Originally Posted by
weero
Isn't the manufacturer ultimately responsible for the seating certification? I doubt that the airline could easily (other than of course via economic pressure) overrule the manufacturer here.
Plus Airbus heavily advertises this position and it is a very valid one. Backpedaling on this one will be embarrassing.
If you visit Airbus' website
they shove this ad into your face, I doubt it is just a temporary fad.
I think it would also make a great piece of EU regulation to required an 18" minimum. Sure OS would have to make some adjustments but overall it would indeed bring reason back.
I don't think Airbus is in
any position to be saying no to EK. Especially with the latest order, I'd imagine it's very much a case of "Jump" and "How high?"
Anyway, the article about EK exploring 11-abreast would not have materialised if Airbus categorically flat out refused it. But my reading is that's not the case here. They might not think it's a good idea, but if EK demonstrate the safety and other requirements of the 3-5-3 config then I just don't think 3-4-3 is something Airbus is desperate to "defend" at any great cost, especially not against their best customer.
Nothing is sacred anymore in the airline world, as it is slowly beginning to be apparent...