Is there a better way to get a good night’s sleep without splurging for a business class bed? The 2024 collection of Crystal Cabin Award applicants certainly think so, with several nominations covering that segment.
Lie-flat(-ish) in economy class
SleeperTech’s SleeperSeat introduces a “forward reclining backrest” concept that offers more support to the body while not impinging on personal space of the passenger in the row behind.
More than just an articulating seat pan, the design adds a thigh support and articulating headrest to the mix, while “slipping” the back rest lower as it moves forward, promising full back and lumbar support.
LSEAT offers a similar concept, allowing existing economy class designs to convert from seat to a “relax” or “sleep” mode, while maintaining the existing cabin pitch.
The mechanism is fully manual, avoiding power supplies and actuators which add weight and complexity.
Stacking the cabin with Zephyr
Pushing slightly forward into the premium economy cabin, Zephyr aims to deliver a flat bed and privacy for passengers without compromising on seating density nor cannibalizing the business class demand.
The stacked layout is far from conventional, but the company’s founders are confident it can be certified and delivered for a long-haul experience upgrade on board.
Finalists for the 2024 Crystal Cabin Awards will be announced at the end of April 2024. Winners will be announced the following month, at the gala dinner ceremony in Hamburg on 28 May 2024.
More news from the 2024 Crystal Cabin Awards
- Back to basics: New business class seat designs vie for Crystal Cabin Award honors
- Upstarts get creative in economy class for 2024 Crystal Cabin Awards
- In search of sleep: innovation targets snoozers for 2024 Crystal Cabin Award
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