Emirates president Tim Clark believes one of the big interiors challenges for long-haul operators is to get the right product in economy. "The easy bit is premium, economy is where you have to work hard because for us it generates 70% of the income and will continue to do so," Clark said during a panel discussion at Aircraft Interiors. "If you are going to fly ultra-long-range missions and you are expecting people to fly in economy cabins for 14-16h, you have to meet the basic requirements."
During the panel discussion experts gave insights into the economic picture in their sectors and also covered the challenges ahead. Carter Stewart, aviation services director at Prospect Consulting and Design notes how the passenger mix will change. This reflects an ageing population, the new digital natives and physically larger people, both in height and weight.
Airbus head of interiors marketing Bob Lange touched on the likely trends in the fast growing low-cost carrier sector. "I think the mood among the low-cost carriers is to still be looking at differentiating in the cabin in intelligent ways, which doesn't necessarily mean a large investment in hardware."
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In particular he points to increased unbundling of ancillaries and possible different seat sizes. "This will mean we are likely to see some differential pricing on certain seats on the aircraft. Today there are very strong regulatory limitations as to how aircraft designs and cabins are going to cope with that. But there will be a dynamic behind that will challenge all of us actors in the industry to try and find some more intelligent solutions."
Clark also highlights the increased engagement of the industry on interiors now compared with a decade ago. "I think the fact this show is growing in stature, content and in substance every year shows there seems to be more and more interest in what is going on, and that is why people like me come to this show to learn, to counsel and impart some of the things we know as airline operators know we are going to need."
Source: Flight International
