Airlines are considering offering sleeping compartments in the cargo hold of long-haul aircraft, which might be available to economy passengers for a premium fare or to rent in hourly slots.

Aircraft manufacturer Airbus revealed this week that it had been discussing the possibility with many airlines, but it hasn't confirmed which ones are interested.

It is proposing to install beds into the cargo deck of its A330 wide-bodied jets, which have already been used for crew rest areas.

Airbus said the sleeping compartments would be easily interchangeable with regular cargo containers.

It is hoping the concept will enter its development phase by 2020. If approved, the new designed would be rolled out across its A330s, of which 150 have already been built with a basic structural provision for lower deck facilities.

Airbus is also planning to add sleeping facilities to its A350s in the future.

Geoff Pinner, Airbus head of cabin and cargo programme said: "We have already received very positive feedback from several airlines on our first mock-ups."

Courtesy of Travelmole