ACCESS is a lazy-Z design, a fixed back lounger with direct aisle access for all passengers; the design prioritizes aisle access and also has a higher cabin density than lie-flat seats. ACCESS is a concept from Factorydesign in the UK.
Why The Design ACCESS?
There is a strong opinion in the industry that long-haul single-aisle aircraft will be a significant growth area. There is also an increasing interest in these aircraft in response to the impact of the pandemic, due to the increased flexibility and route efficiency they can offer. Factorydesign believes that the single-aisle aircraft market will grow significantly in the coming years.
Not all airlines will want the space-hungry fully lie-flat bed option. Perhaps for some, a more dense product that still provides direct aisle access will be more appropriate. Making the premium element of the product the ability (or choice) to move without disturbing others, rather than a bed; this would be of particular value on routes where an aircraft may make up to four trips a day, three of which are daylight flights.
Factorydesign
Currently there is a significant gap between the lie-flat, direct aisle seats and the conventional 2-2 configuration.
We are confident that there is a market need for a high-density, and less space-hungry, premium seat for single-aisle aircraft; one that provides added features and enhanced passenger experience beyond a standard 2-2 configuration (typical in narrow-body Business Class), also one that allows for higher-density cabins than what is currently possible with full lie-flat Business Class seating.
Factorydesign
Photos: Factorydesign