Aircraft Interiors as the name suggests include the internal design and structure associated with the aircraft. Airlines constantly face the requirement for increasing their seating capacity across the economy class. Optimizing the aircraft space to incorporate more people adds to the economic as well as environmental value. Additionally, as the seating capacity increases, it is noted that the number of aircraft required for the transportation of a given number of passengers reduces, hence reducing air traffic.
Impact of the pandemic on the design of vertical
During the pandemic, the demand for crammed aircraft seating was seen to go down considerably owing to the spread of the virus. Some of the key parameters for design in the Aircraft interiors market are noted to be Noise, structural simulations, as well as class structure, and certifications. In terms of noise, it is noted that commercial aircraft have interiors integrated with noise-absorbing materials. Thus, the flight experience is seamless for the passengers. However, in the case of a military aircraft is it noted that noise emitted reaches a value of roughly 100 dB.
The comfort and the flying experience for the passengers are hence regarded as major criteria in terms of design for commercial flights. One of the major components for aircraft interiors is noted to be aircraft seating as well as in-flight entertainment. Several players in the market have been trying to integrate concepts of interconnectivity to boost the in-flight experience of the passengers. For instance, the capacity of the European Aviation network was boosted via Inmarsat and Deutsche Telekom through a collaboration with Tampnet. The EAN connectivity is noted to have been boosted within the North Sea region as a result of installations and maintenance activities for 5 EAN antenna sites on offshore platforms. Two more antenna sites are being installed in offshore wind farms in the exclusive economic zones of Germany and the Netherlands, while one is currently active onshore in Norway.
The overall commercial sector is noted to have made remarkable strides in the aircraft seating segment as well. As of 2022, the company Thompson Aeroseating released its all-new business class seat, i.e. VantageDUO. The design has notable similarities to that of a traditional single-aisle business class seat and it can be fitted at a 41 in pitch. The seat can recline up to an obtuse angle of roughly 130° as opposed to traditional seating that can recline only up to an angle of 110°.
Upgrades associated with the economy class are another feature that is poised to bolster the aircraft’s capacity. In May 2022, the KLM Royal Dutch Airlines announced its all-new premium economy class. The economy class has an intermediate cabin which offers added space and luxury to its passengers. The Premium comfort has a dedicated cabin for roughly 21 to 28 seats depending on the site of the aircraft. As per secondary research, it is a lightweight version of Collins Aerospace’s MiQ platform.
Privacy in terms of aircraft seating is a common trend that is being focused upon by aircraft OEMs. The company, Dassault Aviation has unveiled a new seating option for its business jets range that provides aided privacy on long flights. The Falcon Privacy Suite is a new option that will be available on the Falcon 6X and 8X at first. The business jet consists of added features like reclining lie-flat beds within compartments. Multiple privacy suites can be installed depending on the capacity, configuration, as well as space offered by the aircraft. A single falcon privacy suite comprises an 80-inch flatbed. When restored to seat configuration an extra seating facility is provided by the suite, a second occupant can be seated on the ottoman. The aircraft is noted to have a mid-height partition which is designed to screen occupants from passengers. Dassault’s Innovative Cabin System is connected to a 24-inch 4K screen suspended from the ceiling.
Market relevant ongoings for airframe design and its impact on the aircraft interior design market
The Global 8000 launched by Bombardier from EBACE Geneva is noted to be the world’s largest long-range business jet. The business jet provides four personalized seats which include the option of a principal suite. The travel experience offered by this aircraft is customer conducive and the cabin design is claimed to be the healthiest by travel enthusiasts. When flying at 41,000 feet, the aircraft has the lowest cabin altitude in its class: 2,900 feet. It also has Bombardier’s Pr Air and advanced HEPA filtration technology for clean cabin air and rapid replacement of fresh air, as well as smooth ride technology.