Report

Teaser, summary, work performed and final results

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - CRiSTA (Multifunctionnal Cabin ReST Area)

Teaser

The CRiSTA project was started based on the request for a multi-functional cabin rest area. Initially the problems/issues being addressed by the project were defined as: crew fatigue during long range flights, increased numbers of medical emergencies by ageing passengers and...

Summary

The CRiSTA project was started based on the request for a multi-functional cabin rest area. Initially the problems/issues being addressed by the project were defined as: crew fatigue during long range flights, increased numbers of medical emergencies by ageing passengers and the wish to fulfill cultural needs on board. During our investigations it became clear that these problems/issues are actual and have become more relevant for the A320 neo for which we are designing this multi-functional cabin rest area. The A320 neo has a longer range than its predecessor and airlines will start to use it for trans Atlantic flights. This causes unions to urge airlines to allow for decent crew resting on these flights. Furthermore a medical incident could have a big impact on catering and passenger comfort during a long range flight in case it would need to be handled in the aisle. Finally things like baby care also become more urgnet during the longer flight in the narrow body aircraft.

Our multi-functional cabin rest area should make sure that the well being of both crew and passengers is taken to higher level on the long range narrow body flights on the A320 neo. As a society we want our air travel to be safe and comfortable and these are the main topics CRiSTA addresses. Next to this we are confident that with the medical and communication equipment we intend to incorporate in the area we can also decrease the amount of diverted flights and fuel dumped, which is also an important factor for society.

The overall objectives have been defined as:
- allowing for real long range capability of the A320 neo aircraft
- giving the airline flexibility to use the space they way it fits their business model best
- enabling the highest possible degree of medical care on narrow body aircraft
- enabling the use for cultural needs, like praying, meditation, infant care etc.

So far we have performed research on these topics which confirmed our initial thoughts but also opened our eyes to details that we take into account in our design. Airbus is kept up to date through regular meetings and agree with the way the project is progressing.https://ec.europa.eu/research/participants/grants-app/reporting/VAADIN/themes/sygma/icons/ico6-save.png

Work performed

WP 1.1, Identification of operational and functional requirements:

During the first phase of the project we have focused on gathering requirements for the multi-functional cabin rest area by having interviews, workshops and discussions with relevant user groups. We have contacted several Airlines worldwide that use A320 aircraft (and have bougt A320 neo aircraft) and are intending to use them for longer range flights or differentiate from other airlines by what they offer to their customers. We expect that they will be likely to adopt our solution if it comes to market. The Airlines helped us greatly by having workshops on in flight use of the space and all withes they would have. Next to this we were in touch with medical specialists to get information on in flight medical incidents and what would be needed to treat the most common ones on board. We also interacted directly with passengers to get information from them on what they require in long range flights and specifically when it comes to single aisle aircraft. Together with our marketing and engineering teams we set up a list of requirements for the project which can be used for validation purposes throughout the project.

WP 1.2, Idea creation according to the functional requirements:

Using the outcome of WP 1.1 as a basis we started generating ideas for the multi-functional cabin rest area. In co-creation session s with the end users (crews, medical specialists and passengers) we have expanded on these ideas and valued them. This resulted in a layout passenger arrangement for a typical A320 neo for a long range flight. Using journey mapping we have made sure that the solutions found can be used throughout the entire flight, making it really multi-functional.

WP 1.3, Definition of a concept for a multi-functional cabin rest area

This WP package focused on integrating the ideas generated in the first WP\'s into a rough 3D model and low fidelity mock-up of the area. By physically creating the actual space and being able to walk in it, we were able to see and feel in real life what the main issues would be and overcome them in an early stage. The outcome is a 3D model and compliance matrix (compliance to the requirements) which is the basis for the 3D detail design of the following WP. It gives us the confidence that we can meet the requirements in the given space, but also shows that we have several technical challenges to overcome.

Final results

The area that we are developing will be the first in the industry to have a permanent solution for crew resting on single aisle aircraft, with the ability to change the purpose of the area throughout the flight depending on the needs and allowing the airlines to optimize the use of the space. Medical assistance will be lifted to the next level with a specific location, a full flat solution, sufficient storage for all required medical equipment and we are aiming to use health monitoring and direct connection to on ground medical specialists.
Furthermore we aim to make the space useful throughout the whole journey and therefore we use journey mapping to envision the use during all phases of flight.