Manufacturer says cinema-style concept would cut boarding times by up to 40%
Airbus says several airlines are interested in its fold-up economy seat concept, which could be in service within two years, providing a significant reduction in boarding times. Boeing has studied a similar design, but has no plans to bring it to the market.
The product resembles a cinema or theatre seat, with a hinged base that folds upwards. It is initially aimed at A320 family operators. However, Airbus says it has had enough customer interest for the seat to be offered across its entire product range.
The company's payload accommodation manager customer affairs Zuzana Hrnkova says that the seat has a standard width of 157cm (62in) and a similar weight to standard designs. It would initially be installed next to the aisle, to enable passengers to stay out of the gangway when loading the overhead lockers. "It would reduce boarding and disembarkation times on the A320 by around 40%," she says. Later, the seat could be installed throughout an aircraft to enable passengers to move around the seats more quickly.
The prototype was displayed at last week's Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, and according to Hrnkova, is close to being certificated to the current 16g standards. "We've already done static and dynamic tests, and are close to receiving certification. The seat will be able to go into service 18 months after approval," she says, adding that "five to 10 airlines" are interested in the product.
The seat is exclusive to Airbus "for the time being", says Hrnkova. The company is working with several manufacturers on the design but is yet to select a supplier.
Boeing says that it has produced prototype folding seats but never taken the technology further because of issues with their introduction. The US manufacturer is concerned that the concept would suffer a weight penalty, and could encourage passengers to move around during flight, or stand up to converse with people seated in other rows.
ROB COPPINGER / HAMBURG
Source: Flight International
