Airbus is launching a new cabin design, called Airspace by Airbus, that promises to deliver enhanced passenger comfort by using new technologies it has recently developed. The concept will roll out in the new A330neo jet, which is expected to go into service in 2017.
The cabin is designed around comfort, ambience, service, and design, Airbus says. Its borrows some elements already used in the A350 XWB. It has wide seats in coach (18 inches), larger overhead storage bins, roomier bathrooms with antibacterial surfaces, unobstructed space under seats, and LED ambient lighting. On the sidewalls, the areas surrounding the windows are beveled to give the illusion of more space. The lighting, which can be found in the A350 XWB, is designed to help mitigate jet lag by cycling through various color temperatures, which helps adjust the body’s sleep-wake cycle – crucial in long-haul travel. A common design language is used throughout the plane, to tie everything together.
For the crew, the rest area will have new padding and mattress materials, as well as improved lighting and heating. By moving the area to the lower desk, Airbus says the A330neo lets airlines add more passenger seats. Like the cabin in Airbus’ larger A380, the A330neo’s will be one of the quietest, the company claims.
