Long-haul flights with narrowbody aircraft like the Airbus A321XLR, appear to be the future. However, this presents a challenge. How to make sure that cabin crew can rest enough during long working hours on board aircraft that traditionally do not offer sleeping facilities?
German company Diehl Aviation has developed an innovative solution for this. During the Crystal Cabin Award last year, they presented a concept for a ‘Crew Rest Compartment’. It is specifically designed for narrowbodies among which the A321XLR. Interested people could initially only see the concept through computer animations. Now, however, Diehl Aviation has now unveiled a scale model and – recently at AIX 2025 in Hamburg – a full-size model.
Extendable Beds
The system developed by Diehl makes use the space located between the first row of passengers and the cabin entrance. A compact module containing two integrated beds is installed in this area. Crew could easily fold out these beds and, in their extended position, rest on the cabin crew seats. According to Diehl, the design eliminates the need for a separate, enclosed rest area or partitioned passenger seats. On long-haul flights, an adequate resting place is essential. That is not only to combat crew fatigue and ensure safety but also to comply with applicable working hours regulations. This is particularly relevant now that aircraft such as the A321XLR operate routes of up to 8,700 kilometers.
Potential
Diehl Aviation has furthermore announced that it is developing a variant where the beds are shelved one above the other. This saves even more space inside of the cabin. In addition, the company is exploring other potential applications for the module. One of these is its usage as an improvised medical area in case of emergency. Optionally bookable sleeping spaces for passengers on certain flights is also being considered. Currently, airlines such as Iberia and Aer Lingus are already operating the A321XLR. Wizz Air will soon join this group of European airlines. Airbus has now received more than five hundred orders for this aircraft type. Whether travellers will actually be able to book sleeping accommodations on board these airlines, is yet unknown.