Airbus is developing an alternative forward staircase design for the A380 as part of plans to offer greater seating capacity on the type.
The staircase would be a more compact installation, set side-on to the aisle, more in line with the spiral design of the early Boeing 747 than the sweeping flight at the main-deck passenger entry door.
Airbus says the redesigned staircase could allow for another 20 seats in the aircraft, although it currently remains a project development study.
Speaking during a briefing in Toulouse, senior vice-president and head of market and product strategy Bob Lange said the airframer was looking to provide another 25m² of floor space compared with current deliveries.
The forward staircase is part of a series of improvements which could enable operators to fit around 80 more seats in the type.
Airbus has previously revealed studies to redesign the aft staircase and remove the sidewall stowage on the upper deck, which together could allow room for 20 extra seats.
Fitting an 11-abreast economy and nine-abreast premium-economy configuration would allow another 34 seats while a combined crew rest – which has been selected by some customers – could permit another three.
Source: Cirium Dashboard
