§ Lord Morris of Manchesterasked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Falconer of Thoroton on 30 January [HL2408], when the Joint Aviation Authorities are expected to complete their consideration of the finding of the recent Civil Aviation Authority study, aimed principally at harmonising European standards on airline seat spacing, that "in view of the increased height and weight of the population, there should be an increase in seat spacing" above the current minimum distance of 26 inches; and when new minimum standards can be expected. [HL2659]
§ Lord Falconer of ThorotonIt is likely that further investigation will be necessary to validate this research before any new minimum seat space standards can he proposed. Further research would be expected to include physical trials on cabin simulators with participants of different sizes and heights.
The Civil Aviation Authority, representing the IJK in the JAA, will participate in the resultant discussions together with representatives from many of the 31 other member states. It is not possible at this stage to predict a time-scale for any particular outcome.