In this latest installment of What’s Ahead, I discuss how the Covid-19 crisis is bringing huge changes in air travel, including temperature checks, disinfection of luggage, mandatory wearing of masks, touchless kiosks and slower boarding to allow for physical distancing. But two transformations promise something that seems utterly inconceivable—better flying experiences for passengers. One is coming soon: reversing the middle seat in coach and putting in shields of transparent material that will provide better virus protection from other passengers and a bit more room. The really big one is the double-decker concept in economy class for long-distance flights. Pioneered by Zephyr Aerospace, this profound redesign will provide a flat bed, more protection, more privacy and more comfort. All this in coach! But with current governmental bureaucratic procedures, the Zephyr concept will take years to make a reality. So let’s put it on the fast track, like we’re doing with vaccines!
