Economy Class Aviation Investment Neglect Since The 1990s

Economy-class seating on aircraft has been woefully neglected since the 1990s, according to Sir Tim Clark, president of Emirates airline. Speaking at the International Air Transport Association (IATA) conference in Delhi, Clark criticised the lack of innovation in economy seating over the past two decades as airlines prioritised first and business-class passengers. He highlighted that advancements made in the 1990s, which improved seat design, ergonomics, and functionality, have barely progressed since.

Clark argued that the rise of ultra-long-haul flights, such as Qantas’s upcoming 20-hour non-stop route between London and Sydney in 2027, necessitates significant improvements in economy seating. The Australian airline has already revealed plans to enhance its economy offering onboard its Airbus A350s, promising passengers 84cm of legroom, two USB-C charging points, a 33cm personal television screen, and improved features such as lumbar support and breathable fabrics. Qantas noted that these changes were the result of extensive testing and research into passenger comfort.

While airlines like Qantas are pushing progress, Clark observed that broader industry innovation in economy seating remains stifled by regulatory hurdles. Recent exhibitions in Germany showcasing advanced seating concepts, such as double-decker seating and heavily padded designs, have demonstrated how economy class could evolve. However, these proposals require regulatory approval before implementation, which continues to lag behind the speed of innovation.

Cost-cutting measures have exacerbated the comfort issues faced by economy passengers. Several airlines have scaled back offerings, with British Airways scrapping complimentary food and drink on short-haul flights in favour of a “buy on board” model. BA’s chief executive, Sean Doyle, claimed that satisfaction scores for short-haul economy have risen despite these changes. Doyle also identified stronger wi-fi offering as a key priority for the airline, with investments currently underway to deliver more consistent connectivity across flights.

The stagnant conditions in economy seating contrast sharply with the investments seen in premium classes. Both short and long-haul passengers often focus on ticket prices, but for airlines to maintain customer satisfaction on ultra-long-haul routes, addressing the comfort gap in economy will be critical. This shift is likely to intensify as extended flight durations become more commonplace in global aviation.

Airlines will need to balance affordability with innovation to ensure that passengers flying economy on ultra-long-haul routes are provided with the features and comfort required for enduring lengthy journeys. Without sufficient investment, economy class risks falling even further behind the standards expected in modern air travel.