The modules, which would fit inside the aircraft’s cargo compartments, would offer new opportunities for additional services to passengers, improving their experience while enabling airlines to differentiate and add value for their commercial operations.

The ideas is for the new passenger modules to be easily interchangeable with regular cargo containers during a typical turnaround if required.

Moreover, the aircraft’s cargo floor and cargo loading system would not be affected, as the passenger module will sit directly on it, said Christophe Bernardini, CEO of Zodiac Aerospace Cabin Branch, yesterday.

By 2020, airlines will be initially able to choose from alternative designs for Airbus A330 retrofits and line-fit markets.

The A350XWB airliner is also being studied for suitability. The innovation builds on the experiences of both Airbus and Zodiac Aerospace’s in producing and integrating lower-deck crew-rest facilities.