Page 55 - AAA JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2017 Online Magazine

INSIDE VIEW

as “Airspace by Airbus.” Airbus’ Airspace which can accommodate up to two separate
will bring consistency of interior design on bunks for pilots and 6 bunks for cabin crew.
its two main widebody aircraft: the A350 Operators will also be able to choose from
XWB and A330neo.Airbus’ Airspace cabin a new range of galley/lavatory options such
will enter service later this year, when as modular ‘Space-Flex’ to maximise trolley
launch operator TAP Portugal starts taking capacity and freeing up of main deck space
delivery of its A330 New Engine Option to allow for additional seating.
(NEO) jetliners. The A330neo cabin is a
whole new cabin, for which Airbus has taken Boeing Sky Interior
the best of A380 and A350. The A330neo Boeing has been hard at work to continue
with the Airspace cabin is 3db quieter inside to redefine the passenger experience
the airline, as compared to Boeing’s 787 with its new 777X, which will enter service
according to Airbus. The Airspace cabin in 2020. MRO spoke with Blake Emery,
will include a new passenger welcome area; Director, Differentiation Strategy at Boeing
state-of-the-art mood LED-based lighting Commercial Airplanes, “777X – Even though
systems, a cabin air system that delivers 20 it is going to be a new experience, it is still
percent more fresh air and larger overhead very much in keeping with Boeing’s Sky
bins; new lavatories and latest-generation In- Interior philosophy – so the philosophy hasn’t
Flight Entertainment (IFE) and connectivity changed.” We will combine the best attributes
solutions. The LED lighting environment that of the 777 and 787 he says. Emery was part of
is fully customisable and has a colour palette Boeing’s Market Requirements and Objectives
up to 16.7 million variations, providing airlines (MR&O) team for the 787 and 777X, where
with greater control over the cabin lighting, he specified that the 777X interior should be
which can be used to enhance the mood a substantial improvement on the 777 and
inside the airplane, in addition to reducing receive better feedback from the flying public
jet lag and making it easier for a passenger than the 787 Sky cabin. This feedback for
to navigate while moving from one part of both interiors was obtained at Boeing’s “on
the cabin to the other. A brand new overhead the ground” research vehicle, the Passenger
storage, inspired by the A350 XWB, not only Experience Research Centre (PERC). The
offers more room for carry-on luggage but proposed 777X interior design builds upon the
also keeps them closer to the passenger. To improved feel of spaciousness introduced by
accommodate additional passengers, the the 787 as well as incorporating the feedback
flight crew rest area on the A330neo has been from the company’s frequent conversations
relocated to a Lower Deck Mobile Crew Rest, with airlines about the interiors of the 777X.

Boeing’s Sky Interior (pictured)
has proven popular with airline
customers. The airline is hard
work to redefine the passenger
experience with its 777X, which will
enter service in 2020
WWW.GBP.COM.SG/AAA JANUARY / MARCH 2017 MAINTENANCE REPAIR OVERHAUL 55