The Crystal Cabin Award jury has selected the shortlist for 2026. Eighty-five innovations from all areas of the aircraft cabin show how the industry is responding to key challenges: ultra-long-haul, accessibility, material circularity, digital services and new comfort standards.
The winners will be announced on 14 April 2026 at the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg.
The shortlist highlights three key drivers of innovation:
- Comfort on long-haul flights
- Accessible cabins for all passengers
- Sustainable materials and lightweight construction
Comfort: new standards for economy, premium and ultra-long-haul
Increasing flight times and differentiated passenger needs are accelerating the development of new comfort solutions. The submissions show how consistently manufacturers are redefining ergonomics, well-being, flexibility and connectivity in all cabin classes.
Airbus, for example, is introducing a new cabin concept that redefines the passenger experience on different levels. In the A350 Master Suite, the Airspace interior has been further developed to accommodate an exclusive First Class Master Suite with a double bed, private toilet and bar – made possible by a newly designed Centre Module.
SPACEFRAME, designed by BMW Designworks, brings a modular, recyclable seating system to Economy Class that combines comfort and sustainability.
Meanwhile, Collins Aerospace has presented SkyNook, a flexible retreat zone in the rear that transforms unused space into multifunctional areas for families and special needs.
SPACEFRAME. Image: BMW Designworks
In the area of digital connectivity, the submissions show how air passengers will be able to work and relax online in the future. AirFi Wingman from AirFi.aero acts as an AI-powered real-time travel concierge for the cabin, combining connectivity, shopping and entertainment in a single product that, unlike other solutions, is at a high level of technological maturity.
Thales has teamed up with Diehl Aviation to develop SmartSuite, a system that combines technologies such as edge computing, AI, IoT and machine vision to increase operational efficiency inside and outside the cabin to offer passengers a continuous travel experience.
Together with its partners Starlink, Axinom and Spotify, United Airlines has introduced a new cloud-based platform designed to enable a seamless, consistent premium experience on board.
Image: AirFi
Accessibility: new standards for inclusion and onboard mobility
Focussing on diversity, manufacturers are setting new standards for accessible travel. Mobility Assist aims to revolutionise the transfer from wheelchair to seat with its AeroSlide Transfer System: an extendable sliding plate replaces lifting with horizontal sliding, reducing risks and preserving dignity.
SkyBudi Pty Ltd wants to take accessibility to a new level with its lightweight reclining seat SkyBudi: three standard economy seats are converted into a full-size bed without airlines having to change their cabin equipment. It can be installed in a few minutes, uses existing seat belts for secure fastening and is universally compatible with narrowbody and widebody aircraft.
Toyota Boshoku Corporation presents the Well-Voyage Seat (pictured at top), a fully removable seat module that enables continuous transport from the gate to the cabin without transfers and also facilitates access to the on-board toilet. The system reduces the risks of manual handling, preserves passenger comfort and dignity, and increases efficiency when boarding and disembarking.
Image: SkyBudi Pty Ltd
Sustainability: toward a new generation of seats and materials
The aviation industry is increasingly focusing on environmental responsibility. Entries in the Sustainable Cabin category showcase innovations that ensure comfort while reducing CO₂ emissions.
Expliseat is focusing on titanium and carbon fibre with TiSeat: the ultra-lightweight seating solution reduces kerosene consumption and emissions and demonstrates how lightweight construction directly contributes to sustainable mobility.
Safran Seats aims to redefine sustainable seating with CIRCLE: recycled materials, reuse of waste combine with up to 7 kg weight reduction per business seat. This saves fuel, reduces CO₂ while ensuring a modern cabin ambience.
Testori Textiles is introducing plant-based fibres for seat covers, curtains and surfaces with its Plant-based Fibre Textile System. They meet technical and flame-retardant standards, reduce environmental impact and strengthen the circular economy.
CIRCLE. Image: Safran Seats/Cyril Abad
Breakthrough Start-ups: A new category, a fresh perspective
In the new Breakthrough Start-ups category, Spanish company Chaise Longue is causing a stir with its Elevated Class concept. The concept redefines business class and combines privacy and community: quiet suites with personal retreats below, flexible areas for working, eating or relaxing above. The result is a luxurious, versatile cabin space that adapts to the individual needs of passengers.
The start-up smair GmbH presents smairGO, a digital system for managing the appearance and life cycle of cabins. With this new category, the Crystal Cabin Award is creating more visibility for young companies and thus space for their fresh approaches.
Elevated Class. Image: Chaise Longue
University: A Bright Future Ahead
In the university category, students and research institutions are demonstrating how they are rethinking the aircraft cabin. Hamburg, home of the Crystal Cabin Award, is strongly represented with three projects, including the Hamburg University of Applied Sciences’ smart, networked passenger service unit developed in cooperation with ZAL Centre for Applied Aeronautical Research.
Students from the University of Texas at Austin have proposed a new seating configuration for greater comfort and efficiency in single-aisle aircraft with the Twin Aisle NGSA concept.
The Georgia Institute of Technology has also made it onto the shortlist three times in collaboration with Delta Air Lines and Airbus, with exciting innovations in the areas of catering and cabin cleanliness.
Image: University of Texas at Austin
Jury Process and Award Categories
In February 2026, an international jury of 27 experts will select the three finalists in each of the eight categories: Accessibility, Breakthrough Start-ups, Cabin Concepts, Cabin Technologies, IFEC & Digital Services, Passenger Comfort, Sustainable Cabin and University.
All finalists will present their innovations during the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg (14-16 April). The winners of the Crystal Cabin Award 2026 will be honoured on the evening of 14 April at the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce.
Support for the Crystal Cabin Award
The Crystal Cabin Award is supported by Aircraft Interiors Expo, Aircraft Interiors International, Airbus, APEX, Collins Aerospace, Diehl Aviation, Flight Chic, Flightglobal, Future Travel Experience, Inflight Magazine, Jetliner Cabins, Lufthansa Technik, Mankiewicz Coating Solutions, Panasonic Avionics Corporation, PaxEx Aero, Runway Girl Network, Safran, Sekisui Kydex, Thales, The Up Front
About the Crystal Cabin Award
The Crystal Cabin Award is the most prestigious international prize dedicated exclusively to innovations in aircraft cabins. Under the motto “Let your ideas take off,” it annually honors outstanding products and concepts that enhance the flying experience – from smart single seats to connected galleys. Entries are evaluated by an independent jury representing academia, engineering, airlines, aircraft manufacturers, and trade media. The award was initiated by the Hamburg Aviation cluster and is organized by the Crystal Cabin Award Association. Since 2007, it has been presented during the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg. Today, it is recognized worldwide as a seal of quality – and as a springboard for many products that later enter service in commercial aircraft.
Featured image credited to Toyota Boshoku
