The future of aircraft interiors and flight experience PriestmanGoode is targeting the next generation of flight with a new focus. 

Compiled By Jennifer Ferrero 

Aircraft interior designer Jo Rowan, associate director of strategy at PriestmanGoode, recently shared insights into flight design and the flight experience for the next generation. 

First, in aircraft interiors of the future, do you see individualized seating (as shown in the images), or will there still be seating by price (such as coach, comfort class, first class, etc…)?

Space on board an aircraft will always be the most valuable commodity. We’ll still see different cabin zones or classes with varying amounts of space in the future, but AI can transform the visual and sensory experience in any cabin or seat. The images show a future business class seat experience, although many of the themes addressed will be applicable throughout the cabin in the future. 

The images depict a personal screen view for the passenger. Is that through visual eyewear technology or virtual reality?

This prediction is made through visual eyewear technology, AR, and mixed reality. Each of these is bringing this concept closer. VR has been tried before, but it can be disorienting, and the headsets are large and cumbersome. AR is much more realistic as it enables the context of the environment and involves smaller wearable devices. The launch of Apple’s Vision Pro will inevitably accelerate the use of these technologies in different settings, including on board an aircraft where the passenger has time to spare, either for work or entertainment.

With screen mirroring, do you expect larger screens at the seats than we see now? If so, will there still be curated content (movies, TV shows, etc.) on the screen, or will it be customized for the passenger based on login? Or both?

There has been a trend towards maximizing screen size but within the constraints of the seatback space. In first and business class there is some scope to increase the size further. On the other hand, some passengers, including younger generations, are looking for a seamless experience using their PED on board, whether that’s the screen on their phone, tablet, or laptop. What’s important is to enable passengers to use any of these options. We constantly observe the trend of passengers using two devices simultaneously. We also anticipate that tailored content and AI-generated experiences will become more prevalent. As onboard connectivity improves, such as through 5G and low latency, streaming will also be part of the onboard experience. Ultimately, passengers will continue with what they seamlessly enjoy on the ground. 

How will seating change in the future — width of seat, leg room, seat covers, comfort measures (blankets/pillows, etc…) more ability to recline?

There’s a constant focus on enhancing passenger experience, and the seat is at the center of that. Today’s focus is on (seat) weight reduction and sustainability benefits without compromising comfort. Extended possibilities for reclining are another area. There’s scope for further development in these aspects. Lightweight options and extension of the cabin space in new aircraft can free up space slightly to give passengers something extra. New developments in trim and finish, such as knitted dress covers, also show the potential to reduce weight and provide elevated comfort.

How will boarding change in the future to accommodate passengers?

As we all know, boarding can be a pain point in the journey as passenger anxiety elevates in the race to claim stowage space and keep essential items close by for the duration of the flight. There are new cabin products that solve this, subject to passengers following instructions! Each airline has a different approach to sequenced boarding, and it’s quite evident that more could be done through apps or AI to stage this process more efficiently by guiding the passenger rather than giving inconsistent verbal instructions based on a label on their boarding pass.

What does a more personalized experience on future flights look like, from booking to bag check to boarding to meals?

Digital technologies allow the journey to begin from the time of booking. Pre-order and pre-selection are super important. They’re as much about getting what you want and expanding menu choices as reducing waste. Virtually checking your seat space to ensure that you have the environment and functionality you require, planning entertainment so time passes optimally, and planning the first and last mile so there are no queues, barriers, or surprises. There are so many points across the journey where improvements could be achieved: examples that come to mind are haptics, stimulated by the sense of touch and motion that can help passengers feel more in control; personalized notifications to start the boarding or transfer process; or to be able to receive notifications in your preferred language without multiple public announcements. We recently developed a concept that uses navigation systems to guide passengers through the airport according to their preferences or mobility. This might be guidance towards a specific retailer or a step-free route. Moving from home to destination in a planned way would be transformational.

You mentioned Gen Alpha for these changes; what considerations are given to older generations and their preferences?

This is a very good point, and both age groups deserve equal consideration as new cabins are being developed. The next generation of travelers, Gen Alpha, will seek a seamless experience using integrated technology that is inclusive to all. Older generations will make up a significant volume of passengers. Hence, our focus at PriestmanGoode is about accessibility on board and a sensitivity to the requirements of a whole range of hidden disabilities. Ultimately, it’s more efficient to design for all rather than amend the cabin interior for different needs. Meeting the needs of these groups and solutions that work alongside each other will be vital. We must not forget the crew either; solutions that help them will free up time for even more personalized service. The human touch will remain super important.