About two-thirds of 787 buyers have opted for nine-abreast seating in the economy sections of their Dreamliners, Reuters reports from Asian Aerospace in Singapore. http://www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/2006-02-21-dreamliner-seats_x.htm
That is kind of mixed news, Reuters notes.
Key Quote: “While the narrower seats will disappoint travelers who had hoped the 787 would take another step towards giving economy travelers a little more room … the greater seating gives Boeing a big lift in its battle against the A350. …The A350 is constrained by its narrower fuselage … Its predecessor, the A330, is rarely fitted with nine-abreast seats. … ‘The surprising popularity of nine-abreast seating in the 787 could turn out to be decisive,’ said Gerard Frawley, editor of industry monthly Australian Aviation.”
This is interesting, because Airbus’s A350 is slightly larger than the 787, which can make a difference in some airlines’ thinking. But if Boeing can show some of the wavering customers that they can cram an extra seat in each row back in coach — and still not be at a competitive disadvantage — that then cuts the cost of each seat and could tip a scale or two into Boeing’s favor.
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