Air travelers could soon be sleeping comfortably in the cargo hold.
Airbus and Zodiac Aerospace have partnered to develop and market passenger sleeping berths that would be installed inside aircraft cargo compartments.
The European aircraft manufacturer announced Tuesday that the ambitious design would improve the passenger experience while also enabling airlines to differentiate.
The modules will be interchangeable with regular cargo containers and will not affect the aircraft's cargo floor or cargo loading system since they would sit directly on top.
Airbus said airlines will likely be able to choose from a catalog of certified solutions as early as 2020. The modules will initially be installed on the A330 aircraft but the companies are also looking into the potential for sleeping berths on the A350 XWB airliner.
"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," said the Head of Airbus' Cabin and Cargo Program, Geoff Pinner, in a statement. "We are pleased to partner with Zodiac Aerospace on this project which will introduce a new passenger experience and add value for airlines."
"We are delighted to work with Airbus on this new and innovative project, which reaffirms our expertise in lower-deck solutions," said Christophe Bernardini, CEO of Zodiac Aerospace's Cabin Branch. "An improved passenger experience is today a key element of differentiation for airlines."
Today's announcement comes at a time when more and more airlines are searching for ways to improve the passenger experience by enhancing their quality of rest. Last year, American Airlinespartnered with Casper to bring the company's popular sleep products to select first, business and premium economy class cabins.
Meanwhile, sleeping accommodations such as cabins, capsules, and pods are making their way into airports around the world.
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