These double-decker airplane cabin concepts could be the future of flying

Francesca Street, CNN
5 minute read
Updated 10:29 AM EDT, Mon May 31, 2021
<strong>New era:</strong> For 2021, the Crystal Cabin Awards, known for spotlighting the latest in airplane interior innovation, has shrunk down its usual eight categories to two key awards that recognize where aviation is right now: the Judges Choice Awards and Clean and Safe Air Travel. The Chaise Longue Economy Seat Project, pictured here, is nominated in that first category.
New era: For 2021, the Crystal Cabin Awards, known for spotlighting the latest in airplane interior innovation, has shrunk down its usual eight categories to two key awards that recognize where aviation is right now: the Judges Choice Awards and Clean and Safe Air Travel. The Chaise Longue Economy Seat Project, pictured here, is nominated in that first category.
Courtesy Crystal Cabin Awards
<strong>Futuristic concept:</strong> The Chaise Longue design is credited to 21-year-old student Alejandro Núñez Vicente from TU Delft University in the Netherlands. Núñez Vicente envisages this striking economy cabin design as working well in the <a href="https://cnn.com/travel/article/flying-v-maiden-flight-intl-scli-grm/index.html" target="_blank">Flying V airplane</a>, which is currently in development at TU Delft, but he says it could also be implemented in a Boeing 747, Airbus A330 or any other medium to large aircraft.
Futuristic concept: The Chaise Longue design is credited to 21-year-old student Alejandro Núñez Vicente from TU Delft University in the Netherlands. Núñez Vicente envisages this striking economy cabin design as working well in the Flying V airplane, which is currently in development at TU Delft, but he says it could also be implemented in a Boeing 747, Airbus A330 or any other medium to large aircraft.
Courtesy Crystal Cabin Awards
<strong>Dual level: </strong>Chaise Longue has been in the works for some time, but Núñez Vicente reckons it would work well in the wake of Covid-19. "As it gives more space between passengers, and positions them at different heights, it is more suitable for flights in pandemic times," he tells CNN Travel.
Dual level: Chaise Longue has been in the works for some time, but Núñez Vicente reckons it would work well in the wake of Covid-19. "As it gives more space between passengers, and positions them at different heights, it is more suitable for flights in pandemic times," he tells CNN Travel.
Courtesy Crystal Cabin Awards
<strong>Unexpected space:</strong> The idea behind the design is to create more space for passengers while still allowing multiple seats to be in operation. "The lower row has the advantage of passengers having the lounge experience of a couch by stretching the legs, whilst the upper row provides an SUV experience, making it possible for instance to cross the legs due to the increased leg room and overall living space," says Núñez Vicente.
Unexpected space: The idea behind the design is to create more space for passengers while still allowing multiple seats to be in operation. "The lower row has the advantage of passengers having the lounge experience of a couch by stretching the legs, whilst the upper row provides an SUV experience, making it possible for instance to cross the legs due to the increased leg room and overall living space," says Núñez Vicente.
Courtesy Crystal Cabin Awards
<strong>Up in the clouds: </strong>Also nominated for the Judges Choice Awards is Toyota Boshoku's CLOUD CAPSULE concept. According to a statement from the Japanese company, the design hopes "to make economy class travel safer, more enjoyable and more comfortable, while creating more revenue opportunities for the airlines."
Up in the clouds: Also nominated for the Judges Choice Awards is Toyota Boshoku's CLOUD CAPSULE concept. According to a statement from the Japanese company, the design hopes "to make economy class travel safer, more enjoyable and more comfortable, while creating more revenue opportunities for the airlines."
Courtesy Crystal Cabin Awards
<strong>Increased privacy: </strong>The idea is that a passenger would buy an economy seat ticket, and then as an add-on purchase access to CLOUD CAPSULE to enjoy a private space built into the overhead locker area to work, relax or sleep.
Increased privacy: The idea is that a passenger would buy an economy seat ticket, and then a