Airbus reveals its vision of flying in 2050

Showing off its concept cabin, the company said that mid-century passengers might be able to enjoy a game of virtual golf

The cabin of the future designed by Airbus Photograph: Airbus/PA

A futuristic concept of air travel in which passengers will be able to gaze up at sunny or starry skies through a transparent cabin has been presented by planemaker Airbus.

The concept cabin for travellers in 2050 would be a bionic structure that mimics the efficiency of bird bone.
It would provide strength where needed, and also allows for an "intelligent" cabin wall membrane which controls air temperature and can become transparent to give passengers open, panoramic views.
The cabin would have seats that fit passengers' body shapes and travellers might be able to read bedtime stories to their children back home, Airbus said.
Showing off its concept cabin, the company also said that mid-century passengers might be able to enjoy a game of virtual golf or take part in interactive conferences, while the cabin "identifies and responds" to travellers' needs.
The cabin of the future follows last year's unveiling of the Airbus concept plane, packed with technologies to reduce fuel burn, emissions, waste and noise.
In the cabin concept, new personalised zones replace the traditional cabin classes.
The "vitalising zone" helps passengers relax, with vitamin and antioxidant-enriched air, mood lighting, aromatherapy and acupressure treatments.
In the "interactive zone" there are virtual pop-up projections taking passengers to whichever social scene they want to be in, from holographic gaming to virtual changing rooms for active shoppers.
The "smart tech zone" is tailored towards the more functional-oriented passenger with what Airbus describes as "a chameleon-style offering, to meet individual needs ranging from a simple to a complete luxury service, but all allowing you to continue life as if on the ground".
Airbus engineering executive vice-president Charles Champion said: "Our research shows that passengers of 2050 will expect a seamless travel experience while also caring for the environment.
"The concept cabin is designed with that in mind, and shows that the journey can be as much a voyage of discovery as the destination."

http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2011/jun/14/airbus-future-of-flying