Airbus’s A350-1000 has been cleared for an increase in maximum accommodation to 480 seats, through the installation of modified exits.
Airbus’s A350-1000 has been cleared for an increase in maximum accommodation to 480 seats, through the installation of modified exits.
The twinjet had previously been approved for up to 440 seats.
But the development of a new ‘Type-A+’ exit, with a dual-lane evacuation slide, has enabled the airframer to secure a higher seat count from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency.
The 480-seat version would require a 10-abreast layout and modified exits on all four pairs of doors.
EASA lists various zonal configurations for this version, with up to 120-124 seats in the forward cabin, 170-180 seats in the central cabin, and 180-190 seats in the aft cabin.
The authority also gives options for a maximum of 460 or 470 seats if fewer Type-A+ exits are fitted.
EASA states that the minimum number of cabin crew required increases to nine if the maximum seating exceeds 400, adding that a third cabin crew member must be stationed at each installed pair of Type-A+ exits.
These modified exits have also been used by Airbus to raise the maximum accommodation of the A330-900 to 460 seats.
Increasing the seat-count of the A350-1000 will potentially enhance its competitiveness against the rival Boeing 777X.
