Qantas this week launched a new plane with an old paint job in an effort to create a feeling of nostalgia among travellers.

Launched by John Travolta, the new 737 replaces the Flying Kangaroo’s fleet of ageing 767s. But while Qantas harkens back to the 1970s, aero engineers are soaring towards the future of air travel – and the future of air travel looks like something from a science fiction movie.

A fortnight ago, aircraft manufacturer Airbus lodged a patent for a circular passenger jet with a round cabin that could revolutionise the future of flight. Airline engineers say supersonic jets, windowless cabins, holographic entertainment and mouldable seats will become features in the jets of the future – and they’re not far away.

Qantas’ new plane is inspired by the 1970s. Photo: AAP

• Passengers desert Qantas
• Jetstar and AirAsia’s Bali fare battleground

Airbus predicts passenger planes will eventually become the cruise ships of the sky, “complete with swimming pools, spas and even golf courses”.

The New Daily takes a look at what air travel could look like in 2050.

Science fiction – or fact?

Supersonic travel may no longer be a thing reserved for books and movies.

In October, Airbus and aerospace firm Aerion announced they were working together to develop a supersonic jet which could travel from New York to London in four hours.

The plane will cost $100 million and, to begin with, it is likely to be something only the rich and powerful can afford.

As for in-cabin technology, holographs are expected to replace the tiny TV screens and tablet devices given to passengers nowadays.

Airbus says holograms will be placed around plane and on cabin walls. They will providing information about the destination as well as “bespoke information” for each traveller.

NASA has also been working on designs for more fuel-efficient planes. It has produced a design for an electric passenger jet, which is currently being examined.

Surrounded by sky

Airbus has developed a concept plane with a transparent cabin and a skeleton-like body.

According to the Airbus website, the plane lining can be made transparent at the wave of a hand, offering panoramic views of the world outside from high in the sky.

The days of craning your neck for a good view could be over. Photo: Airbus

An artist’s impression of the cabins. Photo: Airbus

Tech companies are also developing windowless cabin technology which provides panoramic views through LED screens, creating the illusion that the cabin is transparent.

The Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) predicts windowless planes will be fitted out with LCD screens. Photo: CPI

Take a seat

A recent patent application lodged by Airbus show designs for a 360 degree circular cabin which could drastically “increase the space available for passengers”.

According to the application, the circular plane is more efficient at managing cabin pressure than current cylindrical plane cabins.

Airbus says seats will be made out of material which will morph according to passengers’ body shapes, and feature energy-harvesting technology that will use body heat to power cabin appliances.

Airbus’ new patented circular cabin will provide more leg room. Photo: Airbus

The circular plane model is more efficient at handling cabin pressure. Photo: Airbus

Hong Kong-based PaperClipDesign has put forward this flexible seating design, where seats could be altered for use as a couch or bed.

Folding seat configurations will make travel less restrictive. Photo: PaperClipDesign

‘Cruise ships of the sky’

It’s thought that in the future, planes will look more like cruise ships, with relaxation zones and recreation areas to play games such as virtual reality golf.

The Airbus website says first, business and economy class will be replaced by the different zones.

Cabins will also have private pop-up pods for couples to enjoy romantic meals, or for people to have meetings and conferences mid-air.

“Virtual gaming walls will let tennis, baseball and even golf fans get in a bit of practice,” says Airbus.

Airbus says first class will be removed to provide entertainment and relaxation zones. Photo: Airbus

A communal space for passengers to mingle or a private area for romantic meals or meetings. Photo: Airbus

Holographic technology will inform and entertain passengers. Photo: Airbus

A three-engine supersonic jet is being developed by Airbus and Aerion. Photo: Airbus

NASA is working with Lockheed Martin on an electric passenger jet. Photo: NASA/Lockheed Martin