Airbus has developed an innovative new forward stairs (NFS) concept for its A380 aircraft family to accommodate additional passengers.

The NFS requires relocation of the forward stair from the door one to door two of the aircraft, and combining the entrance of the NFS to the upper deck, with the adjacent staircase to the lower-deck crew-rest area.

The staircase will enable A380 operators to include 20 additional passengers in the business, premium economy, and economy class categories.

Airbus Commercial Aircraft strategy and marketing executive vice-president Kiran Rao said: “Continuous improvement of our products is our daily work. This new package for our A380 customers is a smart way to meet airline needs while improving the A380 economics with additional revenues and innovating in passenger comfort.

“Only the A380 has the economies of scale and development potential to efficiently solve the problem of increasing congestion at large airports while providing the best comfort for passengers.

“The aircraft can also serve fast growing markets and airlines regional airports, so we are adapting the aircraft to meet evolving market needs.”

Airbus has also developed an overall cabin optimisation concept, which is designed to accommodate 80 more passengers than current A380 jets.

“Only the A380 has the economies of scale and development potential to efficiently solve the problem of increasing congestion at large airports while providing the best comfort for passengers."

The concept includes combined crew-rest compartment (CCRC) option that can accommodate three additional passengers in premium economy class.

A new 11-abreast seating layout in a ‘3-5-3’ configuration on the main-deck has been developed to add 23 more passengers in the economy class.

In addition, Airbus’ new cabin optimisation concept includes an innovative aft-galley stair module (AGSM), and other options to carry additional passengers on board the A380 aircraft.


Image: Airbus’ new forward stairs option for A380 aircraft. Photo: courtesy of Airbus.