The single-aisle paradigm is pretty set as well all know – six seats across in the back of the plane, and four across at the front. But are there other premium options?
Diehl Aviation and HAECO Cabin Solutions think so with a new cabin concept.
This new cabin concept allows an additional seat per row in the same space as a traditional recliner premium cabin and improves passenger comfort and privacy.
At the heart of the solution is an asymmetric cabin configuration with the Eclipse Staggered Seats, a new premium seat designed to provide optimal comfort in either a 5-abreast or 4-abreast configuration. In a 5-abreast configuration, passengers do not sit exactly behind each other as usual but are always slightly staggered
The upshot is, for passengers, this means significantly improved comfort: Due to the staggered seats passengers’ shoulders are not in line with their immediate seat neighbour. In addition, the seats are enclosed at the rear by a fixed backrest. If the backrest is reclined, this is done through a cradling incline motion without any interference for the passenger in the next row.
This has been designed with cabin components from Diehl Aviation, a unique cabin concept for premium economy class is created with a high level of travel comfort for passengers, using cabin lighting and ECO lightweight partitions, and an Enlarged Storage Bin.
Installation of some of these components is as easy to install as a retrofit, reducing maintenance times through a quick-snap system, to provide additional overhead space. Despite the asymmetric aisle and bigger bins, the cabin still provides the same passenger living space as in the rear section of the cabin. By moving the bin above the triple seat inboard, the 5-abreast cabin retains easy accessibility and maximum passenger convenience.
Conversion of existing cabins is facilitated by a standard modification kit offered by HAECO Cabin Solutions and Diehl Aviation available with either FAA or EASA certification, respectively. The kit is designed and packaged in a way that facilitates the modification during an aircraft maintenance visit or as part of a dedicated modification line.
The concept is tailored to reuse the maximum number of parts from the current cabin.
Narrow body matters
As the industry coalesces around the idea of single-aisle long-haul flying, with options from Boeing and Airbus taking the stage with their longer-haul aircraft in the design.
It’s going to prove an interesting concept – given the tightness of the cabin space, as well as the compromise that will need to be made to accommodate this (how many rows of economy class or business class do you remove to fill a product like this, and can you fill a product like this).
We’ll try and get to see this cabin this week – as this opens up a lot more interesting options for those flying long haul.
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