Quantcast

Boeing's transition: From comfortable cabins to profit-driven layouts

Qantas launches mammoth Asia flight sale including Bali and Japan
New Update from Air Canada, WestJet, American Airlines, Delta, United, Southwest, Alaska, JetBlue Airways, and Sunwing: Airline Capacity Between Canada and US Slashed as Bookings Plummet Seventy Per Cent
Delta Cuts Two Domestic Routes
United Airlines Technicians Reject ‘Dead on Arrival’ Contract Proposal, Teamsters Say
The State of the Asia Pacific Airline Industry
Spirit Airlines to add Detroit nonstop flight out of Bradley International Airport
Major airline to launch new direct flights from Scotland to North America
Ryanair launches new ‘prime’ membership which saves passengers more than £400 a year
Judge Orders Boeing to Trial on 737 MAX Case
Qantas’ free international Wi-Fi to switch on from next week
The real reason Southwest is charging for bags now
Air France-KLM in ongoing talks with Air Europa on potential stake, CEO says
Frontier Savagely Shades Southwest After They Eliminated Longstanding Free Bag Policy, Sparking Backlash
Frontier Wants You to 'Divorce Your Old Airline' After Southwest Changes
Delta named one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies for sustainability initiatives
Passengers escape fiery American Airlines jet in Denver
Delta, American Dive On Slashed Outlooks; But Two Airlines Rally
Competitors are circling Southwest after the airline announced it's going to start charging for checked bags
Exclusive: Dominican Low-Cost Carrier Arajet Wants to Disrupt NYC Market
Boeing deliveries rise 63% in February from a year earlier
Transportation Secretary Duffy Lays Out 10 Ways the FAA Is Working to Upgrade Air Traffic Control and Make Flying Safer
EasyJet pilot Paul Elsworth suspended after flying too close to mountain
Delta Air Lines bets on ‘blended-wing’ flight to reduce emissions
Europe's airlines pivot to bite size M&A deals to limit cost, regulatory burden
Dave Emerson named new CEO of Virgin Australia, replacing Jayne Hrdlicka
Ryanair DELAYS controversial new boarding pass rule to avoid summer chaos
FAA Orders Inspection, Replacement of 737NG Engine Parts
Spirit Adds New Airport, Three Routes
Delta crash passengers should take the $30,000 payment, their lawyers say. Here’s why.
Budget airline launches new cheap flights to one of the UK’s top winter sun destinations
Boeing's transition: From comfortable cabins to profit-driven layouts
Policy
Webp 9d8e4n9zvnq6npvse1f7c4oouh5n
Airbus A380 | Airbus

The Boeing 777, a long-haul favorite among passengers, has seen changes in its seating configurations over the years. Originally designed with a wide cabin to accommodate 9-abreast seating, many airlines have transitioned to a denser 10-abreast layout. This shift aims to improve profitability by reducing cost per seat mile (CASM), though it may compromise passenger comfort.

"A 1992 Industrial Design Excellence award was presented for its 777 passenger cabin. This [was] the first time the Industrial Designers Society of America honored an airplane interior," Boeing noted about the aircraft's initial design accolades.

While major carriers like American Airlines, United Airlines, KLM, and Air France have adopted the 10-abreast configuration, some airlines continue to offer the original 9-abreast seating. According to Sam Chui's article, airlines such as Air China, ANA, EVA Air, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, Singapore Airlines, and Thai Airways maintain this more spacious arrangement.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

Despite these changes in configuration trends for existing models, Boeing is looking ahead with the development of the 777X. The new model features innovative design changes that add internal cabin width without altering fuselage diameter. The Sky Architecture and cabin design of the 777X received recognition from Aircraft Interiors International for the Crystal Cabin Award in 2020.

"In economy class," Boeing advertises regarding its latest model, "airlines can delight passengers with premium economy comfort in a nine-abreast configuration. At 10-abreast, every passenger can count on a standard economy comfort seat."

As industry insiders speculate on future layouts for these planes—with Singapore Airlines reportedly opting for a 3-4-3 layout—it seems likely that the trend toward denser seating will persist with newer aircraft models.

Websites like aerolopa.com and seatguru.com provide travelers with tools to research airline seating configurations before booking flights.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Emirates has announced that the My Emirates Pass will be available throughout the year with seasonal offers in summer and winter.

Apr 3, 2025

United Airlines has announced the issuance of travel waivers for passengers whose flights were affected by closures at London Heathrow Airport.

Apr 2, 2025

ITA Airways announced that flight AZ806 managed to land safely after a brief hold due to nearby missile activity.

Apr 2, 2025

EVA Air has announced the reinstatement of its Premium Economy Class on the Seattle route, with three weekly flights scheduled from March 8 through July 27.

Apr 2, 2025

Emirates Airlines has announced the launch of a new door-to-door delivery service called 'Very Important Parcels' (VIPs), promising the same level of care as provided to its passengers.

Apr 2, 2025

Cargolux has announced the transportation of two lions, Tsar and Jamil, from captivity in Ukraine to a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa.

Apr 2, 2025