More Room For Passengers, Bags

Is it possible to eck out more room for passengers inside narrowbodies? Airbus says yes... and Barcelona, Spain-based low-cost carrier Vueling recently became the first airline to operate Airbus A320s with a new and improved cabin.

"Vueling is and will continue to be one of Europe's most innovative airlines," said Vueling CEO and co-founder Carlos Munoz. "The fact that we're the first to operate with the most advanced, most comfortable Airbus A320 model illustrates our commitment to offering our customers the finest service and experience on board, together with the most competitive fares on the market at all times. We're delighted to operate with the very latest in aviation technology for our customers."

Airline representatives tell ANN the new cabin improvements include softer lighting in the aisle, more space for carry-on bags in larger, overhead luggage compartments, and a new design for the PSUs (Passenger Service Units) that hold reading lights and signals.

Design of the side panels has also been revamped, according to the airline, to increase seating space for passengers. Vueling also says the changes result in a "notable reduction" in interior noise levels.

"Vueling is the first customer to operate flights for its customers with the new, re-developed cabin for the Airbus A320 and we're proud of it," said Chris Buckley, Executive Vice-President of Airbus for Europe, CIS and Latin America. "The new cabin is more spacious, and the customers can fly more comfortably on a quieter flight. Our stroke of innovation will give Vueling, one of the fastest-growing airlines in Europe, the chance to provide its passengers with an even better service."

FMI: www.airbus.com, www.vueling.com