Boeing 747s can now have stairs to the cargo hold for crew during flight

The US aviation regulator has issued special rules for Boeing's 747-8 series airplanes. These rules allow for the installation of stairs between the main deck and the lower cargo compartments, which will be used by flight crew during flights.

For decades, the lower deck of passenger planes was off-limits during flight, mainly used for cargo or baggage. This change means that part of the lower deck can now be occupied by crew, opening up new possibilities for how airlines use the space. It could lead to more efficient use of aircraft space or new amenities for crew on long flights.