Airbus is offering a new version of its A320 aircraft to US airlines, featuring extra-wide seats for obese passengers.
The company is equipping two 20in seats on either side of the A320 aircraft’s single aisle, instead of the earlier design comprising three 18in seats either side.
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According to the company, the addition of a further two inches to a third of its A320 seats will provide US air carriers an opportunity to target the nation’s obese population, which has swollen to a third of adults in the country, according to a US National Health and NutritionExamination survey.
Airbus aircraft interiors director Zuzana Hrnkova said that the seats are not meant just for overweight passengers.
"Mothers with children may be ready to pay a little more in order to be able to keep their babies in their lap, and large football players may be interested," Hrnkova added.
The French aircraft maker’s move also follows its plans to benefit from the fact that its medium-range aircraft is wider-bodied than the 737 aircraft developed by its US rival Boeing.
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By GlobalDataThe company said that its wider seat offering is further expected to generate $3m in additional gains over a 15-year period.
The A320 aircraft, with a seating capacity of 150 passengers in a two-class cabin or nearly 180 in a high-density layout for low-cost and charter flights, is also equipped with Sharklets, large wingtip devices which will enhance its eco-efficiency and payload-range performance.
The sharklets are also expected to deliver 3.5% less fuel burn over longer sectors, further offering an annual reduction in CO2 emissions to nearly 700t for each aircraft.
Image: Airbus is now offering two extended 20-inch (50.8cm) seats on either side of the A320 aircraft for US carriers. Photo: courtesy of Airbus.
