A350 XWB next generation crew rest areas
Airbus aircraft interiors director Zuzana Hrnkova today presented the latest crew rest facilities designed for the A350 XWB on the EADS stand.
Zuzana also explained the history and evolution of crew rest facilities since they were designed for Airbus’ first long-haul aircraft the A340-200 in the 1980s.
What stands out about the crew rests for the A350 XWB is that for the first time on an Airbus aircraft, they will have no impact on revenue space – for passengers or cargo, something which of course make economic sense for customers.
“The cabin is of course the revenue generator for an airline,” Zuzana said. “To minimise impact we are putting the flight crew rest area above the cockpit and the cabin crew will be located in the overhead area of the cabin, above the galley in the rear of the aircraft.”
The crew rests, which have been designed in close consultation with airline customers, can also be customised so that between six and eight beds are included for cabin crew according to operational needs.
“We have decoupled the structure for the galley monuments and crew rest facilities to avoid any vibration and minimise noise problems,” Zuzana added. “And additionally we are looking at using innovative new noise absorbent materials.”
