Airbus unveils A380 “cabin space optimisation” range

AIRBUS has unveiled a range of new “Cabin Enablers” for its A380 superjumbo aircraft, which it says can create space for around 80 additional seats. The product offering includes a redesigned front staircase, which the manufacturer says will free up space for 20 extra passengers. Other “enablers” – some of which are already offered to airlines – include an 11-across (3-5-3) economy layout on the main deck (adding 23 economy seats), a nine-across premium economy layout on the main deck (adding 11 passengers), a redesigned rear staircase and aft-galley (adding space for 14 more passengers), and the removal of the upper deck sidewall stowage (increasing business class capacity by ten seats).

Airbus said that “an innovative seating concept” allows airlines to offer an 18-inch seat width in economy while moving to a 3-5-3 layout. airbus.com