Future Travel Experience was proud to be a Media Partner for the 13th Crystal Cabin Awards, which were presented in Hamburg on Tuesday 2 April. The winners of the globally respected prize for cabin innovation and onboard products are Airbus, United Airlines, Air New Zealand, Recaro, Paperclip Design, TU Delft and Collins Aerospace, who grabbed awards in two categories. The innovations honoured with Crystal Cabin Award trophies on the evening provided a glimpse into the future of aircraft cabin design.
Airbus was successful in the Cabin Concepts category with its Lower Deck Pax Experience modules, creating flexible compartments for the area of aircraft conventionally used for cargo.
German seat manufacturer Recaro prevailed in the Passenger Comfort Hardware category with a long-haul seat that enhances the passenger experience in Economy Class thanks to neck support and adjustable cushioning for the seat and backrest.
Focusing on efficiency, the Cabin Systems category was awarded to Collins Aerospace for its Flex Duet kiosk. The Flex Duet kiosk can simply be folded out in front of the aircraft door during cruising flight.
The award in the Greener Cabin, Health, Safety and Environment category went to Air New Zealand. The airline’s Skycouch has already been on the market for some years, allowing a complete Economy seating row to be transformed into a bed surface. Special safety belts now mean that babies and infants can lie safely on the folding bed.
United Airlines was successful in the Inflight Entertainment and Connectivity category, which was introduced for the first time last year. The airline was successful with its inclusive Entertainment for All solution. Larger display and voice recognition make the IFE system more accessible to all passengers.
The uLED Reading Light from multiple award winner Collins Aerospace took the honours in the Material & Components category. It can project almost any shape of light beam imaginable, providing targeted light for reading at several seats at the same time.
Students from all over the world including South Korea, the USA and the Netherlands all made it to the final in the University category. Sahngseok Lee from Hongik University in Korea took the prize with the 1 For All concept, designed in collaboration with seating manufacturer Adient. Various seating classes are nested together in a tetris-like arrangement and connected by stairs, resulting in the best possible use of space.
The Visionary Concepts category was awarded to the futuristic concept from winner Paperclip Design. The company’s Peacock Suites promise a variable configuration of First Class cabins as required, from family compartments with a bunk bed to a three-room luxury suite.
