Airbus has come up with a new idea for getting people into planes faster. French aircraft maker has filed a patent for a detached cabin that might become the fastest way to board a plane and definitely the most creative.
Dubbed “the aircraft pod concept” by Airbus, the invention will allow planes to be modified quickly and easily. The passengers would board a removable cabin module from a docking station. Then they would be able to seat in advance of a plane’s arrival while ground crews store their luggage. Each module consists of a first and second end wall, an upper aircraft fuselage connected to the floor, seats and even cargo department.
Once the empty plane arrives in the terminal, the fully loaded cabin is lowered onto the aircraft. The module would be firmly locked into place before the plane takes off. When you arrive at your destination, the module will be removed and immediately replaced with another one and the plane takes off.
The new boarding technology means customers wouldn’t have to wait to board and the planes would spend less time on the ground which would save time, reduce fuel consumption and flight cost.
The Airbus patent was filed in February 2013 and approved by the United States Patent Trade Mark Office only a few days ago.
Although the concept detached cabin would save time and money, the project would require new docking stations and transport equipment to transport the pods between the aiport and the plane, as well as there are safety aspects ensuring proper attachment of the pods. Entirely new aircrafts would have to be designed and airports outfitted.
