A new lie-flat airline seat is being proposed as a solution for a good night’s sleep for economy-class travellers, and as a possible social distancing solution for aircraft of all ages.
With Zephyr Seat, a concept by start-up company Zephyr Aerospace, airlines could retrofit their aircrafts’ economy class cabins to provide double-decker seating in a 2-4-2 configuration, with “social-distancing” compliant seats that can be used to lie-flat and no loss of seating density.
Furthermore, by utilising an innovative “stacked” seating configuration, each Zephyr Seat could be retrofitted into the existing real estate of the airline – meaning no loss of seats on flights.
Moreover, the start-up is even touting the concept as a moneymaker for airlines, claiming the design increases capacity by more than 20 per cent on long-haul aircraft and reduces costs by “unbundling” expensive meals, baggage, and other premium amenities.
It aims to offer “the lowest price in the industry” for a lie-flat bed, as a specific solution to economy class woes over a lack of lie-flat capability in more affordable seats.
Airlines will also be able to choose from upgrades like memory foam seats, black-out curtains, OLED displays and other optional amenities.
Zephyr Aerospace is currently in discussions with aircraft manufacturers Boeing and Airbus, and is currently on the look-out for investors, with a minimum investment amount of US$100.
The new concept has also grabbed the attention of British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Qantas, Lufthansa, Delta, Air New Zealand, and Japan Airlines, which are in discussion with Zephyr to bring the seat to market.
Featured image: supplied by Zephyr Aerospace
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