Cabin Densification: SpaceFlex2 and Beyond

Abstract

Airlines in today’s ultracompetitive industry continuously look to reduce costs while also squeezing every possible bit of revenue out of their most valuable assets, the aircraft. Revenue generation is increased by (1) increasing the percentage of seats sold (load factor), (2) increasing the “yield” by creating seats and services that passengers are willing to pay more for, (3) operating as many flights per day as possible within the given route structure, (4) and by physically adding more seats to the aircraft. In efforts to improve load factor and yield, airlines work to create a “brand” (distinguishing elements that are valued by their customers), to entice new customers and increase the loyalty of current customers. The ability to “turn” aircraft quickly from one flight to the next can allow the aircraft to complete more revenue generating flights per day. And, of course adding more seats can clearly create more revenue, but has to be artfully balanced with maintaining passenger comfort within the fixed space of an aircraft interior. So, how does an airline maximize each of these potential revenue enhancing elements? The advent of a thoughtful new range of innovative interior products, can actually help enable all four elements.