The global COVID-19 pandemic—which has wreaked havoc with the plans of millions of travelers—has also created severe knock-on effects for airlines and cabin interior manufacturers. Even though more than half of the world’s passenger fleets are back in service, it is clear the airline industry is not likely to recover fully for at least two to three years.

As the aviation industry searches for ways to make passengers feel safer in the COVID-19 environment, one innovation company is looking beyond cabin hygiene and new seat designs with barriers.

Acro Aircraft Seating CEO Neil Cairns joined the company March 9, just as the world was bracing for the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the face of a rapidly changing industry, Acro is working to identify cost-effective and sustainable changes to seating design and development.

When it comes to traveling on flights over eight hours, sleep is the “single most important thing” to a passenger, according to Zephyr Aerospace founder and CEO Jeff O’Neill.

As the airline industry quickly puts into place increased health and hygiene protocols to boost passenger confidence, cabin interior manufacturers are innovating designs to give added protection to COVID-19-wary travelers.