Airbus and seat width

In a move that could easily backfire Airbus has proposed an 18-inch seat width as the standard for future long haul Economy air travel.  Virgin Atlantic, one of the best Economy products, operates the A330 with 17.5” seats in Y class, the same as British Airways offer with the Boeing 777.

With the latest aircraft, United is 3+3+3 with the 787 and 17.25”.  BA is likewise.  The A350 is bound to be much the same as the A330.

The A380 is now the preferred way to travel in Economy long haul with at least 18-inch seat width in a 3+4+3 cabin offered by most airlines. 

Is it in an attempt to boost sales of the slow selling aircraft that Airbus has come out with the suggestion? 

According to Airbus new ground breaking research conducted by Harley Street medical practice The London Sleep Centre a minimum seat width of 18 inches improved passenger sleep quality by 53% when compared to the 1950’s 17-inch standard.  Dr Irshaad Ebrahim of the Centre commented: “The difference was significant.  All passengers experienced a deeper, less disturbed and longer night's sleep in the 18-inch seat. When it comes to flying long haul in Economy, an inch makes a huge difference on passenger comfort". www.airbus.com

Index/Home page
 

OUR READERS' FINEST WORDS (All times and dates are GMT)

All comments are filtered to exclude any excesses but the Editor does not have to agree with what is being said. 100 words maximum