Airlines can put crew rest areas in cargo holds, if they meet new safety rules

US aviation regulators have created new safety rules for putting crew rest areas in cargo compartments. This means airlines can now design these spaces, which were previously not covered by existing safety standards.

Airlines have wanted to put crew rest areas in cargo holds for a long time. It frees up space in the main cabin for more passengers or cargo. Until now, there were no specific safety rules for these designs, which made them difficult to approve. This change means airlines can now pursue these modifications with a clear path for regulatory approval.