> Each time they push us an inch closer, they get to put six extra seats on the plane, so it’s actually quite valuable to them to shrink the pitch. And they’re able to do so because the FAA decided to allow the airlines to keep shrinking the pitch, and as they do, that wedge of space becomes a more valuable resource.

See FAA regulatory capture.

Here's one of many articles with that theme

https://www.esquire.com/news-politics/politics/a34045023/boe...