Airbus is offering its clients the option of super-sized seats for large people on its A320 aircraft, according to a report in Business Day.  

"We are offering the possibility of a 20-inch (50cm) seat for larger people,” said Zuzana Hrukara, Airbus’s Head of Aircraft Interiors Marketing.

Hrukara said the new offering was driven by demand from the US but it was up to individual carriers to decide if they wanted it.  She also said airlines could charge an additional fee for the wider seats.

South African Airways has confirmed it is considering adding the larger seating option to its A320 wide-body fleet.

SAA General Manager, Commercial, Theunis Potgieter, told Tourism Update that South African Airways is considering retrofitting Premium Economy Class on its wide body fleet.

“These seats will be wider, with more leg-room and will easily accommodate larger passengers. The economy-class seating configuration on SAA’s fleet is remaining as is, with seat dimensions that are well within industry standards and better than key competitors,” he said.