A vision of future air travel, with seats that change to fit passengers’ body shapes, was presented by plane-maker Airbus in London last night.

Air travellers in 2050 might fly in an “intelligent” cabin and be able to read bedtime stories to their children back home, Airbus said.

Showing off a concept cabin, the company also said that mid-century passengers might be able to enjoy a game of virtual golf or take part in interactive conferences, while the cabin “identifies and responds” to travellers’ needs.

The cabin of the future follows last year’s unveiling of the Airbus concept plane, packed with technologies to reduce fuel burn, emissions, waste and noise.

The aircraft’s bionic structure mimics the efficiency of bird bone which is optimised to provide strength where needed, and allows for an intelligent cabin wall membrane which controls air temperature and can become transparent to give passengers open, panoramic views.

In the cabin concept, new personalised zones replace the traditional cabin classes. The “vitalising zone” helps passengers relax, with vitamin and antioxidant-enriched air, mood lighting, aromatherapy and acupressure treatments.

In the “interactive zone”, there are virtual pop-up projections taking passengers to whichever social scene they want to be in, from holographic gaming to virtual changing rooms for active shoppers.

The “smart tech zone” is tailored towards the more function-oriented passenger with what Airbus describes as “a chameleon style offering to meet individual needs ranging from a simple to a complete luxury service, but all allowing you to continue life as if on the ground”.

Airbus engineering executive vice-president Charles Champion said: “Our research shows that passengers of 2050 will expect a seamless travel experience while also caring for the environment.

“The concept cabin is designed with that in mind, and shows that the journey can be as much a voyage of discovery as the destination.”