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The concept cabin, part of the aircraft manufacturer's vision of aviation in 2050, would be able to "identify and respond to passenger needs and enables bespoke features such as morphing seats which change to your body shape," Airbus explained.
To create the concept cabin, Airbus suggests using a bionic bird bone structure that would facilitate an intelligent cabin wall membrane that could control air temperature and become transparent to give passengers open panoramic views (as seen in the photo above).
An "interactive zone," would feature projections of everything from virtual gaming to virtual shopping experiences.
The idea, according to Airbus, is that by offering different levels of experience within each zone, airlines would be able to charge varying prices for varying flight experiences.
"Our research shows that passengers of 2050 will expect a seamless travel experience while also caring for the environment," said Charles Champion, Airbus' executive vice president of engineering.
In addition to the enhanced experiential features, the concept cabin would have self-cleaning materials made from sustainable plant fibers in order to reduce waste and maintenance. It would also harvest passenger body heat to power cabin features.
Last year, Airbus showcased its futuristic concept plane, which included technologies to reduce fuel burn, emissions, waste and noise.
What is your take on this futuristic cabin concept? Will it work? Why or why not?
More from Budget Travel:
Would you fly more frequently if airplane seats were more comfortable?
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I think this is great but what about the airline ticket. Sounds very expensive. If the ticket from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh increases from $140 round trip to $500, I'm not buying. A flight for me is just a means to get me to the destination I need to go. This sounds like the airline is selling an experience of flying.
Posted By monika on June 17, 2011, 12:57 PM
Awesome! Anything would be an improvement from what we have to endure now. Love the idea of just being able to move around more (a lounge).
Posted By WEG on June 17, 2011, 1:00 PM
Love it, especially the panoramic views and morphing seats! I could do without the relaxation area and interactive zone, though.
Posted By Sarah on June 17, 2011, 1:08 PM
It sounds great, but to me the most important qualities to air travel are safety & cost. This looks like something I wouldn't be willing to pay for.
Posted By Scott Carpenter on June 20, 2011, 10:59 AM
It's commendable that Airbus is thinking about how to make the flying experience more comfortable and enjoyable. However, the recent antics of the airlines and TSA, etc. suggests that they will find some way to nullify Airbus' (and Boeing's) best efforts. In the long run, it might be cheaper and more effective to skip the expense of redesigned airplanes and spend the money on lobotomies for airline and TSA executives.
Posted By George Lindamood on June 20, 2011, 12:46 PM
Concept cabin? Forget the transparent cieling and aromatherapy.
How about these simple "concepts" to improve the air travel experience:
1. More leg room in all classes
2. On-time departures
3. Don't lose the luggage
Posted By Gary Sternick on June 20, 2011, 1:17 PM
i'm most astonished at how unchanged, really, the vehicle is. Is that what passes for inmovation these days? The "panorama" thing is not just wildly unimaginative and not what travelers want or need; it's simply unworkable, given efficiency and safety needs.
Really disappointing to see how stunted the industry imagination is.
Posted By Sarah on June 20, 2011, 2:46 PM
Didn't Airbus make a big fuss over all the options that could be developed for its SuperJumbo 380? Spas, casino, gourmet dining area and bars were all mentioned. What did the airlines order? Crowded seating and even more crowded seating in Economy/Steerage... and a little more room up in First. VirginAmerica has done some cool stuff with seat-back computer displays. How about two or three fuselage-mounted cameras that we can dial up?
Posted By bill clarke on June 20, 2011, 4:41 PM
A lot of the "concept" innovations are pointless and unnecessary. What would be wonderful are:
1) More leg and arm room in economy class.
2) More lavatories.
3) Seat-back video monitors (such as those on AirFrance planes) becoming standard on all planes. (For those of us who are short, it's tiring and frustrating to try to see over lots of heads and seat backs in order to watch the in-flight movies.)
4) Along with #3, each monitor should be separately controlled by each passenger and allow that passenger to choose from a selection of movies (again, a la AirFrance).
Posted By Beth on June 20, 2011, 10:30 PM
These concept shots show no underseat, nor overhead storage for carry-on's. Does this mean they'd be doing away with that? What would everyone do without all the 'stuff' they carry around from coats & computers to purses that no one will be willing to 'check'?
Posted By Neverwill on July 22, 2011, 5:50 PM