I ATA I NTER V IEW
aircraftinteriorsinternational.com
JUNE 2020 051
IATA’S INNOVATION
PLATFORM
IATA has created Accelerate@IATA,
an innovation platform designed to
support airlines and their value chain
partners by speeding up new technology
implementation around IATA standards.
The programme brings together airlines,
value chain partners, and startups to
pinpoint problems, find solutions and
ultimately demonstrate value through
pilot programmes and implementations.
IATA has selected Plug and Play, a
network of more than 15,000 startups, to
help operate the programme and identify
and connect with its members.
“All businesses are racing to introduce
new technology that makes them more
competitive. But aviation combines
global interconnected processes, and
multiple complementary players in the
value chain and legacy infrastructure
– and that can make the pace of digital
transformation more challenging,”
says Aleks Popovich, IATA’s SVP of
financial and distribution services.
The plan is to accelerate around 20
startups per year in two batches of
90-day programmes, matching their
solutions with industry requirements.
The initial batches will focus on digital
retailing, but the intent is to expand to
other industry issues. The accelerator
supports startups through education,
mentorship and, potentially, with
financing from participating partners.
IATA and programme members will
set the technology and business focus
for each acceleration batch. Each batch
will be divided into four phases: startup
sourcing and selection, followed by a
three-month acceleration programme,
presentations on a demonstration day,
and a pilot phase with airline partners.
“ Tighter seat
pitches and
widths should not
cause concern”
IATA MONITORS
CABIN EVACUATION
PROCEDURES, AND
DOES NOT SEE ANY
ISSUES AT PRESENT.
IMAGE CREDITS:
ANTON DENISOV
TOP AND SUPERJET
INTERNATIONAL
BELOW
Practices Guide, which includes guidance and
recommendations for all aspects of cabin safety
and helps airlines comply with global standards.
One concern being evaluated by the FAA is
whether 90-second evacuation times are being
met in dense cabin configurations, especially with
some slimline seats enabling a 27in pitch. Added to
this concern is the potential for protective screens
being fitted between seats as a Covid-19 measure.
“During the aircraft certification evacuation
demonstration, the aircraft manufacturer will want to
demonstrate the full potential seating capacity. In reality,
the actual seating capacity in service is less than the
maximum which was demonstrated, so tighter seat
pitches and widths should not cause concern for
evacuation,” states Jasper. “Seat design is becoming
very innovative and there are design features which
can improve comfort, while allowing seats to become
smaller and lighter.
“Seat pitch and width only become an issue when
the length of the flight is longer than the passenger
can remain comfortable for. This is turn increases the
possibility of disgruntled passengers, who then might
become unruly. This is something an airline considers
within its risk assessment process when selecting a seat
for installation.”
Jasper sets out IATA’s recommendations for a safe
cabin layout, which include an “unobstructed and
/aircraftinteriorsinternational.com
link