This graduation report proposes a new cabin interior for the Elysian E9X. The project is driven by the main questions of Elysian Aircraft: How can we provide a seamless experience for economy-class passengers on a short-haul electric flight? And, how can an electric aircraft interior be different from today's airplanes?

The aircraft system involves three key stakeholders: the airline, the aircraft manufacturer and the aircraft interior manufacturer. Elysian, the aircraft manufacturer, is in the initial stage of the certification phase, which gives them significant design freedom to make meaningful innovations. The analysis phase of this research revealed the following main findings: passengers need a sense of visual and physical spaciousness. Additionally, there should be more legroom and improved luggage storage. These main findings were translated into a design goal: Design a lightweight 90-passenger cabin interior seat with enhanced legroom, easy luggage access and a spacious layout that gives passengers a sense of control and the ability to move more freely during the flight (keywords: legroom, spaciousness and luggage).

The final design features a cabin where luggage is stored in containers under the seats. An additional false floor has been installed above the structural floor. This layer creates space for luggage containers between the two floors. How does it work? You board the aircraft and walk to your seat. Once seated, you slide open the luggage container beneath you and place your luggage in the container. If you need to access your belongings during the flight, you can do so easily from your seat.

User testing was conducted to validate the container concept and its impact on user experience in terms of legroom, spaciousness and luggage (keywords design goal). Results from testing with a 1:1 mock-up model showed that luggage was easier to hold during boarding and disembarking, and people were positive about the privacy of their luggage. Testing results using VR technology indicated that the fuselage, without overhead bins, feels more spacious and allows for greater freedom of movement during the flight.

The design brings a lot more advantages. For future passengers, the new design creates a more spacious cabin, allowing them to enjoy an unobstructed view. Increased legroom and easy luggage access provide more convenience and a greater sense of control during the flight. For the airlines, faster boarding reduces turnaround times as passengers store luggage at their seats. More open space improves movement for both passengers and crew. Flexible seat configurations and customisable luggage compartments allow airlines to adapt the layout to their own needs. Therefore, the design eliminates the need for extra construction materials, making it a lightweight and sustainable choice. For the system, this concept integrates into existing aircraft fuselages without significant structural changes. It maintains the supply chain while offering aircraft manufacturers or airlines the option to lower the floor for an even more open and spacious cabin feel.

Aircraft have been one of the most important means of travel for years. It is known that they produce a considerable amount of emissions. Technological advancements have created enough room for innovation in mobility, including aviation.

Elysian Aircraft is a company with the vision to 'redefine zero-emission air travel,' focusing on medium flights in the category of regional airliners with their upcoming aircraft, the E9X. Additionally, the company aims to redefine the air travel experience as well. This project focuses on the interior design of this aircraft.

In general, comfort in air travel has been an important field that has attracted researchers until now. Over the years, the demand for air travel has increased, with airlines aiming to fit the maximum number of passengers while ensuring some level of comfort. However, whether this is sufficient overall is debatable.

Looking at society as a whole, it has been observed that people miss the sense of carefreeness as a consequence of today’s way of living and distance from nature.

Nature-inspired design can provide psychological benefits, and this was envisioned for the project, starting with the passenger cabin layout. In this concept, passengers can sit in a way similar to their experiences in nature, creating a foundation for the later development of the aircraft interior.