Airbus unveils 'cabin of future'

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LONDON: With a see-through cabin, the aircraft of the future won't be for nervous flyers.

Plane manufacturer Airbus has looked 40 years into the futrue and unveiled concept designs for the aircraft of 2050.

The company's vision offers a revolution in air travel.

Gone are the regulated class divisions of First, Business and Economy, replaced by personalised zones that offer flexible, tailored levels of relaxation, interactivity and working spaces.

Passengers can choose to travel in the Interactive zone, with a bar and electronic games where they can mingle and socialise. And those wanting quiet and solitude can choose the Relaxation zone.

The fuselage is replaced by a bone-like structure that will allow for panoramic views outside the aircraft.

For nervous flyers wanting to cut themselves off from the window views, or those simply seeking privacy from other passengers, seats would become 'holographic pods' that would shut out the outside world.

Seats could also change in size and shape for the individual passenger.

Entertainment would move well beyond the seatback TV screen, with concepts for the Interactive zone including virtual holographic golf courses or virtual clothes shopping.

Although Airbus are gazing 40 years into the future, some of these developments could be turned into reality and incorporated into plane designs so that passengers reap the benefit of air travel with minimal environmental impact.

"Our research shows that passengers of 2050 will expect a seamless travel experience while also caring for the environment," Charles Champion, Airbus Executive Vice President Engineering, told.

"The Airbus Concept Cabin is designed with that in mind, and shows that the journey can be as much a voyage of discovery as the destination." (Reuters)