Hamburg Aviation announces shortlist of Crystal Cabin Awards

Engineering environment-friendly aircraft cabins is challenging and prompting the industry to slash emissions, use more recycled materials and cut the amount of pollutants. Several of the 2024 entrants are offering significant weight savings thereby lowering both fuel consumptionn and emissions. The nominees include Zotefoams, Collins Aerospace, Diehl Aviation, Safran Cabin and a consortium led by Hamburg-based Comprisetec. Airbus' C-Suite Circular Business Class, Recaro’s R Sphere concept all use significantly more recycled materials, while Gen Phoenix in collaboration with Sabeti Wain Aerospace & Doy Design have used fully recycled materials for upholstered business class seats.

Ameco is among the nominees in the Passenger Comfort category. Its Fly-Buddy Hub is a versatile space for six passengers and comes with convertible seats and beds as well as intelligent partitions. Qantas Airways intends to make flying more relaxed with its "Sunrise" project. The airline will be offering non-stop flights from Sydney and Melbourne to London and New York by late 2025. To make such ultra-long-haul flights more pleasant, Diehl Aviation has designed an innovative Wellbeing Zone for the A350. Passengers in all classes can use the Wellbeing Zone which offers space for a guided on-screen training scheme, a drinks station and a range of healthy snacks to cope with the long journey time.

The Zephyr seat designed by Zephyr Aerospace offers passengers in the Premium Economy Class an opportunity to sleep lying down. The first flat aircraft seat for long-haul flights gives access to the aisle as well as complete privacy.  When it comes to accessible travel, many entries focus on assistive auditory, visual, cognitive and motor functions that make flying accessible and enjoyable for as many passengers as possible. The Wheelchair Space and Securement System (WSSS) by the University of Virginia Tech in co-operation with Boeing, the All Wheels Up and Collins Aerospace concept benefits passengers with limited mobility by integrating secure wheelchairs into adaptable economy seats.

The 28 experts on the jury will select three finalists in each category, who will be announced in April 2024.  Claudia Friedrich, Managing Director of Interface Design at zweigrad Industrial Design will become the first ever Hamburg-based SME on CCA’s jury. The finalists will pitch their ideas to the jury during the Aircraft Interiors Expo. The winners of the eight categories will be announced on May 28, 2024 during a gala dinner in the Chamber of Commerce as part of the Aircraft Interiors Expo.

fw/pb