New Airplane Cabin Designs Will Improve the Way You Fly

The Crystal Cabin Awards—the gold standard for airplane cabin designs and innovations—offer a glimpse into the new technologies and concepts that major airlines, suppliers, and manufacturers are working on. 

This year's awards have been handed out, and it seems flying is about to get a whole lot better.

From cutting-edge tech that improves the passenger experience to designs that focus on sustainability and accessibility, there’s much to be excited about.

When you book your last-minute vacation or epic bucket list adventure, you may be able to experience a whole new level of comfort in the air.

More Tech Integration

Technology is at the forefront of cabin designs, with several companies showcasing new systems at this year’s expo.

• Collins Aerospace introduced a system that uses artificial intelligence to optimize communication between the crew and passengers. It would be like having your own digital waiter on the plane!
• Diehl Aviation proposed “eDecor,” a customizable system that allows changing the interior appearance of the cabin seamlessly on the fly—a game changer for holidays and celebrations.
• Lufthansa Technik brandished a sleek, customizable touch panel that blends in with the cabin and “hides” when not being used.

Improved Passenger Experience

The newest fleets promise to be the most convenient yet, with passenger comfort central to design principles.  

• Air France has new cabins featuring leather seats that are 30% lighter and softer.
• Airbus is extending its “Airspace Cabin” concept to the smallest members of its commercial fleet. That means extra-large overheads, distinctive lighting designs, and more sockets to plug in your devices.
• Cathay Pacific adds a touch of class with “Gallery In The Skies,” putting unique artworks into crafted gallery spaces on the Boeing 777-300ER. Imagine thousands seeing your work as they fly across the planet.
• Comfort Motion Global, Thompson Aero Seating, and Astronics PGA focused on improving long-haul flights. Their systems make proactive, real-time adjustments to seat positions using sensors and motors, helping you find your optimal seating position for a more comfortable journey.

Enhanced In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) Systems

The newest IFE systems use a combination of new tech to deliver the same quality standard as you’d get on the ground, including live TV, personalized content, and DVR capability.

• Air India is looking to prioritize each passenger’s needs and preferences to deliver a connected, immersive experience. 
• United Airlines also emphasized personalization with their new digital platform, promising to give passengers more control over their travel experience.
• Cathay Pacific teamed up with JPA Design and Reaktor to add business suite functionality to their Aria Suite system, allowing passengers to custom tailor their in-flight entertainment options. 

Sustainable Cabin Features

Multiple manufacturers also introduced plans for innovative ways to reduce their carbon footprint.

• Carbon capture tech converts emissions into fabrics that design aircraft interiors.
• Overhead compartments made from lightweight, fully-recyclable material. 

Better Cabin Accessibility

New cabin designs will allow for more accessibility.

• Airlines plan to make it easier to transition from a wheelchair into an aircraft. Some designs even provide a platform that allows the wheelchair to fasten so you can travel without getting out.
• Many cabins also plan to expand the space to allow wheelchair users in the bathrooms. There are also proposals for smaller, single-aisle planes for wheelchair accessibility.

The Bottom Line

You won’t see all these changes on your next flight. But chances are these and other upgrades will be coming to most airplane cabins in the coming years, officially making it the most exciting time to fly.