The plane cabin of the future: Boeing reveals next generation interior

FLYING is set to become an incredible experience — for first and business class passengers — if these pictures from Boeing are anything to go by.

Blue Skies and Stars Part of the Future Airplane Cabin Advanced lighting and projection all part of enhancing the flying experience December 18, 2015 in Commercial, Innovation Picture: Boeing

WHILE economy class seats are shrinking and customers have to fork out for everything from peanuts to a blanket, business and first classes are getting more bells and whistles every week.

US aeroplane manufacturer Boeing has just unveiled its cabin of the future — it includes celestial ceiling projections and curved TV screens.

But down in cattle class, passengers are still as cramped as ever.

You might be seeing blue skies and stars on the roof of your cabin in the future. Picture: Boeing

With a large screen in the background, you can visit a bar for food or drinks if you’re in first or business class. Picture: Boeing

Different shades of mood lighting can be displayed on the ceiling and walls to help passengers feel relaxed. Picture: Boeing

A Boeing spokesman told Runway Girl Network that “the ceiling projections might be scenes from nature, chosen to enhance mood or for their calming effect, so a sky with stars and constellations at night, or sunny blue skies during the day.

“Passenger information could be projected onto walls and bulkheads, while airlines might display information about a destination to inspire passengers for their onward journey,” the spokesman said.

Motivation for the project has come from Boeing’s airline customers and their passengers, according to RGN.

“Customers tell us they want to add the ‘wow’ factor to future cabins, as well as distinguishing their cabins from airlines flying the same aeroplane model. Passengers tell us that cabins feel more open and less constricted with these types of options installed,” says Boeing.

But the company has emphasised that these are early days.

“We’re working with suppliers, testing the latest in projection technology to support these concepts. They’re being tested in physical mock-ups to determine the optimal position for projection and to lessen interference by passengers or crew.”

Boeing’s has had success with mood lighting on its 787 and Boeing 737 Sky Interior which transforms the cabin visually into a “much wider” space.

Airbus, the French plane-manufacturing rival to Boeing, is also exploring projection technology for the cabin — Emirates has already projected stars onto the ceiling of its Airbus A380.

A computer-generated video has revealed what passengers can expect in the years ahead.

In terms of seating, passengers in first or business class will continue to enjoy a luxurious experience, while those in economy will still be seated as many as 10 across.

It looks fancy in economy class, but the seats are still on the small side. Picture: Boeing

Snacks on offer for those in first and business class. Picture: Boeing

Lighting and projection are all part of enhancing the flying experience. Picture: Boeing

Boeing hasn’t said when its next generation lighting and projections will be introduced on its planes. Picture: Boeing