HAECO’s cabin solutions unit has launched a range of new stowage concepts that will allow airlines to combine passengers and cargo in the main cabin.
The designs – which have gone from concepts to offerable products in under a month – were created in response to airlines looking for new ways of boosting freight capacity, which is seeing a spike in demand at the same time as passenger traffic, and belly-hold capacity, has plunged.
In all, HAECO is offering four different solutions, each with varying maximum load limits from 110 kg (240 lb) to 454 kg. They range from a palletised model, to a “seat and floor” storage system, which allows airlines to mount packages on aircraft seats, or on the floor space in front of them.
“These options give airlines specific load authorisations and the capability of carrying larger items in the cabin that otherwise would have been stored in the aircraft’s belly, except for hazardous materials,” the company states.
It also “[allows] airlines to carry cargo and passengers at the same time, optimising passenger and cargo yield, using packages to distance passengers, and maintaining proper weight and balance requirements”, HAECO adds.
The solutions will be approved through via supplemental type certification, and can be delivered in four to six weeks, the company says.
They can be installed on both narrow- and widebody aircraft, with the process following techniques used for fitting economy-class seating.
HAECO says it has seen interest from airlines for the concept, but declines to be more specific.
