Wider seats for overweight passengers

Economy Posted on 20/06/2012

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Airbus is currently considering installing wider seats in order to accommodate fliers who are overweight, however it would be at the expense of other passengers. The aircraft manufacturer proposed adding two inches to the width of the aisle seats on its A320 airplane from 18 inches to 20 inches. The extra space would take away one inch from the other seats, leaving them at 17 inches.

The move would be in response to complaints from airlines that have difficulty with obese passengers, as well as complaints from travellers about having their space encroached upon.

The idea of a "fat tax" has already been put forward, where overweight travellers would have to pay more for the ticket.

Suzana Hrnkova, Airbus's head of cabin interiors marketing, said: "Over the last 30 years, human bodies have changed. We are bigger and taller, with larger shoulders and larger hips. Even our kids are getting bigger. So we have an idea to offer extra comfort for people who want to pay for it and generate additional revenue potential for airlines."

Approximately 20 airlines have expressed an interest in the design; the seating configuration would almost certainly increase profits.

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In brief : Economy