Study predicts the near-future of air travel
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Airport Parking and Hotels (APH) has partnered with specialists in aircraft design at Imperial College London to reveal what the future of air travel will realistically be like in 30 or 40 years.
The research shows that aircraft are likely to look radically different, adopting a new design of blended-wing-bodies with larger wings. These would include vastly more cabin space for passengers to finally be able to stretch their legs.
To overcome the reduced number of windows per passenger, transparent LCD screens will mimic windows by displaying the view outside, as well as being able to play in-flight entertainment. Virtual reality headsets will also be built into the seats.
Meanwhile, the larger cabins will allow for more space for in-flight bars, together with separate lounge areas to allow passengers to venture from their seats and socialise more freely during their journeys.
These aeroplanes will be propelled by clusters of electric fans powered by small biofuel engines, producing only a tiny fraction of the emissions from current aircraft.
APH partnered with Adam Omar, who is studying for a PHD in Aircraft Design at Imperial College London, for the research. He believes that the larger aircraft will be able to provide a much more enjoyable journey for passengers – particularly the virtual reality headsets.
Beverley Barden, head of marketing at Airport Parking and Hotels, said: “Air travel has long been considered an uncomfortable way to begin a holiday. With these advances in passenger space, in-flight-entertainment, and extra room for bars and relaxation areas, this will finally be a thing of the past.
“Through working with Imperial College London, we have been able to create this groundbreaking model of what air travel will look like in 30 years or so. It’s very exciting to see what is already set to change in a relatively short time.”
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