There have been all sorts of ideas for how to get people on an off planes quickly, with algorithms for what rows or groups should go first, but Airbus is thinking outside the box…or maybe thinking of the box.
The European planemaker has filed patent papers based on the idea that if containerized cargo makes loading ships faster, why couldn’t it work for people and planes? As shown in the drawings, the module would be a complete cabin, including cargo space, that could be lifted off the plane at the gate to allow quick unloading, while another capsule, with people and bags already aboard, would be lifted on for take-off.
There’s a much more detailed report in Wired; to see it, click HERE
There are all sorts of ways I find this concept unpleasant, but this in particular, “…everything in the cabin could be ready and waiting for the pilots when they arrive …passengers could be pre-seated in cabin pods before the plane actually arrives” is particularly (potentially) unacceptable. It reminds me of the hours spent on the tarmac by passengers in recent years when there were delays. How is this different? While waiting in an airport has its downsides, the upsides of waiting there include food and restrooms and no seatbelt in case a walk around the concourse is in order. Unless they also address the issue of air traffic delays, I can’t see how this idea is a good one.
For a company that builds great planes, Airbus manages to patent the worst ideas. Am I the only one who sees the following in that drawing?:
Pod = sardine can
Sardines = people!
Let’s not forget that Airbus already has an A380 option with 11-across seating and over 800 passengers…the only change this patent makes is that it supplies a can-opener!
It is the nature of business that any idea is patented before it becomes talked about. Sardines in a can is has always been the philosophy of airlines.
Just like supermarkets – stack ’em high and sell ’em cheap !