Cabin interior designer and manufacturer Aim Altitude has launched a new concept for social spaces on ultra long-haul aircraft, which it says aims to make such flights “enjoyable and desirable”.
Unveiling the new Ultraflex concept, the firm said that “While passengers can see the benefits of skipping the traditional stopover, ultra-long-haul flights will not really be an attractive proposition until the flight experience is appealing enough to counter the length of time passengers are cabin-bound”.
To that end it has created a “conversational starting point”, which features a number of flexible zones which could be dedicated to dining, wellness, exercise, work and entertainment.
The firm says that the Relax and Dine mode could be used for situations from “an afternoon glass of wine with a friend, or preparing a presentation with a work colleague, to booking the booth for a special romantic meal whilst on honeymoon”, while wellness and focus modes could enable flight yoga routines, meditation or prayer.
Meanwhile inflight workspaces could allow low-resistance exercise by integrating a cycle seat, step plates and a massaging muscle-roller.
The concept also calls for an entertainment galley with pop-up bar for live sporting events, and a deli galley typical of that found in a café environment, with glazed units displaying items.
Aim Altitude said that Ultraflex was a concept “from which further solutions and refinements can be progressed to make ultra-long-haul flights a positive and successful experience for airlines and passengers alike”.
It comes as airlines including are considering ultra long-haul services with next-generation aircraft, including Qantas, which is aiming to launch non-stop services between the east coast of Australia and New York and London by 2022.
