Airbus Interiors Services is introducing a new concept in first class where the passenger is given both a seat and a private sleeping area. In a new way to exploit cabin space, the “Day & Night” layout features a 2 m (6.6 ft.) long “real bed,” Airbus said. The “night” area also has stowage space and an entrance.
ANA A380 first-class option
Credit: ANA
All Nippon Airways (ANA) is configuring the cabins of its Airbus A380s with four classes and some all-new features that include a changing room, bar counters in all cabins and couch options in economy. The three A380s will be used on Tokyo-Honolulu services from spring 2019. A special livery has been developed for the A380s using themes inspired by Hawaiian sunsets and oceans.
While the ANA A380’s 520-passenger configuration makes it a high-density, tourist-market product, there will be multiple offerings from first-class private seats with their own doors to an all-economy main deck with couch options at the rear.
ANA A380 new business-class seat
Credit: ANA
While other ANA business-class seats are staggered, the A380 configuration will be set in pairs to appeal to couples on vacation.
ANA A380 new couch seats
Credit: ANA
Among the 383 economy class seats on the ANA A380 main deck will be 60 couch options that ANA, a Star Alliance carrier, believes will be especially appealing to families with small children. Each couch is comprised of three or four seats that convert to a flat bench with a mattress once the leg rests are folded up.
Oman Air said the seat is one of the longest lie-flat accommodation options available on any commercial airliner. Other first-class suite features include:
an electronically controlled privacy divider;
a full-size bed length (with ottoman) of 76 in. to top of headrest, with a bed width of 30 in.;
a dedicated wardrobe and stowage for cabin baggage;
a one-piece large meal table and separate cocktail table;
a chilled in-suite minibar; and
a touch-screen IFE handset; 22-in. video monitor.
Air Canada rolls out enhanced premium service
Credit: CNW Group/Air Canada
Air Canada unveiled its new “Signature Service” premium travel brand for international flights.
Airbus, Zodiac develop lower-deck modules
Credit: Airbus
Airbus and Zodiac Aerospace have partnered to develop and market lower-deck modules with passenger sleeping berths. The modules, which would fit inside the aircraft’s cargo compartments, will be easily interchangeable with regular cargo containers during a typical turnaround, if required. Moreover, the aircraft’s cargo floor and cargo loading system will not be affected at all, as the passenger module will sit directly on it. Airlines will be initially be able to choose from a catalog of certified solutions by 2020 on A330 for retrofit and line-fit markets. The companies are studying offering the modules on the A350 XWB.
Lift by EnCore unveils knit seat design
Credit: Alan Dron
Lift by EnCore’s new design for seatback IFE screen, plus coat hook.
Airbus A330neo Airspace cabin
Credit: Thierry Dubois
Airbus is preparing to introduce the Airspace cabin on the A330neo and is refining the design on the A320neo, both variants of the cabin being touted as continuing the A350’s passenger experience.
Austrian Airlines launch customer for A320 overhead bin modification
Credit: Victoria Moores
Aerostructures firm FACC has created a new aftermarket services unit and named Lufthansa Group subsidiary Austrian Airlines as its launch customer for Airbus A320overhead bin modification work. Photo: Austrian Airlines VP-technical operations Michael Kaye and FACC CEO Robert Machtlinger
Linda Blachly is Senior Associate Editor for Air Transport World and Aviation Week. She joined the company in July 2010 and is responsible for producing features for Air Transport World’s monthly magazine and engaging content for the aviationweek.com. She is based in the Washington DC office.
