Positions That Fliers Love

Dramatic advances in aircraft seating technology are allowing airlines to offer more comfortable aircraft cabins than ever before

- Mike Rajkumar

A common refrain today from air travellers who fly on new generation jetliners such as the Boeing 787, Airbus A350 and even single aisle jetliners such as the A320neo is an expression of surprise on how much better the cabin and seating experience on these aircraft are (this will be true even for the new 737 MAX). The interiors and seating on commercial jetliners even in Economy Class on widebody twins such as the A350 and B787 have come in for praise on their comfort. Technological advances have also resulted in more comfortable cabins. The 787, for instance, has a cabin air pressure equivalent to an altitude of 6,000 ft, meaning it is closer to conditions on the ground, as compared to older aircraft which have a cabin air pressure equivalent to that of an altitude of 8,000 ft. A lot of attention has also been paid to the air quality inside the aircraft. The use of windows that are 65 percent larger and positioned higher result in an improved onboard environment while LED lighting has contributed to improving the cabin ambience on aircraft.

In comparison to a few years ago, airlines are now offering a reduced number of First Class seats that have been added to Business Class. Business Class cabins now offer unrivalled comfort — including full flat seats — and are vital sources of revenue for airlines on longhaul flights. To deliver an efficient Business Class product: excellent living space, several stowage space locations, premium comfort, the possibility of a high density cabin layout, as well as low weight all need to come together.