ABSTRACT
This chapter addresses the growing importance of the aircraft cabin as a vehicle to communicate a brand and a tool to differentiate the product and grow market share. It explores what is commonly referred to as the 'passenger experience', involving seating comfort, on-board amenities, in-flight entertainment requirements and, critically, connectivity for internet and email access. The chapter reviews documentation connected to the cabin and customisation process and relevant to the fleet planner. It also explores the creation of the Layout Of Passenger Accommodation (LOPA), which will form the basis of the aircraft evaluation. The chapter explains trends in the physical cabins of the aircraft, namely first-class cabin, business-class cabin, premium economy-class cabin and economy-class cabin. There is a tendency to eliminate central overhead stowage compartments in the Business-class cabin in order to create a better impression of space.
