Airbus is calling on the aviation industry to set a minimum standard of 18 inches or 45.72cm in order to improve the comfort of long haul air travel in economy class. In a research conducted by Harley Street medical practice The London Sleep Centre used polysomnography to record every standard physiological sleep measurement – including monitoring brainwaves, eye, abdominal, chest and hip leg movement – on a selection of passengers. The results showed that a minimum seat width of 18 inches improved passenger sleep quality by 53% when compared to the 1950’s 17 inch standard.
Dr Irshaad Ebrahim, Medical Director of The London Sleep Centre commented: “The difference was significant. All passengers experienced a deeper, less disturbed and longer nights’ sleep in the 18 inch seat. They went from one sleep stage to the next as you would expect them to do under normal circumstances. Whilst, in the narrower 17 inch seat the passengers were affected by numerous disturbances during sleep – which meant they rarely experienced deep restorative sleep. When it comes to flying long haul in economy, an inch makes a huge difference on passenger comfort.”
More passengers are flying further for longer distances. In the past five years, there has been an increase by 70% of flights (24 to 41 daily flights) that operate over 6,000 nautical miles which is equivalent to 13+ hours flight time. In 1998, flights over 7,000 nautical miles were non existent. Airbus expects passenger traffic to double in the next 15 years. By 2032, airlines globally will take delivery of more than 29,220 new passenger and freighter aircraft.
Kevin Keniston, Airbus’ Head of Passenger Comfort comments “Our research reveals that not only does seat width have a dramatic impact on passenger comfort but also there is now a growing cohort of discerning economy passengers who are not prepared to accept long haul 17 inch crusher seats.I Instead they will choose airlines that offer better seat comfort, often turning to social media or specialist websites to determine true seat value. Thankfully passengers these days have a choice and they are choosing to put comfort first. We are encouraging them to be aware of the difference an inch makes in long haul economy”
