Revealing new research into the effect of seat width on passenger comfort on long-haul economy flights, Airbus has called on the aviation industry to set a minimum standard of 18 inches (45,72cm) to improve the comfort of long-haul air travel.
The research was conducted by Harley Street medical practice, The London Sleep Centre.
Kevin Keniston, Airbus head of passenger comfort says: “If the aviation industry doesn’t take a stand right now then we risk jeopardising passenger comfort into 2045 and beyond – especially if you take into account aircraft delivery timetables combined with expected years in service. Which means another generation of passengers will be consigned to seats that are based on outdated standards.”
He says Airbus has always maintained a standard 18-inch minimum in its long-haul economy cabins. However, Kevin says other manufacturers are eroding passenger comfort standards by going back to the narrower seat widths of the 1950s to remain competitive.
The majority of carriers that operate in South Africa have 48cm-wide seats in economy class. Air Austral and Delta are below this standard with 44cm and 45cm-wide seats respectively.
