Premium economy passengers could be in line for lie-flat seats in the next few years – but they will be in a bunk bed layout.
Airbus has revealed it is considering a bunk bed configuration as the next move forward for the souped up economy class as airlines continue to seek out niche offering for passengers.
Airbus head of aircraft interiors Robert Lange said: “It’s been the holy grail to find a way of getting premium passenger to sleep horizontally but space and best use of it is always an issue.
"The only thing we haven’t explored so far is the overlapping layout and although it won’t happen in the near future its something to look at.”
Lange also predicted that low-cost carriers would start to differentiate themselves from each other by making comfort an added extra.
“I see some interesting evolution in LCCs’ design," he said.
“There is only room in the market for a certain number of players to offer a bare bones product.
"This means that LCCs are looking to differentiate themselves in the cabins and I believe that in time these airlines will do that and use it as a marketing tool – offering extra comfort for an add-on price.”
By Dinah Hatch
