Aircraft cabin innovations vie for awards

A seat that promises to deliver physiological and psychological benefits to passengers, a seat fabric made from carbon dioxide waste, and an autonomous robot that cleans the aircraft toilet floor after every use are just a few of the 50-plus entries on the shortlist for the 2025 Crystal Cabin Awards, celebrating innovations in aircraft interiors.

The shortlisted entries in seven categories – accessibility; cabin technologies; in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) and digital services; passenger comfort; sustainable cabin; university; and the judge’s choice airline innovation — are a mix of in-service products, innovations under development and ideas, some of which will remain exactly that, but offer pause for thought.

Comfort Motion Global says its Healthy Motion Seating is an innovative and patented technology that provides significant, scientifically proven physiological and psychological benefits to airline passengers. The software feature can be deployed in seats equipped with electrical actuation (first and business class seats), with the algorithm designed to redistribute your body weight through a series of small, subtle motions.

“In short, the seat fidgets for you,” CMG says. Tests demonstrate the system helps maintain blood flow in the lower legs and improves passenger perception of mood and discomfort.

Boeing, LanzaTech, Botany Weaving, and Adient Aerospace are shortlisted for their supply chain innovation that transforms waste carbon emissions into sustainable fabric for aircraft seat upholstery.

LanzaTech converts waste carbon into ethanol and its derivatives, which are then spun into polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibres, which Botany Weaving uses for aerospace-grade fabric, and Adient Aerospace incorporates into their seating designs. The process provides a sustainable alternative to traditional fossil-fuel-based materials.

Meanwhile, Kruger Aviation in co-operation with Green Mobility Interior and Airbus are shortlisted with their KRC PC 100 innovative recycled polycarbonate made from production waste.

The university category always includes innovative ideas, with this year being no exception. Students at Chile’s UDIT, for example, have designed the Restroom Autonomous In-flight Sanitising System (RAISS) which maintains the cleanliness of aircraft lavatories by using a robotic system that cleans the floor after each use. The design also features an island-format sink and a self-cleaning toilet system.

A number of airline products are shortlisted, including Cathay Pacific’s control system in its new Aria Suite, which is the business class product onboard the airline’s Boeing 777-300ER. The system, developed in collaboration with JPA Design and Reaktor, allows the passenger to control their lighting, seat position and crew communication and even see when the toilets are occupied via a synchronised system.

The airline’s Gallery in the Skies, on the 777-300ER, is also shortlisted. It comprises a dedicated space to showcase a selection of artworks from artists connected to Hong Kong, with each of the 30 retrofitted aircraft displaying a unique artwork.

Air France is shortlisted for the lightweight seats onboard its Embraer 190 regional jet fleet, developed by Expliseat, which help to reduce aircraft fuel consumption and emissions.

Meanwhile, Air India has made the shortlist with its Vista IFE, which it describes as an extension of a traveller’s world, making the passenger feel at home thanks to its smooth integration before, during, and after the journey.

United Airlines is shortlisted for its Onboard Digital Experience, which is a fully personalised and connected digital marketing platform which provides operational support/information and monetises the experience with relevant offers, as well as providing a wealth of entertainment options. The system also features digitised menus, personalised arrival and connection details, targeted notifications and upgrade offers, rebooking and other journey management enhancements.

The accessibility category highlights ideas and products designed to improve the flying experience for all passengers. Collins Aerospace’s Prime+ cabin platform system allows wheelchair users to fly while seated in their wheelchairs, offering enhanced safety, dignity and convenience, without reducing airline capacity. The Prime+ system offers amenities similar to those provided to all passengers, such as power outlets and adjustable tray tables. Located at the front of the aircraft, the area converts into a crew workstation or self-service station for passengers when not in use by a wheelchair user.

Cathay Pacific’s Aria Suite, meanwhile, has the first movable door specifically created to assist those who need to transition from a wheelchair to a passenger seat.

Delta Flight Products’ Inclusive Lavatory with Accessibility Features is designed for single-aisle aircraft and supports a wide array of functions for disabled passengers.

The design is based on input from the Delta Advisory Council on Disability and allows passengers to utilise a fully touchless suite of features as well as the sink from a seated position. It includes a patent-pending overhead grab handle that allows passengers with the physical ability to self-transfer from an onboard wheelchair to the toilet independently, although the layout accommodates up to two assistants as an option. The unique door system acts as a typical bi-fold door for passengers with a flight crew operated accessibility panel. The design also features modifiable brightness and contrast lighting to accommodate those with vision impairment or light sensitivity, as well as voice prompts to the hearing-impaired.

The Single Aisle Lavatory Door 1, developed by HAW Hamburg and Diehl Aviation, is designed to enhance accessibility for passengers with reduced mobility on single aisle aircraft. The lavatory features a spacious layout that accommodates an onboard wheelchair and provides sufficient room for a support person.

Meanwhile, Letronics’ Wiselift WL780 Motorized PRM Transfer Lift is designed to safely transfer passengers with reduced mobility from their wheelchair to their aeroplane seat safely with dignity and efficiency.

Students at the American University of Beirut and the Arts University Bournemouth have come up with a design that focuses on accessibility and comfort in economy class. The design features foldable aisle seats that expand the aisle width and expandable lavatories featuring automatic wide sliding doors for enhanced accessibility. Designated zones for wheelchair users and specific areas for passengers with visual impairments and neurodiversity are also included, along with a multipurpose quiet zone equipped with sound insulation, dedicated family privacy zones and kid-friendly areas.

The shortlisted entries will be judged by a panel of international aircraft interior experts, with the winners to be announced in April at the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg.