers, says the partnership. The plan is to include it in the catalogue of certified solutions by 2020, initially on the Airbus A330.

The new passenger modules will be easily interchangeable with regular cargo containers during a typical turnaround if required. Moreover, the aircraft’s cargo floor and cargo loading system will not be affected, as the passenger module would sit directly on it.

Christophe Bernardini, CEO of Zodiac Aerospace Cabin Branch, said: “We are delighted to work with Airbus on this new and innovative project, which reaffirms our expertise in lower-deck solutions. An improved passenger experience is today a key element of differentiation for airlines.”

Geoff Pinner, head of Airbus Cabin & Cargo Programme, added: “This approach to commercial air travel is a step change towards passenger comfort. We have already received very positive feedback from several airlines on our first mock-ups. We are pleased to partner with Zodiac Aerospace on this project which will introduce a new passenger experience and add value for airlines.”

Airlines will initially be able to choose from a catalogue of certified solutions by 2020 on A330 for retrofit and line-fit markets. Sleeper compartments on the A350 XWB airliner are also being studied.

The solution builds on the joint experience both Airbus and Zodiac Aerospace in producing and integrating lower-deck crew-rest facilities.

 

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