Missing from Thomson Airways’ Farnborough unveiling of its new 787 interior was the total number of seats (I couldn’t find it if it is there) the carrier would be putting on the new twin jet. Using a graphic and a video the airline published along with its release, I did a little bit of math. Thomson, which will get its first of eight 787s in early 2012, will seat 288 passengers in a two-class configuration.
Of the airlines to share their plans for their interior configurations, Thomson will – by far – have the second highest capacity for its long-range 787 operations, after the two class 313-seat arrangement selected by Qantas’ Jetstar. Based on what Thomson has released thus far, it appears a forward Premium Economy cabin with seven-abreast seating will accomodate 47 passengers, with two rear nine-abreast zones featuring 150 and 91 seats, respectively.
Both cabins will feature Panasonic IFE and broadband connectivity and it appears the airline is the first 787 customer to disclose that they have selected the door two lit archway, which is presently an option on the aircraft.
Thomson is only the third carrier to disclose how it will be filling its 787s, with Ethiopian and Continental seating 270 and 228 in two-class business and economy configurations, respectively. British Airways is rumored to be seating as few as 183 in three classes, while 787 launch customer All Nippon Airways says it will have long-range and high-density configurations, declining to disclose the capacity of either.
Video and Photo Credit Thomson Airways
(UPDATE: I did a little more math and counted correctly this time. Total number of seats on board in 288 not 297, which still makes this the highest capacity 787 to-date for international
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This post originally appeared at Flightglobal.com from 2007 to 2012.