BLOC MAGAZINE WINTER 18-19

What do you get for that price? Higher ceilings, larger windows and lighting designed to reduce jet lag. Passengers will also benefit from Airbus’ higher humidity settings and lower cabin altitude settings for an overall more comfortable trip. Making greater use of otherwise un- used space, Airbus is even consider- ing converting the cargo area of the specialised plane into underfloor sleeping pods, conference rooms and even play areas to keep children occupied on long-haul flights. Compared to Concorde’s cramped office chair like seating, small (and hot to the touch) windows and very noisy cabin, the aviation industry has moved decisively away from fuel-guzzling speed machines in fa- vour of more spacious, comfortable and environmentally friendly alter- natives. This is even more evident with the ongoing project from Australia’s flag carrier airline, ‘Quantas Sunrise’. A joint enterprise by Airbus and Boeing, the two aerospace giants are working together to design a plane capable of carrying 300 passengers from Sydney to London, non-stop. Experts in the industry are calling it the final frontier of aviation. For the time being, however, these record-breaking long-haul flights are being marketed primarily for business travellers. But based on positive feedback from tourists on similar long-haul flights, the airline industry is starting to realise that passengers don’t mind sacrificing speed for more comforta- ble and entertaining air travel. Can airlines and technology keep pace with growing demand for more long-haul flights and still maintain a profit? Only time will tell, but the future is looking promising.