Effect of Anthropometric Variability on Middle-Market Aircraft Seating

Abstract

A middle-of-market aircraft, or MoMA, is defined as an aircraft capable of flying 180-250 passengers without refueling for 2,300-5,800 miles(~2,000-5,000 nautical miles). As the name suggests, middle-of-market aircraft are positioned in between the market segments served by narrow body (single-aisle) and wide body (twin-aisle) aircraft. This paper presents the findings of a study on the effect of anthropomorphic variability on economy class seating on middle-market aircraft currently in service. The study found that among 130 middle-market LOPAs, the mean seat pitch was greater for US airlines than for Asian airlines. Furthermore, the sampled Asian airlines had a higher preference for denser seating configurations, while the US airlines had a preference for less dense seating configurations. The findings of this study support the hypothesis that airlines optimize their aircraft interior configurations based on the anthropomorphic characteristics of the population they serve.

Author

• Sriram, Tara C Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Keywords

• middle-market aircraft
• aircraft seating
• economy class
• anthropometry
• human factors
• Applied Statistics
• Aviation
• Ergonomics
• Industrial and Product Design