As airlines work to increase passenger density on existing airframes the push to

reduce everything else on board is very real. For the Airbus A320 family of planes
the Space-Flex v2 lavatory/galley option being developed in partnership with Zodiac
is one solution to this challenge and multiple airlines are understood to be
considering it. Space-Flex v2 has certain benefits, namely it adds extra space for
seats, but there are also very real challenges associated with the design,
especially for full-service airlines. One potential customer has been reviewing the
offering, but tells RGN, “No group other than finance was enthusiastic about it.”
From a passenger comfort and employee ergonomics perspective this airline saw it as
a poor fit, and also expressed safety concerns.

For passengers the main issue could prove to be lavatory size. Space-Flex v2 does
offer a single American with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant lavatory, which is a
positive feature for a narrowbody aircraft. But unlike Space-Flex v1 – which
features a swinging partition between two lavatories to accommodate passengers with
reduced mobility – Space-Flex v2’s lavatories have a fixed partition, and a
wheelchair-bound passenger must transfer to a tip-up seat and then, unassisted, to
the toilet seat. The lav is a tighter fit for passengers. And the layout creates
access challenges as passengers negotiate between the jumpseat to enter/leave the
lav, suggests the airline that spoke to RGN on condition of anonymity. This also
creates a greater risk for employees or other passengers being struck by a door as
they open/close in such tight quarters. And if the flight attendants have carts out
before or after a meal/drink service access to the lavatories may be blocked
because of the limited floor space available.