Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of operating an aircraft having a passenger cabin and a cargo hold, comprises the steps of directing passengers to board the aircraft, directing passengers to deposit their luggage in a luggage deposit location on-board the aircraft, and subsequently taking the deposited luggage from the luggage deposit location and then storing the luggage in the cargo hold of the aircraft. In another embodiment, a method of unloading an aircraft having a cargo hold and a passenger cabin, comprises the steps of transporting items of luggage from the cargo hold to a luggage collection location on-board the aircraft, and directing passengers to collect their luggage from the luggage collection location and to disembark the aircraft is also provided. Information may be gathered with regard to the identity of passengers embarking and disembarking the aircraft. Yet another embodiment relates to an aircraft having a passenger cabin, a cargo hold, and a luggage handling system mounted in the cargo hold.

Abstract: An aircraft seat assembly comprises a continuous row of a plurality of seats including a convertible aisle seat at one end of the row and one or more other seats. The seats are moveable between (i) a first configuration in which all of the seats are positioned in a useable position and a second configuration in which (a) the convertible seat is positioned in an unusable position in the row, (b) said one or more other seats are positioned in a useable position, and (c) the row of seats has a length, along the row, that is less than the length of the row in the first configuration for example by a distance of more than half the width of the convertible seat in the first configuration. The width of said one or more other seats may remain unchanged as between the first and second configurations.