Airplanes of the future? New designs feature double-decker rows, “underwater” cabins and floating seats

NEW aircraft designs have revealed revolutionary changes that could one day be introduced to airlines.

Double-decker rows, floating seats with carry-on luggage stowed underneath and cabins that appear underwater are just a few of the exciting plans.

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The designs were unveiled at the Crystal Cabin Awards 2022, where each year experts present their innovative plans.

One of the designs, called Elevem, was unveiled by design firm Teague, which works with aerospace company NORDAM.

The designs show a cabin with “comfort in a homely interior” with floating seats that are attached to space and the aisle instead.

They said this could even increase passenger space as it increases floor space.

New designs also unveiled the Airsleeper double-decker seating concept presented by engineering design firm MMILLENNIUMM.

It’s not the first double-decker aisles were presented, in this special design, passengers could convert all the seats into a daybed.

British airline Virgin Atlantic showed off its new The Booth style seating, currently located in one of the Upper Class cabins of its A350 aircraft.

Inside is a circular sofa that seats two and has touchscreen monitors and a table for guests to relax at.

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And Lufthansa Technik, part of the German airline Lufthansa, unveiled a private jet design called Explorer.

The main feature of the aircraft is the project ceiling, which can recreate underwater scenes or a view of a city skyline.

There are eight categories in the Crystal Cabin Awards – Cabin Concepts, Cabin Systems, Health & Safety, IFEC & Digital Services, Materials & Components, Passenger Comfort, Sustainable Cabin and University.

A jury of 28 experts will judge the finalists, who will then present the ideas at the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg with the winners announced on June 14th.

Last year’s Crystal Cabin Awards Saw designs including self-cleaning toilets, anti-jet lag lighting and zero-waste gaming trays.

British design office Priestman Goode introduced their “Pure Skies” designs to reinvent both economy and business class seats.

With full bulkheads, staggered seats and the elimination of in-flight entertainment systems, they could be here in the next few years.

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