Entries for the awards come from aircraft manufacturers,airlines,seat makers,electronics specialists,technical colleges and universities. This year a jury of 28 international experts will assess a shortlist of 72 entries in eight categories,with the winners announced at an awards ceremony to be held on May 28.
While the most exciting innovations and concepts apply to the premium classes,there are a few innovations the rest of us can hope for. Among the finalists in 2024 isQantas’ Wellbeing Zone,destined for installation on the airline’s A350s to be deployed on its super-long “Sunrise” flights from Sydney and Melbourne to London and New York,scheduled to begin late in 2025.
Images of the Wellbeing Zone show a corridor with self-serve snacks available from a glass-fronted cabinet,a video screen showing “guided wellbeing content” and handles on the sides of walls to facilitate stretching.
China-based Ameco,an emerging force in the world of aircraft interior design,has come up with the Fly-Buddy Hub,a modular,convertible seating concept for economy flyers with six passengers facing one another on couch-like seating,creating a customisable arrangement that can be used for playing games on a central table,social interaction or even a bed.
Premium economy class is now an increasing focus for airlines since the revenue relative to the space these seats occupy now earns them more than any other class,and Zephyr Aerospace has an exciting concept in the Zephyr Seat. This is a lie-flat seat – wow - with direct aisle access and the promise of privacy.