Airbus and Zodiac Aerospace entered (10-Apr-2018) a partnership to develop and market lower deck modules with passenger sleeping berths. The innovation builds on both Airbus' and Zodiac Aerospace's experience in producing and integrating lower deck crew rest facilities. Details include:
- The modules are intended to fit inside the aircraft's cargo compartments. They are to be easily interchangeable with regular cargo containers during a typical turnaround if required;
- The aircraft's cargo floor and cargo loading system will not be affected at all, as the passenger module will sit directly on it;
- Airbus and Zodiac Aerospace stated they would offer "new opportunities for additional services to passengers, improving their experience while enabling airlines to differentiate and add value for their commercial operations";
- Airlines will be initially be able to choose from a catalogue of certified solutions by 2020 on the A330 for retrofit and line-fit markets;
- Offerability of sleeper compartments on the A350 is also being studied. [more - original PR]