The next generation of mid-to-long-haul single-aisle aircraft could have cabin widths approaching that of the Boeing 767. LIFT Aero Design, an aircraft interiors design studio in Tokyo, believes this extra girth would create potential for cabin configurations to be a lot more flexible.
Long-haul narrow-bodies such as the A321 XLR are a fast-growing sector of aviation, but while the aircraft are innovative, the cabins have the traditional linear divisions of cabin classes, with many including premium economy, and some a lay-flat business class – and most shaving the passenger envelope in economy class. LIFT’s vision is for a cabin that is highly flexible, enabling crew to reconfigure the seats at a moment’s notice, maximising passenger satisfaction and revenue opportunities. Enter Paradym…
LIFT Aero Design proposes a flexible ‘Paradym’ configuration for wider single-aisle aircraft cabins, with a single seat type throughout, in a 3-3 configuration. Any row of these triples could be operated as any class, from economy, economy beds, premium economy or ‘business light’The concept is based on a cabin wider than a B737 or A320. The 3×3 layout is fitted throughout the aircraft, with all seats having a 20in width between the armrests as standardParadym: one seat type, with many options. Any row can have three seating optionsWith twin armrests between the seats, an airline can sell the aisle and window seats as premium economy and block the centre seat. The customer has the freedom to have a wider space or use two armrests. Alternatively, a single wide armrest could be usedThe full-wrap headrests give support and privacy. The off-centre split lets the occupant customise and control their head space – useful for keeping an eye on the kidsWelcome to Premium Economy Flat (Y flat). By raising the the centre armrests and the front of the seat bottom cushions, a triple can be transformed into a flat surface of 1.75m (5ft 9in), nearly the length of a quad and long enough for a high percentage of travellersLIFT predicts that future PEDs will be roll-up OLEDs. These thin, flexible devices could be attached to the seatback by the passenger as an IFE display. Note the quilted finish on the headrest ‘ears’: several airline customisation opportunities are incorporated into the seat designTo demonstrate the customisation opportunities for the seat, the LIFT team has created Paradym World Colors, a ‘global tour’ of styling. For the studio’s home of Tokyo, the styling celebrates the rich and varied textures of this dynamic cityThe Tokyo trim blends hints of the modern metropolis with the calm and historic aspects of the cityNatural, tropical beauty is infused in the Singapore trim for Paradym. Calming shades of green, ranging from sage to dark forest, are complemented by rich, dark timber accents reminiscent of the teakwood native to the islandWoven into the greenery of the seatback fabric of the Singapore trim is a hexagonal geometric tessellation, representing the man-made urban environment of this “city in a garden”
Ever since his first flight on a TriStar, Adam has loved air travel, and since becoming editor of the Aircraft Interiors International brand he has really enjoyed the opportunity to be involved with the latest aircraft and airline products before they are even launched. Adam co-ordinates the running of the magazine, from commissioning articles and artwork, to ensuring that high standards of quality are maintained, as well as managing online content. Adam is proud to sit on the jury of the Crystal Cabin Awards and to have laid on the bed in Etihad's Residence.
