CRYSTAL CABIN

Is this the future of flying? Touchscreen windows would display flight information.

From a private Boeing 787 to super smart cabins, these innovations will transform air travel... if they ever get made.

Crystal Cabin has announced the shortlist for its annual cabin design awards, an event that has been dubbed the "Oscars of Aviation".

This year more there were 85 applicants from more than 20 countries and included designs from aircraft manufacturers, airlines, suppliers, engineering firms and universities. And while some are mere concepts, others have been developed. 

CRYSTAL CABIN

The premium Mercedes-Benz cabin for private jets.

We have chosen our favourites below but the real winners will be announced in Hamburg, Germany in April.

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THE FACECRADLE

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The FaceCradle was one of many headrest solutions submitted to the awards.

While there was plenty of innovative ideas to make flying more comfortable, the FaceCradle stood out for being bizarre but ingenious.

A successful Kickstarter project, this travel pillow with a difference supports your heavy head from all sides.

TOUCHSCREEN EVERYTHING 

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In2sense Smart Office lets business travellers type on their tray tables.

In2tec has been shortlisted for its "Smart Office",  a folding tray table that transforms into a keyboard. Passengers simply insert a Bluetooth-enabled tablet into a slot and an illuminated, smartphone-style keyboard appears.

Another nominee is Vision Systems' window pane, also a touchscreen, which projects information about the flight directly into the window. Passengers can regulate light and heat, reduce noise inside the cabin or interact with the moving map directly on the window. 

PRIVATE BOEING 787

Imagine having your own private jet. Now imagine owning a Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

US-based company Kestrel's VIP concept converts an entire long-haul aircraft for exclusive private use.

FIRST STONE FLOOR FOR AN AIRCRAFT

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Innovative: the world’s first stone floor for an aircraft

Keeping along the luxury theme, a family-run business in Austria has been shortlisted for its heated stone flooring.

According the company behind the design, this 2.5 mm layer of real stone granite or marble can be added to private jets for the ultra-rich.

BUSINESS CLASS 

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The Delta One Suite.

The Delta One Suite promises to take passenger comfort to the next level, at least for business class travellers.

With an individual cabin area sealed off with screens, you can shut off from the world and catch forty winks in your lie-flat bed.

Another US airline shortlisted for their business-class offering is United, which has recently launched the Polaris Business Class.

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United's Polaris Business Class.

The new cabin configuration was unveiled in December claims to revolutionise business class travel with a focus on providing a good night's sleep.

 - Stuff