Does aircraft come with standard equipment, or can an operator choose between different equipment and furnishing?

Question

I have often wondered if air craft have the same basic setup as when you buy a car, and then add additional features, or if they always come with a standard setup?

Answer

Different companies often have a vide range of options for the equipment and furnishing when they order a new aeroplane. Much like when you buy a new car, the aeroplane can be delivered with different series of engines depending on the operation they intend to fly. This must be tailored for fuel economy and performance needed. The layout and furnishing of the cabin will also have many options available, for instance it would make no sense to have a new aeroplane delivered with sears if its to be used for cargo only. The number of seats, colours and materials in lavatories and galleys, seats for cabin crew and so on. Many aeroplanes also come in a business version, Below is a picture of a Business jet Boing 737.

Quite often the different companies chose to use a standard configuration for their fleets. If you know what “flight radar” is (Its an app you can follow flights on) you will for instance notice that Norwegian flights have a code attached “8AS” which is a designation for the configuration they have opted for. It is the same for other companies. Mostly there will be a standard minimum version, and the rest will be added as extra according to a long and expensive price list! Below is a picture of a not so cheap version of a Boing 747 cabin.