Picture this. A grocery store, exercise space, restaurant and even a bar in the same space. Doesn't sound like anything out of the ordinary, except that this concept will be in a cabin 30,000 ft in the air.
AIM Altitude, a British aviation company has presented an innovative design for airline cabins, introducing a space for passengers to socialise away from the restrictions of their seats to work, eat, have a drink and even exercise.
Known as "Ultraflex", the futuristic cabin came about after the industrial designer of the company noticed a growth in super-long-haul flights, and what people are expected to do during those long journeys.
The design offers a space where people can stand and grab a drink while mingling with fellow passengers, or they can sit in a private booth and get some work done on a laptop or stretch their legs with an hour of yoga.
The concept which, let's face it, would be ideal for Kiwis travelling abroad was launched at the Airline Interiors Expo in Hamburg, Germany.
"While passengers can see the benefits of skipping the traditional stopover, ultra-long-haul flights will not really be an attractive proposition until the flight experience is appealing enough to counter the length of time passengers are cabin-bound," he said.
In a statement to Business Traveller, the firm behind the design says that the Relax and Dine mode could be used for situations from "an afternoon glass of wine with a friend, or preparing a presentation with a work colleague, to booking the booth for a special romantic meal whilst on honeymoon".