Airplanes in a climate of change

Since moving to Australia I have become more interested in airplanes and the changes occurring in the airline industry. The main reason being I would like to travel more comfortably in the future. For the foreseeable future I won’t be able to afford business class, first class or even premium economy with its 50% or more mark-up over regular economy.

The new planes and retrofits in older planes, which increase comfort in economy seats interest me. But also of interest is how airlines and new airplanes are increasing efficiency in fuel usage and greening the airways due to global warming concerns.

Airbus A380

Last year I became interested in the new Airbus A380 “Super jumbo” airplane. As test flights and demonstrations were occurring in Sydney and Melbourne. The A380 is a double-decker with a maximum of 555 seats in 3 classes or 853 in an all economy class configuration. It depends on the airline and how they configure the plane.

The first A380 to fly commercially was Singapore Airlines on 25 October, 2007 between Sydney and Singapore. The delivery of the first A380’s was expected in 2005. But delays occurred because of issues with manufacturing and configuration in the airplane, specficially the wiring of the plane.

After 2 months of operation, Singapore airlines CEO said that the A380 was performing better than he and Airbus expected. The plane was burning 20% less fuel per passenger than the airlines fleet of Boeing 747-400, which carries less passengers.

The reason of this according to Airbus is:

The A380 has an efficient structure that incorporates more new material than any other jetliner, with composite and other lightweight materials accounting for more than 25 per cent of its structure.

The A380 also incorporates many other innovations in aerodynamics and the latest in engine technology to meet regulatory requirements for emissions now and into the future.

A380 Seating

Economy
In economy the wider cabin of the plane allows for 48 cm (19 inch) wide economy seats instead of 43 cm (17 inch) seats on a 747, although the seat pitch of 81 cm (32 inch) is the same as that on a 747.

All seats feature 27 cm or 10.6 inch LCD screens in each seatback, as well as an AC power supply in most seats and USB connector.

Business
In business-class, seats are 84 cm (34 inches) wide, can lie flat for sleeping, and have 39 cm (15.4 inch) LCD screens.

First Class
In first class, Singapore airlines offer 12 enclosed seats. Which features one full seat, similar to a reclining chair and a secondary seat, similar to a bench. A full sized bed, a desk, personal storage area and a 58-cm or 23-inch LCD screen. All of this costs about 20-25% more than a standard first class seat.

Four of the suites are double suites, which feature a double bed.

In future posts I will talk about Boeing’s Dreamliner airplane and other steps airlines are taking to combat climate change, such as biofuel.