One day, travelers may take to the skies in in an airplane with partially transparent walls, offering panoramic views of the world outside. 
It’s a plane most travel-minded people would only dream about. And Airbus expects it to take off. In about, oh, 40 years.

You can take a virtual tour of Airbus' Concept Cabin prototype here. Airbus has the released details in anticipation of next week’s Paris Air Show at Le Bourget Airport.

And what a prototype: Images of the forward cabin with wall-and-ceiling-windows have the power to set flyers' hearts aflutter -- either in anticipation or fear. You can see images of the concept during the day, left, and at night, right.

Those looking for a newer, greener and distinctly more user-friendly flight experience will welcome the Concept Plane, which intends to transform the humdrum and sometimes downright unpleasant nature of commercial flights.


The proposed jet offers different zones to suit the preferences of its passengers. A vitalizing zone will “bring the passenger closer to nature,” i.e. the transparent skin of the plane could make travelers feel like they are literally soaring through the clouds. The smart tech zone lets travelers confer with colleagues on land or read a bedtime story to the kids at home. 

The interaction zone would host bars, virtual shopping and gaming experiences and pop-up pods for more privacy.
 In an effort to avoid class distinctions, passengers are divided based on how they want to spend their flight.

And say goodbye to invasions of privacy and silent battles over armrests: All travelers receive the same style of seat, which will stand independent of rows and morph to best fit their form. 


The green factor will be upped, as well, making the plane “fully ecological,” according to Airbus. If everything goes as planned, the plane will actually improve the environment. Body heat would be harnessed to power cabin facilities, and the entire cabin would be 100% recyclable.  -- By Kris Fronzak