Airbus Offering 11-Abreast A380 Seating From 2017
HAMBURG—Airbus has decided to formally offer an 11-abreast economy-seat configuration in the Airbus A380, despite Emirates Airline’s decision not to further pursue that arrangement.
Airbus A380 operators will have the choice of operating the aircraft with 10-abreast economy seating on the main deck, or 11 seats.
Two manufacturers—Zodiac and Geven—have agreed to deliver the seats. The seats are to be installed on the existing rails so that no extra floor work is needed, Airbus Vice President-Cabin Innovation and Design Ingo Wuggetzer said at the Aircraft Interiors Expo here. The new configuration will become available in 2017.
With one seat added per row, Airbus sees a need to make some changes to the inboard bins, which will be harder to reach from the aisle. The bins will be moved slightly outboard for easier access.