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AIRBUS AND ZODIAC have revealed designs for lower deck sleeping berths on the A330 and A350 family aircra .

e modules, which would t inside the aircra ’s cargo compartments, would allow the airlines to sell additional sleeping seats to passengers.

e new passenger modules are intended to be easily interchangeable with regular cargo containers, possibly as quickly as during a typical turnaround, Airbus says.

e aircra ’s cargo oor and cargo loading system are not a ected, as the passenger module sits directly on it.

“is approach to commercial air travel is a step change towards passenger comfort. We have already received very positive feedback from several airlines on our rst mock-ups. We are pleased to partner with Zodiac Aerospace on this project which will introduce a new passenger experience and add value for airlines,” said Geo Pinner, Head of Airbus Cabin and Cargo Programme.

e companies say that airlines will initially be able to choose from a catalogue of certi ed solutions by 2020 on A330 for retro t and line- t markets. O erability of sleeper compartments on the A350 XWB airliner is also being studied. e innovation builds on both Airbus’ and Zodiac Aerospace’s experience in producing and integrating lower-deck crew-rest facilities.

e sleeping berths are a similar concept to the crew rest sleeping berths currently in place on the A380 which can also be removed when not needed for shorter legs.

e sleeping berths have an emergency exit. From a passengers’ point of view, sitting in this seat is a good option because of the extra leg room. airbus.com