Say goodbye to cramped seats, and personal space-invading recliners, as a new design concept for plane cabins gives us a glimpse into the future of flying post-Coronavirus.
Life as we knew it completely changed when Coronavirus struck the world. Frequent hand-washing reminders were given, two-metre rules were enforced and face masks were made mandatory.
But as more and more people begin to resume their travel plans, limiting exposure to the virus whilst flying has become an increasing concern.
This is where we introduce PureSkies.
PureSkies is the creation of London-based design firm PriestmanGoode. The company’s new concept completely redesigns the economy plane cabin, which considers personal space, hygiene, and hands-free entertainment.
So, What’s New?
First and foremost, PureSkies has addressed the lack of personal space on board airplanes. Staggering seats and dividing screens between rows provides a more spacious seating arrangement, and ensures distance is maintained between passengers.
Seats have been redesigned to minimise gaps, even whilst reclining to prevent dirt build-up in hard-to-reach areas.
Touch screes will be a thing of the past. Instead, passengers will control in-flight entertainment through plugging in their phones.
Safety cards are also gone, being replaced by backlit safety cards so passengers onboard can read instructions without touching leaflets.
Tray tables will only be available upon request from attendants, which you’ll be able to clip on the seat in front of you before tucking into your meal.
There’ll be no more seat pockets to prevent people from stuffing used tissues or sweet wrappers into them. Instead, there’ll be a removable bag for waste or extra storage space, which will reduce cross-contamination.
They’re also “taking hygiene to a new level” according to Maria Karel-Bentkowska, head of colour, material and finish at Priestman Goode.
As the virus is invisible, using ‘integrated UVC cleaning’ will ease passengers’ anxieties through the use of colour. The cabin will be lit purple when passengers enter to signal the cleaning process, then change to warmer yellow tones during the flight.
Business class has also got a revamp by PureSkies.
The new “rooms” feature most of the same designs as the economy zones, but each seat comes with its own overhead storage and is sectioned off by full height curtains. The screens are all synced individually to passengers’ devices for hands-free entertainment.
When Will we See this Coming?
PriestmanGoode predicts it will take at least three years to develop and certify the designs for consumer travel. But co-founder Nigel Goode is confident that PureSkies “will meet user and airline requirements for many years ahead.”
The company also unveiled new designs for train carriages following the pandemic.
