Article from BTNews 16 APRIL 2018
Sleeping with the cargo
Lower-deck modules with passenger sleeping berths to fit inside an aircraft’s cargo compartments are being developed and marketed by Airbus and Zodiac Aerospace. The partners say the move “offers new opportunities for additional services to passengers, improving their experience.”
The modules will be designed to be easily interchangeable with regular cargo containers during a typical turnaround if required. The cargo floor and loading system will not be affected, since the passenger module will sit directly on it.
Zodiac Aerospace cabin branch CEO Christophe Bernardini said: “We are delighted to work with Airbus on this innovative project, which reaffirms our expertise in lower-deck solutions.”
Airbus cabin and cargo programme head Geoff Pinner added: “This approach to commercial air travel is a step change towards passenger comfort. We have already received positive feedback from airlines on this project which will introduce a new passenger experience and add value for carriers.”
Airlines will initially be able to choose within two years from a catalogue of certified solutions for Airbus A330s for retrofit and line-fit markets. Sleeper compartments for the A350 XWB are also being studied, building on the partners’ experience in producing and integrating lower-deck crew-rest facilities.
OUR READERS' FINEST WORDS (All times and dates are GMT)
All comments are filtered to exclude any excesses but the Editor does not have to agree with what is being said. 100 words maximum