New Planes will have air bags and seats less apt to rip loose
Taking its cue from automobiles, new airplanes will now be required to have “seats that will stay in place when subjected to stresses up to 16 times the force of gravity.” Additionally, some seats will be equipped with air bags.
Starting this fall, all new airplanes will be required to have seats that will stay in place when subjected to stresses up to 16 times the force of gravity. The old seats had to meet stresses of only nine times the force of gravity. And, in a safety measure borrowed from automobiles, some seats will be equipped with air bags.
The combination of sturdy seats and air bags means that if a plane touches down short of the runway or rolls off the end of the runway and hits an obstruction, “You’re going to be conscious. You’re going to have the opportunity to survive,” said Bill Hagan, president of AmSafe, which makes the air bags.
Boeing 787 delay gives airlines breathing room
Despite the fact that the airlines are frustrated with Boeing’s delays with the Dreamliner, it could be a boon for the airlines.
Experts say it is entirely possible that behind their public displays of discontent, some airlines are secretly pleased they can put off taking delivery of expensive wide-body aircraft they may not be able to fill.
“In some ways, it might work to their benefit,” said Alex Hamilton, Jesup & Lamont Securities analyst. “Instead of making the cold, hard decision of having to defer it, certainly (Boeing) doing it kind of works. I absolutely think it could help.”
Spring Airlines considers standing-room tickets
At one time, Airbus considered giving airlines the option of outfitting its airplanes with standing room “seats.” Now, Spring Airlines may be the first airline to take them up on that offer.
China’s Spring Airlines says it has been considering the concept since the beginning of the year to accommodate a surge in passenger volume. While a representative for the airline claims that the new method is “just like bar stools,” it could allow for 40% more passengers and cut costs by 20%, while lowering airfare for consumers.
