Quantcast

Why Concorde had a narrow cabin: Structural choices behind the iconic airliner's design

US court blocks Biden administration's airline fee disclosure rule
JetBlue Issues Dim Outlook But Execs Remain Confident in Turnaround Plan
Delta to Resume Tel Aviv Flights April 1
These Frequent Fliers Are Done With Loyalty Programs
JetBlue accepting Venmo as payment method for flights purchased through mobile app
United Airlines stock rallies on results, as growing demand wasn’t just about premium seats
Delta Adds Another Alaska Route
Southwest to Reduce Pilot Head Count at Several Bases
Dublin Airport savings boost for holidaymakers – but passengers need to be quick
American Halts CRJ-200 Operations
Shanghai Airlines to Launch Casablanca Route
Delta employees to receive an average five weeks of pay in annual profit sharing
Akasa Air faces DGCA heat for lapses; warning letter issued to airline's accountable manager
Indigo Eyes European Market Amid Intensifying Competition with Air India
Air India to operate daily Delhi-Prayagraj flights for Maha Kumbh
Engine maker agrees to compensate WizzAir for grounded planes
Turkish Airlines’ flights are riddled with bedbugs, passengers say
British Airways frequent flyers react to Executive Club changes
Inside the short-lived, men-only flights where kids and women were banned but cigar and pipe smoking were rife
China steps up drive to break Boeing, Airbus grip on plane market
Heathrow’s New York service clings to spot in top aviation routes
Airline praises pilots in crash-landing where both died but nearly half the passengers survived
Mexico state airline to buy five Embraer planes next year
A record number of people are expected to fly over the holidays. That's good for travel stocks, but not for passengers.
American Airlines technical issue sparks travel chaos on Christmas Eve as flights heavily delayed after being grounded
Why United Airlines has had such a stellar year despite being Boeing's biggest customer
JetBlue nixing routes between multiple major cities, reducing several others
Airline Stocks Led The Travel Industry's Record 2024 Rally. Here's What's Next.
It’s beginning to look like another record for holiday travel
Qatar Airways cleans up at the World Travel Awards
Why Concorde had a narrow cabin: Structural choices behind the iconic airliner's design
Policy
Webp concorde
Concorde | Wikipedia

Concorde, the Anglo-French supersonic airliner, offered a unique travel experience for nearly three decades before its retirement in 2003. It was designed to fly at supersonic speeds, with features such as sharp delta wings and four afterburning engines setting it apart from other commercial aircraft.

The narrow cabin of Concorde was a structural necessity rather than a design compromise. Its long and slender fuselage, just over nine feet wide, accommodated a single aisle and four-abreast seating. This configuration helped minimize drag and maintain speed efficiency at Mach 2. The aircraft also flew at 60,000 feet, requiring a reinforced pressure vessel due to the extreme pressure differential.

The small windows on Concorde were similarly designed to enhance safety during high-speed flight by reducing potential breaches in case of sudden decompression. This approach minimized stress on the structure while maintaining weight limits.

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.

Developed through an Anglo-French treaty in 1962 between British Aircraft Corporation and France's Sud Aviation (later Aerospatiale), Concorde entered service in 1976 with British Airways and Air France. Despite initial excitement and orders from 18 airlines worldwide, only these two carriers ultimately operated the aircraft.

Supersonic ambitions are resurging two decades after Concorde's retirement. Companies like Boom Supersonic are developing new models like Overture, which promises improved efficiency and quieter engines without using afterburners. Other firms such as Fly-Concorde and Spike Aerospace are also working on next-generation supersonic jets.

While modern designs aim to address Concorde's limitations in fuel efficiency and noise levels, their success remains uncertain as they strive for commercial viability.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Allegiant Air has announced a promotional offer on the social media platform X, providing a $100 discount on Las Vegas air and hotel packages.

Jul 22, 2025

EVA Air has announced a free Wi-Fi upgrade for all cabin classes on select aircraft, available from July 1 through September 30.

Jul 22, 2025

Emirates announced on X that it will add a third daily flight to Dublin starting October 26, providing morning, afternoon, and evening departures for greater flexibility.

Jul 22, 2025

Ethiopian Airlines has announced on the social media platform X that it is now offering twice-daily flights from Juba to Addis Ababa, Cairo, Kigali, and Entebbe.

Jul 22, 2025

Etihad Airways has announced the activation of its codeshare agreement with Ethiopian Airlines, enhancing access to 55 African destinations and connecting Africa with Asia, Australia, and the Middle East through Abu Dhabi and Addis Ababa.

Jul 22, 2025

Alaska Airlines announced on the social media platform X that it, along with Horizon Air, is working to restore normal operations following a significant IT outage.

Jul 22, 2025