Cabin comfort
Technology and design shape the future of inflight comfort.
By Shannon Forrest
ATP/CFII. Challenger 604, G-IV
Contributing Writer
Comfort may be defined as a state of physical ease and freedom from pain or constraint. The phrase is ubiquitous in everyday conversation. We tell others to “make themselves comfortable,” restaurants advertise comfort food as the special of the day, and we comfort others in times of grief or distress.
Mainstream media frequently publishes stories on how much money it takes to live comfortably. Whether it’s a mattress or an automobile, comfort is central to many of our daily choices. Yet, despite its prevalence, comfort remains a subjective concept.
Nearly everyone has that one aged family member who tells the story of walking to school barefoot uphill both ways. Sometimes, that family member is us. Sure, it’s hyperbole, but the intent of the story is often to emphasize how much harder things used to be – whether or not it’s an accurate memory.
In his book The Comfort Crisis, writer Michael Easter argues that comfort is evolutionary. He suggests that throughout history, humans “instinctually default to safety, shelter, warmth, extra food, and minimal effort.” This drive was beneficial to survival for much of human history. However, Easter goes on to argue that while our circumstances have changed, our brain’s wiring to seek comfort has not. Today, we’re no longer concerned about being eaten by a tiger.
Instead, we lose our temper over minor inconveniences, such as when the barista mishandles our latte order, or when food delivery takes more than 5 minutes. It’s ironic that we drive for half an hour to an air-conditioned space, only to take an elevator to a flashy room filled with exercise equipment that simulates the functional movements we used to get in nature. And most disturbingly of all, we pay for it. In a word, humans have become soft. The central thesis of Easter’s book is that embracing discomfort from time to time can lead to greater happiness and health. “Get out of your comfort zone” is a phrase that comes to mind.
While the concept of occasional self-induced discomfort is interesting, the fact remains that most people aren’t willing to embrace it. With one notable exception – there is a segment of the population willing to endure temporary discomfort for financial gain.
A salient example in aviation is Spirit Airlines, an ultra-low-cost carrier (ULLC) that caters to a less affluent clientele. Even so, some passengers opt for Spirit despite having the means to fly on a more comfortable airline. But make no mistake: there is nothing inherently comfortable about flying Spirit. Passengers endure tight, non-reclining seats, upcharges for basic amenities like water, and, until recently, no Wi-Fi. Not to mention, there’s always a possibility of an impromptu grudge match between passengers at the gate or in the cabin.
The comfort of private aviation
At the other extreme lies private aviation, which represents the antithesis of discomfort. Pilots, flight department managers, and cabin attendants are in the comfort business, and even passengers who claim that productivity is their primary reason for flying privately often cite comfort as a key component of the experience.
For many, avoiding the discomfort of commercial air travel is a significant part of the appeal. However, because comfort is subjective, the challenge in private aviation lies in tailoring the experience to meet the needs of a broad range of travelers.
Whereas the “old-school” passenger may have been content with a bottle of Scotch and the Wall Street Journal, younger generations often prioritize cutting-edge technology and the psychological effect of the overall experience. They value memories over material possessions, and thus have high expectations for luxury travel.
Collins Aerospace sums this up nicely when discussing aircraft cabin design. The company believes that your aircraft cabin should reflect the elegance of your lifestyle. Clients at this level often employ interior designers to modernize their homes, and expect the same level of sophistication in their private aircraft cabins. The concept of “newness” offers a comforting effect, and periodic cabin refurbishments can achieve this.
Hiring a professional cabin designer ensures the vision is realized, as they are adept at transforming a blank canvas into a cohesive, luxurious space. While some aircraft owners may attempt a do-it-yourself (DIY) approach, the results often fall short of expectations. Leading MROs like Duncan Aviation and West Star Aviation employ in-house design teams with unmatched capabilities in cabin reconfiguration, cabinetry construction, and upholstery services.
The role of technology in cabin comfort
Collins Aerospace integrates modern technology with the comforts of home through its Venue Cabin Management System (CMS), the flagship product for aircraft cabin technology.
A CMS is an interface that allows passengers and crew to monitor and control various cabin functions. While manufacturers may have differing preferences for CMS features, common variables include temperature, lighting, entertainment (audio and video), and communication between the aircraft and the ground.
The interface – the bridge between humans and the system – is crucial to the design of the CMS. Collins’ Venue system uses a graphical user interface (GUI) to display controls in a simple, visually appealing way on a touch control screen. By downloading the Venue CommandCabin App, passengers can control the CMS through their personal devices, which survey data shows is a key driver of comfort.
For video entertainment, the Venue CMS uses the Collins Tailwind 500, the first direct broadcast system for medium- to large-sized private aircraft. This system provides global coverage with access to over 1000 video channels, as well as digital music.
The Stage subscription service also offers licensed Hollywood movies and TV shows. Interestingly, surveys show that nearly everyone has a “comfort show” they enjoy watching, and many returned to familiar TV series during the pandemic, relying on streaming services like Netflix and Amazon to find content.
Lack of information can also create discomfort, and Collins addresses this with its Airshow high-definition 3D interactive moving map. This system authentically depicts the aircraft’s position, even down to its shape and color scheme, and displays the entire flight in real time. Passengers can see current location, estimated time remaining, and points of interest along the route. This alleviates the need for crew members to answer repetitive questions.
A comfort-centric CMS
Honeywell’s Ovation Select CMS is another popular option, offering a broad range of cabin entertainment, controls, and integrated communications designed to maximize comfort and productivity.
The system’s Ethernet backbone allows for seamless integration of current and future technologies. Video is displayed on high-definition monitors which support USB drives with personal content and connections for laptops and gaming systems.
Honeywell’s system also includes the JetMap HD feature, which displays the aircraft’s current position and points of interest in high detail, down to street-level resolution. Audio components from Alto Aviation create a surround-sound experience, making each seat feel like its own personal theater.
The Ovation Select system is controlled via a touchscreen master controller, with additional personal control units (PCUs) located strategically throughout the cabin. These PCUs allow individual control over various systems, including video, lighting, temperature, and window shades. Honeywell describes the Ovation Select experience as “every seat becomes its own theatre in the sky.”
Comfort by design
While Gulfstream developed its own CMS for the G650 and G280, Collins and Honeywell systems dominate the private aviation market. Bombardier offers both systems for its Global and Challenger lines, and the choice largely comes down to brand preference.
Any aircraft can be retrofitted, as evidenced by Duncan Aviation mods. During a modification of a Gulfstream G550 in 2021, the company replaced obsolete parts and engineered a new distribution system to accommodate modern technologies, such as high-definition monitors and controllers.
Older aircraft, particularly those produced before the age of smartphones, often prioritize performance over comfort. As such, retrofitting is essential to meet the demands of today’s passengers.
Current production aircraft, especially new designs like the Gulfstream G650, emphasize comfort from the very beginning. Subtle features like cabin altitude can make a big difference. The G650, for instance, operates at a cabin altitude of just 3290 ft when cruising at FL410. In addition, its air ionization system neutralizes allergens and viruses, enhancing the overall cabin environment.
Noise suppression technology also plays a role in reducing discomfort, as high noise levels can cause significant discomfort. Gulfstream touts the G650 as an “airborne retreat,” where superior comfort meets innovative design. The hand-crafted seats and elegant interiors are designed with passenger comfort in mind, and a wide range of entertainment and connectivity options are available. The introduction of Starlink inflight Internet via STCs from companies such as Nextant or AeroMech further elevates the passenger experience, providing seamless connectivity that many are already familiar with from domestic use.
Enhancing comfort on smaller aircraft
While larger airframes tend to be equipped with CMS by default, smaller aircraft can also benefit from various comfort upgrades. One often overlooked improvement is the addition of USB chargers for personal electronic devices. A smartphone with only 5% battery can induce discomfort quickly, and many manufacturers and MROs offer lightweight, simple solutions to address this need. Modifying seat pitch and width, as well as enhancing interior lighting, can also make a noticeable difference without requiring a major investment.
Conclusion
Pilots often focus on the importance of a smooth flight and a perfect landing, but most passengers, especially frequent fliers, remember the cabin comfort long after they’ve disembarked. Whether they were able to stay connected through their devices or had enough entertainment options to stave off boredom, these are the aspects that define their overall experience.
Shannon Forrest is a current line pilot, CRM facilitator, and aviation safety consultant. He has more than 15,000 hrs TT and holds a degree in behavioral psychology.