Designer Proposes Soundproof Booths for In-Flight Calls on Starlink-Equipped Planes

Aircraft cabins may soon face increased noise from passengers using high-speed internet for calls and meetings. Designer Tom Eaton at EnCore, a Boeing subsidiary, has developed a concept for enclosed workstations called the E-Lounge to address this possibility.

The E-Lounge is a small, soundproof booth that would allow a passenger to conduct video calls without disturbing others. Eaton stated the design responds directly to the introduction of high-bandwidth connectivity on aircraft.

Starlink service is bringing superfast internet to aircraft. Qatar and Emirates are racing to wire their wide-body fleets. Hawaiian Airlines already offers the service on flights serving Australia, and United will be next. Under existing rules, most airlines ban passengers from using cellular phones in flight.

Internet-based calls using Starlink fall under airline discretion. ” United has instituted a “silent cabin” policy that prevents passengers from playing devices out loud.

A recent analysis by consulting firm Arthur D. Little identifies a blending of business and leisure travellers. The authors note that leisure travel has proven far more resilient and dynamic and now drives the bulk of post-pandemic recovery. Eaton suggested the E-Lounge pods could allow business passengers with limited work to do on a flight to choose a lower-cost seat while still accessing a workspace when needed.

The E-Lounge remains a concept at this stage, though Eaton said it has attracted airline interest.