San Francisco startup Zephyr Aerospace has unveiled its concept for combining a lie-flat seat with social distancing rules for premium economy passengers on widebody aircraft.
According to the company, the world’s first lie-flat “double-decker” seating concept for premium economy class passengers offers a comfortable bed with all-aisle access in a 2-4-2 configuration — the same density as existing premium economy set-ups on 90% of airlines worldwide.
The non-mechanical sleep seats have limited movable fixtures and are made with “the highest standard lightweight composite materials”, reducing direct maintenance costs for airlines. A telescopic ladder provides quick and easy access to the upper area and can be removed after boarding.
The company says the drop-down footwell cover increases personal space in each seat, allowing for multiple lie-flat positions, including space for small children and families to lie next to each other (dependent on an airline’s social distancing rules). Airlines can retrofit these sleep seats between a 38-42” seat pitch based on their preferences and industry standards and increase ancillary revenue.
Zephry has launched an equity crowdfunding campaign on Republic (https://republic.co/zephyr-aerospace).
