What factor does aircraft configuration NOT influence?

Aircraft configuration plays a significant role in several operational aspects, including fuel efficiency, payload capacity, and flight performance. However, when it comes to passenger comfort, the influence of configuration is more indirect.

Passenger comfort is primarily determined by factors such as cabin design, seat configuration, and service amenities rather than the technical characteristics of the aircraft configuration itself. While the configuration can facilitate a more spacious cabin or optimize acoustics, it does not dictate comfort directly in the same way that fuel efficiency or payload capacity is affected. For example, a well-configured aircraft may still have cramped seating or inadequate legroom, impacting comfort independently of the actual design dimensions.

In contrast, fuel efficiency is crucially affected by configuration through aerodynamic considerations and weight distribution. Payload capacity is directly influenced as well, as different configurations can allow for either more cargo or passengers. Flight performance is also a direct result of how the aircraft is configured, impacting aspects like climb rate, speed, and maneuverability. Thus, while aircraft configuration can contribute to an overall passenger experience, it does not directly influence comfort in the same primary manner as the other factors.