New aircraft design inspired from human skeleton unveiled

Taking inspiration from the human skeleton, aircraft makers Airbus has designed a strong and relatively lightweight plane.

The model was shown off at the TEDGlobal conference in Edinburgh, the BBC reported.

This design could, in theory, drastically reduce the fuel costs of flying.

The European company said the aim would be to 3D print the composite material that would make the structure.

Other ideas for the future plane include an upward curve on the tail to reflect engine noise upwards and reduce noise pollution.

Inside the aircraft, Airbus engineers envisage new "zones" to replace the traditional seating, with "morphing" seats that are able to harvest energy from those sitting in them as well as change shape to fit the size of passengers.

At the front of the plane, the team suggested seating with integrated sensors that would be able to monitor health. And there could even be a gaming zone, where passengers could play virtual sports.

It was also suggested that instead of having small doors into the jet, as is currently the case, the planes of the future would have much wider entrances where people could leave their hand luggage.

The bags would then be automatically delivered to their seats, preventing the problems of blocked aisles, meaning faster boarding.