Quantcast

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

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
Brazilian airline Azul to go 'back to basics' after challenging 2024
Airlines cancel flights as air travel to ‘grind to complete halt’ this week ahead of major strike action in Europe
Dramatic moment American Airlines plane diverted to Rome is escorted by fighter jets after mid-air bomb threat
Jetstar Faces Major Backlash as Nationwide System Outage Causes Travel Chaos, Stranding Passengers and Disrupting Flights Across the Australian Airline Industry
Sudden oil supply outages creating turbulence for airline industry
Southwest's layoffs dent its worker-first culture
Abu Dhabi's long-haul carrier Etihad Airways sees record $476 million profit in 2024
Jet2 warns of profits squeeze from rising costs and late bookings
Southwest bends further to activist shareholder Elliott's demands
Downgraded on a flight? Take these simple but important steps to get your money back
Delta Offers Over $2 Million to CRJ Crash Passengers
Boeing Delays Continue for Alaska, Hawaiian
Hong Kong Airlines launches daily Sydney flights
Airline to launch new bunk beds in economy on long-haul flights next year
How Airline Employees Are Coping After Deadly Washington Crash
Major airline reverses in-flight menu change amid outcry
British Airways frequent flyer scheme changes: everything you need to know
Airline introduces world-first hand luggage ban on popular travel gadget
Air Canada Delays Boeing 767 Reentry
Flight Centre tips ‘price war’ as first direct Melbourne to LA Delta flights go on sale
FAA reverses course on meeting prohibition, blaming rogue employee
British Airways tweaks frequent flyer scheme after backlash
Delta flight from New York to Florida diverted to North Carolina due to ‘odor in the cabin’
EASA Certifies Safran’s First Electric Motor
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
Boeing CEO Ortberg outlines 2025 priorities after heavy losses
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