New airplane interiors: What’s inside your next flight

Now boarding: Boeing’s new 787 Dreamliner.

By Mark Chesnut

In September, All Nippon Airways became the first airline to receive the brand-new, much-delayed Boeing 787 Dreamliner jet. Passengers on the new plane will be among the first to experience the latest features of aircraft interior design, but new features are turning up on other planes as well. Here are a few things you might notice in the cabin on your future flights.

Airbus A380
This massive, double-decker airliner features a host of luxurious amenities, including first class “shower spas” (on Emirates) and first class cabins designed by Poltrona Frau for Singapore Airlines. This year, Korean Air is debuting an actual, physical duty-free shop on its planes.

Boeing 787 Dreamliner
Dramatic mood lighting and a roomier feel are what’s touted on this new plane, even for economy-class passengers. light-emitting diodes (LEDs) allow the crew to control both the brightness and the color of the cabin ceiling. The sense of spaciousness may be helped by the larger-than-usual overhead bins and windows.

Boeing 737-800
New elements from the 787 have made it into the Boeing Sky Interior, which is featured in the next-generation Boeing 737-800. In May, American Airlines and Brazil-based Gol Airlines were among the first to take delivery. The new interior features LED lighting, larger stowage bins —  enough space for 48 more bags than other aircraft of a similar size, according to designers.

Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental
The new Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental, which is to debut commercially with Lufthansa in 2012, will feature the SkyLoft, an upper deck where airlines can choose to install additional main-deck seats, personal suites, business class seats, a premium lounge or a business center.

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Mark Chesnut is a travel writer, editor and publisher of LatinFlyer.com, which focuses on business and leisure travel to Latin America.

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