Aeroplane cabin designers have invented a new seat system that might mean you actually want to book a space in the very last row.
German company Collins Aerospace debuted its design plans at the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg will the aim of making the final row a more desirable place to sit.
Near the toilets, last to be served and often the final ones to alight the aircraft, people sitting in the back don’t often have the best experience.
However, the company aims to change this with its “SkyNook” design: a semi-secluded retreat with a privacy divider and an extra console to use as a table, bassinet or pet carrier.
Collins Aerospace explained that the rear of twin-aisle planes is often underutilised as the fuselage narrows, meaning the row is frequently fitted with two seats rather than three.
The SkyNook would make use of the space between the plane’s wall and the seat and turn it into a place to travel with a baby or a pet, or use it as a table to work and dine.
The privacy divider will not only provide a sense of seclusion, but will also dampen the sounds from the gallery and toilets.
“Our team of cabin experience designers are persistent in their dedication to iterating and reimagining cabin solutions that leverage every square inch of space to improve air travel for passengers, airlines and crew members,” said Jefferey McKee, a director at Collins Aerospace.
“SkyNook exemplifies this commitment, transforming a frequently overlooked area into a serene retreat that maximises functionality, comfort and flexibility for families, passengers with service animals or those with sensory considerations.”
Collins Aerospace won a Crystal Cabin Award for the SkyNook at the trade exposition. It is the company’s 16th Crystal Cabin Award in the 20-year history of the programme.
Collins Aerospace says it anticipates SkyNook will be installed by its first customer by the end of the year.
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