Airlines report a drop-off in demand for long-haul economy seats
The number of economy seats available on aircraft will be gradually reduced in the future, airlines predicted at a WTM debate.
They said growing passenger demand for premium seats means that airlines would scale back the number of seats in the back of the plane.
“The general trend we are seeing is for fewer economy seats because people want to upgrade,” said Virgin director of communication Paul Charles.
“I think we are going to see either larger economy seats or fewer rows.”
Air France general manager UK and Ireland Christine Ourmieres agreed, particularly in light of premium economy, and said the airline was currently monitoring its cabin break down.
Aircraft manufacturers Boeing and Airbus said few airlines ordering their new larger aircraft were planning to fly with the maximum number of seats, instead choosing to devote more space to their first and business class cabins.
So far only Emirates has unveiled plans to fly a two-class service with 640 seats on some of its A380s, to be used on regional routes.
“Most are looking at around 500 seats,” said Airbus VP marketing Colin Stuart.
by Bev Fearis
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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