Collins Aerospace’s ‘SkyNook’ a finalist for international award

Cedar Rapids-based Collins Aerospace is a finalist for an international award that recognizes innovations in aircraft interior design.

The company’s SkyNook suite is one of 24 finalists across eight categories for a 2026 Crystal Cabin Award.

The SkyNook suite is meant to be a “semi-private retreat” in a widebody airplane, according to a news release from Collins Aerospace’s parent company, RTX.

Because of the way the fuselages taper in widebody aircraft, there often is unused space toward the back of the plane.

“Collins' SkyNook solution utilizes a custom convertible console to transform this space, safely securing a car seat, bassinet, pet carrier or service animal for the duration of flight,” the press release states.

A privacy divider helps dampen noise and separates SkyNook users from the hustle and bustle of the aircraft aisle.

“Users are afforded extra seclusion to feed and soothe young children, minimize disruptions to fellow passengers, or simply relax in a more peaceful retreat,” the release states.

Collins Aerospace’s invention is one of three finalists in the Passenger Comfort category. The others are Airbus for its Airspace A350 First Class cabin concept, and ‍ SPACEFRAME, developed by BMW Designworks, for a modular economy-class seat system.

The award winners will be announced at a ceremony April 14 as part of the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, Germany.