Airbus working on introducing controversial double-decker plane seat design for passengers
You may have scoffed at the highly criticised idea to introduce double-decker plane seats to commercial flights, but it looks like it could become a reality.
Aviation giants Airbus have announced that they've opened discussions with start-up business Chaise Longue.
If you recognise that company, it's probably because they went viral for unveiling their designs for potential double-decker plane seats.
They really went the distance, unveiling economy and business class seats, though a lot of people on social media wrote it off as a long shot at best.
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Chaise Longue was founded in Madrid by CEO Alejandro Núñez Vicente, going from a university project idea to a reality in the travel world.
In a statement to CNN Travel, an Airbus representative stated: “Chaise Longue is exploring some early stage concepts with Airbus on two-level seating solutions for Airbus commercial aircraft.”
They did explain that 'given the nature of this early phase level', the company would prefer 'not to further comment at this stage'.
Vicente took to LinkedIn to share the good news, detailing that they aim to 'disrupt aircraft seating with their two-level concepts'.
"It's the dawn of a new era for commercial aviation, so I hope that you are as excited as we are with this announcement and that soon, you can be crossing the skies in a more comfortable, spacious and two-level seat," he wrote.
The idea behind the design is to remove the overhead cabin to allow for teo levels of seats in a regular cabin, with a one-up, one-down design.
While one row of seats would be on a raised platform, another would be below it on normal level, eliminating the reclining issue as you wouldn't directly be in front of anyone.
You may initially think that the top row is more appealing, but those in the bottom row have more legroom, while the top row are given 'larger recline angles' with enough space to stretch your legs, according to Vicente.
The worry from those online was that the bottom row may cause claustrophobia, a concern that was confirmed by CNN Travel, with online users quipping that they'd be directly in line with a passenger's behind and any gas they choose to pass.
"With some common sense and maturity you should be able to find your answer," Vicente said of the situation, adding: "Gas in general doesn't go through solid objects like seat cushions, seat covers and plastic shells."
CNN Travel also added that the increased leg room would cancel out this worry.
These discussions are still ongoing though, as Núñez Vicente can't elaborate on the type of cabin that the potential collaboration with Airbus would focus on.
He also couldn't speak about any new concepts or designs, with there being no available images about these designs.
Vicente highlighted that the goal with his company is the same though, to 'optimise the space' for the benefit of airlines and passengers.
Joshua Nair