Staggered Seating, and Aircraft Cabin Systems $23,000 42" Plasma

A few futuristic tidbits from Future of Air Travel, by Mark McCord.

Northern Ireland-based Thompson has developed a "staggered" seating arrangement in which seats are fixed in diagonal lines instead of parallel lines, allowing passengers to lay against the side of their neighbour’s head-rest.

"Our tests on a range of aircraft average out at adding 10 per cent more seats," says Rogers.

The article gives some big screen cabin entertainment teasers from Aircraft Cabin Systems, and the benefit of wireless technology:

Bigger screens are also a feature of the new generation of aircraft seating designs. However, ACS' McGill says that comes with a huge cost.

"The bigger screens are not only heavier, but they are incredibly expensive," he explains.

"Screens have to be able to withstand impact tests and those modifications add up: a 42-inch plasma screen that costs 4,000 US dollars in the store would cost 23,000 dollars with air modifications."

Personalised Orders - Also, Thales has created an on-board customer relations programme that will allow passengers to call up a virtual cabin-crew member on screen who will take personalised orders for meals and drinks. "Can you imagine on the giant A380s, with 500 passengers, how much effort that will save the cabin crew?" Tam points out.

Everyone is in new product development for the A380!  ¶ 9:11 AM