LATAM Airlines is expected to soon announce its new business class model for Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, but first, the Group needs authorization from the United States Department of Transportation (DOT), due to accessibility requirements.
With this, the DOT will inspect the new business class design as part of the regulatory filing. LATAM plans to implement the new configuration on its 787-8 aircraft starting in December, while the 787-9 will only have the new feature in its service in November 2025.
The new business class 'mini suite' needs enger accessibility approval from the DOT, as the department has rules for mobility-accessible seating for engers with disabilities and reduced mobility.
And at this point, LATAM may have to make adjustments to its new cabin configuration, as the DOT requires at least half of the aisle seats to be in rows with movable armrests.
"Aircraft of foreign air carriers ordered after May 13, 2009, or delivered after May 13, 2010, with 30 or more enger seats must be provided with enger aisle seats with movable armrests in at least half of the aisle seats in rows in which engers with mobility impairments are able to sit.“, highlights the DOT requirement on accessibility, as published in the Simple Flying portal.
In a photo of the alleged new cabin, it is possible to see that the company will have a 'mini suite', however, the design may undergo adjustments for accessibility purposes.
Finally, LATAM announced that engers with mobility disabilities will be able to use the new configuration normally and that “will be able to transfer horizontally to the new mini-suite business class seat without being lifted over an armrest or other obstacle through the use of a special board on board their aircraft”, as published by Simple Flying.
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With information: Simple Flying
