Contenders for the Crystal Cabin Awards 2023 have been revealed
The aviation industry is gearing up for the Crystal Cabin Awards 2023, an annual event that celebrates groundbreaking innovations in aircraft cabin design and technology. This year, the competition features 21 finalists across seven categories, each offering unique solutions to improve passenger comfort, efficiency, and sustainability.
In the Cabin Concepts category, Air New Zealand's Skynest and the Lufthansa Group's Allegris system are finalists. Skynest aims to revolutionise long-haul travel with its sleep pods, while Allegris offers 14 seat types in four travel classes, including double suites and beds with soft mattresses for a premium experience.
The IFEC and Digital Services category is home to several innovative solutions. Airbus' Airspace Link HBCplus connectivity solution allows airlines to connect via satellite to various IT services, enabling a seamless digital experience for passengers. Skyted, a finalist, aims to reduce noise disturbance during video calls on board with a WLAN-integrated face mask. Another contender, the LEO system from AirFi and Iridium, enables passengers to use WhatsApp and iMessage via a pen-sized antenna.
Collins Aerospace's InteliSense and Thales Avionics' Onboard Data-Center are finalists in this category as well. InteliSence uses deep learning AI to monitor interactions on board and derive optimization potential for the passenger experience, while the Onboard Data-Center aims to enable web-based technologies on board and increase available storage space with its special IT architecture.
The Cabin Systems, Materials and Components category showcases ideas aimed at making flying more efficient and inclusive. Ideas include Collins Aerospace's Q-Tech material for noise reduction, the ultra-light seat from Alba Seating Concept, and the lightweight seat from Horus, which can be used in hydrogen-powered aircraft by 2030.
Three product innovations are competing in the Sustainable Cabin category: Airbus' BioMat Sidewall Panel made from sustainable resin and recycled carbon fibers, Diehl Aviation's cabin lining with integrated vacuum insulation, and Lantal Textiles' ultra-light carpet.
In the University category, three unconventional designs from the Technical University of Delft were selected, along with designs from Munich University of Applied Sciences, Hochschule Augsburg, and Technische Universität Hamburg. These designs include the ultra-light seat from Alba Seating Concept, the lightweight seat from Horus, and a 3D-printed cushion for increased seating comfort in a lightweight and sustainable product.
The Crystal Cabin Award 2023 also includes the Health & Safety and Passenger Comfort categories. Notable finalists include Diehl Aviation's Crew Rest Compartment for Single-Aisle Aircraft, which aims to provide more comfort for crew, and Adient Aerospace and Boeing EnCore Interiors' seat design offering more space for business passengers in single-aisle aircraft.
Lastly, J&C Aero's Jump Seat Duo, which integrates a foldable wheelchair into the crew's jump seat, is a finalist in the Health & Safety category.
The finalists will present their concepts on June 6, 2023, in Hamburg, where the winners will be announced. The Crystal Cabin Awards 2023 promises to be a showcase of the most innovative and promising developments in the aviation industry.
