Innovations
Smart-Lav: Another cabin development for the A320 Family
At the latest Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, Airbus showcased A320 Family innovations highlighting new product offerings for airlines.
Among the new efficient configurations presented was Smart-Lav, an optimized lavatory that offers more usable cabin length for the A320 Family aircraft. The benefits of installing Smart-Lav depend on the operator and their chosen cabin configuration, but they can include improved seat pitch, more recline space for passengers, additional stowage capacity and in certain cases an operator can gain up to three to six seats, within the existing exit limitation.
Other Airbus solutions exhibited at the Expo included the first PRM (Passenger with Reduced Mobility) lavatory for a single-aisle aircraft, more comfort in wider seats, wifi connection and LED lighting. Additionally, Space-Flex was also featured and demonstrated that thanks to Airbus industrial design language being applied, the perception of spaciousness inside the lavatory module could be optimized. Bulky equipment has been integrated below the wash table level and behind sidewalls to keep the upper area visually free from obstacles. Furthermore, continuous surfaces, reduced split lines and indirect wash table illumination help make the design of the lavatory more appealing.
Airbus Human Factors experts were highly involved right from the start in this project to make sure that the design is ergonomic. As we involved airlines in early discussion, we also make sure that our lavatory fulfills all their operational needs, like for example stretcher operations.
The response from the market during the Expo has been very positive and airlines will have soon another opportunity to test this development as a mock-up will be presented during the upcoming APEX Expo in Anaheim, California in September.
For more information contact:
Stefanie von Linstow
Aircraft Interiors Marketing Manager
stefanie.von-linstow@airbus.com