B/E Aerospace has chosen to not let any media into their booth at the conference so I could not directly measure the seats. It is unclear why they've picked such a policy, particularly given the announcement mentions that the seat was unveiled at the conference, but several journalists here were all shut out, even after getting various B/E Aerospace customers to try to facilitate entry.
I did have conversations with engineers with knowledge of the product and its design process and specs who confirmed that the frame did not change in size and that the arm rest slimming is a significant part of the "wider seat" claim. Southwest is also acknowledging that it is a narrower arm rest. The "shoulder" space is not getting any better. Butt space is getting slightly bigger but only in that the arm rests won't be as constricting, not that there's more space between you and your neighbor.
This is what the arm rest sizing difference looks like on the A380 11-abreast versus a normal economy seat installed today. The loss of width is noticeable.
Originally Posted by
coolbeans202
I really think this needs to be restated. They are making the seat cushions wider.
Do you have any evidence of this?
Originally Posted by
coolbeans202
I would bet the seat frame and arm rests remain the same distance apart.
The frame is remaining the same. The center lines of the arm rests are not moving but by reducing the width of the arm rests the numbers look better.
n.b. The link above is to my blog or to one which I am a regular contributor. FT rules require that I disclose that in the post.