28 September 2005
Company to introduce "flying luggage"
New bags to improve airplane fuel efficiency and safety
SOUTH PLAINFIELD, N.J. --
Backed by a $3.6 million grant from the International Federation of
Airlines (IFA), an airline trade association representing 34 of the
world's largest carriers, Tumi Inc. has begun development of a new line
of luggage specifically designed for airline travel.
According to Johanna Rothersham, a spokesperson for the company, the luggage will incorporate
cylinders of lighter-than-air gas and inflatable pockets. When the gas
is allowed to fill the pockets, the
bags will lift from the ground and float in the air.
"With just the right amount of gas," said Rothersham, "a bag will become neutrally
buoyant, allowing passengers to simply guide their luggage along without
having to lift, carry or roll their bags. What's more, once stored in
the overhead luggage compartments of aircraft cabins, extra gas can be
dispersed into the bags actually assisting the airplane during takeoff
and helping it remain airborne. Consequently, airlines will be able to
save on fuel costs and at the same time introduce another measure of
passenger safety."
Of the problems yet to be worked out with the IFA are how to transport checked bags
along conveyor systems, how to pass carry-on bags
through security, how to keep inflated bags from blowing away on the tarmac or
sidewalk and how to keep small children from floating off while holding
the
luggage.
Tumi is expecting roll out—or float out—the new luggage early next year.
The company has also reported that it is in negotiations with Tyra Banks
for her to appear in advertisements for the
new product line that will carry the tag line, "Luggage with extra
lift."
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