We know that space onboard a Turboprop can be limited – be it in seat width, pitch or if the aircraft can be anything but a short-haul shuttle.
ATR Aircraft unveiled its X-Space concept at AIX – how does it stack up?
The idea with the concept is that one seat of the pair is deleted to provide extra space for a passenger as needed.
This module is removable, so a seat can in integrated back in quickly – with the base model taking the seat cushion and the seat back being slotted back in.
In this demo unit, power is shown in the seat module. This could be moved to a more traditional under-seat location, rescuing wiring impacts.
The tray module features a drinks holder and table, as well as a charging concept.
As for the module – it’s pretty light.
Here’s a rendering of X-Space through a cabin. This is shown in a 1-1 layout.
The X-pace concept will appeal to those airlines who see passengers need more space in the short haul segment or a private aircraft configuration.
With airlines demanding two-class configurations on the short haul, this is one possible solution. this would allow operators to offer 1-1 seating in the cabin, as well as the standard 2-2 layout. With the seat quickly changeable, it should allow airlines to flex seating demands per segment if needed, providing staffing and resources are available to do it.
Marketing will be key to its success in the market.
This has different possibilities, depending on how we consider the use of the X-Space. In my head, there are a few possible examples where it can be used:
- A Quick-Change Corporate shuttle to provide more space aboard to VIP passengers on a short segment.
- A mixed business class with a “fixed” configuration – keeping a row or two dedicated to business class passengers, and the rest as the usual 2-2 configuration
- A mixed configuration with a flexible configuration – allowing the airline to dedicate more space as needed, but having equipment either at a base or at outstations to change the configuration
All this will be down to how long it takes to adjust the configuration of the aircraft internally.
With a range of 1,528 km / 825nm, the TurboProp’s mission is always an interesting one – offering regional flights and onward connections. As passengers are willing to pay for the comfort they desire, X-Space could make a lot of sense.
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