The aviation industry has made significant progress in the last few decades. Just last year, Qantas introduced the first nonstop flight from Europe to Australia that takes 17 hours. This is simply because some of the major aircraft makers are innovating new designs that are lighter, more fuel efficient, and stronger. However, there are still other changes in aircraft design that will come over the next few years.
1. More Space
Flying in an airplane (unless it’s private or first class) is not always the best experience. Much of this has to do with space. In order for airlines to make money in a flight, they have to squeeze as many people as possible in a single flight. This leaves very little leg room and if you are on a long flight, this can be a nightmare. However, some airlines are already working on new designs that will increase space and ease the squeezing that we have all come to hate.
2. Better Aerial Edibles
This is not entirely related to airplane design but it’s something worth noting. Many airlines want to make you feel at home when you fly with them and food is an important part of this. In the next few years, the food served during flights will improve considerably. Some airlines are even thinking of introducing fresh ingredients with high water content in their offerings.
3. Better Air Supply
On average, planes more than 8,000 feet above the ground. The air supply at this altitude is very low. This is the reason why you feel fatigued every time you come off a flight. It simply means that your heart and lungs have to work extra hard to deliver oxygen to every part of your body. The idea of introducing better air supply in planes has been explored before. But oxygen may cause pressure buildup which affects weak points like doors and windows. However, Boeing is developing new designs that could actually withstand pressure. It will be possible to get additional oxygen supplied in the plane without any risks.
4. Better Entertainment
Long flights can be a pain if you don’t have a distraction. Aircraft makers are already offering Wi-Fi that allows you to stream content online. But at 15 Mbps, it’s not nearly enough. Well, Airbus wants to increase this further. The company is working on better Internet connections during flights that could deliver diverse entertainment options for airlines. The company is also looking to put OLED displays in airplanes for a better experience.
5. Normalized Environment
The problem with long flights is that you never know if it’s day or night. But some aircraft companies are starting to introduce light effects during flights that can give you a pretty good idea. For example, Airbus is developing 17 million color and light combinations that will easily tell you whether it’s day or night. The combinations are designed to mimic various outdoor environments. You won’t even feel you are in a plane. This will be perfect for long distance flights.
