Episode 014: Raising a Voice for Passenger Choice

06/26/14 • 26 min

In this episode we discuss Airbus’ decision to re-certify its A320 to accommodate nine more seats for a total 189-seats, and how this development – which will be accomplished by adding wider evacuation slides – is driving fresh conversation about slim seats and seat pitch. French manufacturer Expliseat, for instance, believes its super-light titanium/composite seat would suit operators of higher-capacity A320s, and has suggested that some carriers might consider a mixture of seats pitched at 27 inches and 28 inches.

We also chat with Green about what the future holds for inflight entertainment. The operative word here is “choice”. Says Green, “In terms of how the content is provided, we have to meet the desire for individual choice and an expectation to manage your own experience. So that includes delivery to personal devices, not just through seat-back screen.” Thales is laying the groundwork to allow passengers to manage their own experience in how and when they consume the content.

Passenger choice is certainly a theme of this episode, which is sponsored by the APEX-backed Passenger Choice Awards (PCAs), a unique awards system that allow travelers to rate every aspect of the passenger experience (#PaxEx), and gives them a way to recognize when airlines get it right and when there is room for improvement. The deadline to participate for 2014 is 30 June, so if you haven’t done so already, be sure to cast your vote! For airlines, the awards is beneficial as well, because APEX shares the data with its airline member so that they know what areas to improve, reveals Green.

Previous Episode

Episode 013: Booze Fueled Behavior and Inflight Flavor

Welcome to Episode 013 of the #PaxEx Podcast.

In this episode we discuss IATA's latest findings about unruly passengers, and consider how alcohol plays a major role in many incidents. We address whether airport bartenders could be more proactive about not serving clearly intoxicated passengers pre-flight, and how crew are trained to try and diffuse air rage incidents when they do happen on board.

We also chat about United Airlines' recent decision to back down from a controversial ban on booze for flight attendants, and Nik gives us his perspective about empowering crew. And we take a fresh look at the hazards that crew must grapple with, including onboard fires.

Last but not least, Nik shares his knowledge of foodie trends in-flight, and asks us to consider the challenges faced by airlines as they serve up meals to 300 passengers. Nik also suggests we view inflight dining as its own form of entertainment, and he makes us look at those little packets of cheese in a whole new way!

Next Episode

Episode 015: Passenger Experience features in Farnborough Fun

In this episode, we look at some of the biggest #PaxEx headlines to emerge from the Farnborough air show. We discuss Boeing's decision to offer a higher-capacity narrowbody with the 200-seat 737 MAX 8 option, a move that is sure to please Ryanair's Michael O'Leary, but perhaps less so Airbus, which previously announced it will re-certify the A320 to accommodate nine more seats for a total of 189. We look at how all airframers are cramming more slim seats into their aircraft to meet airline demand, and why this trend shows no sign of stopping.

We also chat about Embraer's newly unveiled E-Jets E2 cabin, which boasts an ultra-modern interior bursting with fresh ideas from Embraer's design partner, Priestmangoode. But this cabin is significant in other ways, namely for the fact that Embraer is taking 'ownership' of it to ensure it doesn't face delivery issues due to constraints in the interiors supply chain. The constraints were highlighted by aircraft leasing giant Steven Udvar-Hazy earlier this year, and are being felt by A380 customers.

Last but not least, we talk to Isaac about the delivery of the first Boeing 787-9 to Air New Zealand, and what passengers can expect in-flight. And we learn that Air New Zealand was not happy about the economy class seats on offer in the 787 catalog, so it customized Zodiac seats by adding recline to the takeoff and landing position. In doing so, the carrier became the first airline to provide a 'buyer furnished equipment' seat on the 787.