TAM first to choose new A320 Family cabin option

Space-Flex concept allows TAM to offer more passenger comfort on A320s

TAM once again demonstrated they are a global trendsetter by being the first customer in the world to order the new Space-Flex concept launched earlier this year for the A320 Family.

Space-Flex is a new way of making more efficient use of the volume at the rear of the A320 Family cabin, allowing two lavatories plus a galley to be efficiently accommodated into the space.

In the case of TAM, this translates to keeping more cabin space for even greater passenger comfort. The new arrangement will allow TAM to offer a spacious Premium Class with 34-inch seat pitch, while passengers in Economy Class will experience an improved seat pitch.

Also for the first time in a single-aisle aircraft, Space-Flex will provide one of the lavatories with full access to Persons with Reduced Mobility (PRM). This can be achieved via a simple conversion process, which includes two single Space-Flex lavatories that can be converted into one Space-Flex PRM enclosure similar to those delivered on Airbus wide-body aircraft.

TAM decided to transform the extra space created by Space-Flex into more passenger comfort without changing the seat count which stands today at 174 seats. TAM will offer a comfortable two-class cabin layout with greater seat pitches instead of its current single-class layout. Should it be required in the future, TAM could easily adapt to market demand by adding six seats to return to a single-class layout without compromising in comfort.

TAM will initially deploy Space-Flex on 39 new aircraft, which will be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2013.

For more information contact:
Patrick Baudis
Vice President Marketing, Latin America & Caribbean
patrick.baudis@airbus.com