We remember when Airbus released the concept of the see-through plane of the future but now they’re blowing our mind with their idea of the future cabin experience. The plane’s structural ‘membrane’ which was inspired by nature will be geared more towards a passenger experience, rather than precious seat inches. The plane’s shape will be streamlined similar to that of a bird’s bone structure so the fuselage has the strength it needs, making the most of extra space where required.

Airbus' Vitalising Zone concept

Airbus’ Vitalising Zone concept

First, Business and Economy classes will be replaced with dedicated zones for relaxation, entertainment, even for business meetings with those on terra firma. The ‘vitalising zone’ is fitted with intelligent seats that will sense your needs and adapt to fit your body. Your seat can provide you with a massage, release an aroma of pine or sea air while you are lulled by a ‘sound shower’ into a restful nap. All the while the heat from your own body is collected to power the cabin facilities.

Smart Tech Zone

Smart Tech Zone

The ‘smart tech zone’ offers holographic communication technologies offer a myriad of options so you can continue to work as if you were in the office, or even read the kids at home a bedtime story, according to Airbus. No more grappling with your laptop from the overhead luggage bins either, your hand luggage is stored at the entrance of the aircraft, then magically reappears when you need it, automatically.

The Interaction Zone

The Interaction Zone

With virtual reality becoming a seamless part of our lives in the future, Airbus have added a virtual shopping wall, virtual sporting games such as tennis, baseball and golf and most impressively an Airbus Fusion Ball game, where passengers can play catch across some of the world’s highest mountain peaks and city skyscrapers. Touch sensitive panels will hold individual passenger profiles and respond to previously gathered preferences to ensure a completely personal flying experience. Extending the social experience is also a priority with more bars to encourage passenger interaction.

A biopolymer membrane on the exterior offers a transparent 360 degree view of the outside world which means no need for windows. All in all planes of the future will be lighter, more fuel efficient, incorporate composite materials, be practically self cleaning, and mimic Mother Nature through intelligent networks. All that’s missing is Captain Kirk’s intercom message, ‘Engage!’

Images courtesy of Airbus