Aircraft Interiors Expo Show Report
New seats abound at AIX
Aircraft seat manufacturers came to the AIX armed with new seats for all classes and configurations.
European seat manufacturer EADS Sogerma launched its new Celeste narrowbody business class/premium economy seat during the show. Celeste is pitched at a minimum of 40 inches, with a single actuator or a G mechanism to a cradle relaxed position up to 45 degrees. It features a fixed-back shell, integrated IFE screen and weighs between 20-30kg per passenger, depending on configuration.
The new seat is also available in a widebody premium economy version pitched at a minimum of 38 inches and weighing 20-25kg.
Celeste is the first of a new range of seats being considered by the company. The Celeste has already been selected by Airbus as part of the A350 XWB catalogue offering.
The manufacturer also displayed a derivative of its Equinox high-density business class seat. The new version – Equinox 2D – has been developed to cater for the traditional 2-2-2 and 2-3-2 cabin layouts in business class. It is pitched between 63-65 inches and can offer bed length of 78-79 inches.
EADS Sogerma has also developed a wider and longer version of its popular Solstys premium business class seat.
Singapore-based ST Aerospace has expanded its cabin interior activities with the launch of a new long-haul economy class seat developed with Japanese manufacturer Tenryu Aero Component.
Ergo is ST Aerospace’s first aircraft seat and features a teardrop-shaped head rest providing head and neck support; a tray table with an integrated personal electronic device support; larger shin clearance than other seats; adjustable lumbar support; and an articulating seat pan that tilts up when sliding forward to enhance passenger comfort.
German aircraft seat manufacturer Recaro Aircraft Seating launched a new business class concept and long-haul economy sea at the show.
The new lightweight economy class seat, the CL3710, is designed for long-range flights. Every aspect of the seat, materials and manufacturing process has been analysed to achieve the lowest weight possible, says Recaro.
The seat features a new, six-way adjustable headrest to accommodate differing heights. It also offers maximum shin clearance even at a seat pitch of 29 inches or more, thanks to features such as the patented high literature pocket, located above the tray table. In addition, one of the two beams under the seat structure is positioned slightly forward which, combined with positioning the in-flight entertainment system box in a space-saving pancake construction under the seat pan, results in more passenger legroom.
The new business class concept combines a seat with a lying surface. The seat has direct aisle access, offers excellent living space in a high-density configuration, which can be adapted to a variety of standard cabin layouts, says Recaro. The flat sitting and lying surface is formed by raising the leg rest and extension. A stowage compartment is located below the lying surface.
Meanwhile, the manufacturer has launched a new version of its best-selling BL3520 economy class seat for the Asia-Pacific market. The BL3520-RAC will be manufactured in Recaro’s new Chinese plant in Qingdao.
Panasonic launches largest screen and expands GCS reach
In-flight entertainment system manufacturer Panasonic demonstrated what it describes as the largest ever economy class seatback screen at the show in the form of a conceptual 14 inch monitor integrated into a Quantum Seat designed by Encore Aerospace.
The Quantum seat was designed to decrease weight for reduced fuel burn and to maximise passenger living space. Its thin design includes a carbon fibre seatback and pan, a retractable arm and a hidden raceway that simplifies the installation and maintenance of wire harnesses. The monitor shroud can accommodate a range of Panasonic monitors, from 9-14 inches.
Meanwhile, Panasonic has leased a full transponder of ku-band satellite capacity on the Eutelsat 172A satellite from Australian Satellite Communications to support its Global Communications Services (GCS) across Australia, New Zealand and trans-Tasman flights. The deal substantially expands the capacity in the region for GCS, comprising eXConnect, eXPhone and eXTV.
News In Brief
Saudia is expanding its in-flight connectivity programme with OnAir. The airline has been offering passengers OnAir’s GSM and wi-fi on its Airbus A330s for nearly three years. The airline’s new A330s, due for delivery through this year and next, will be equipped with Mobile OnAir and Internet OnAir, while its 20 Boeing 777-300ERs will also have OnAir’s GSM and wi-fi services fitted, enabled by the Thales TopConnect solution.
Italian manufacturer Lacobucci launched a new superlight food and beverage trolley at the show. The full-size Superlight Cart weighs 14,850kg – one of the lightest in the market, according to the manufacturer. The cart, which will be delivered in the second half of this year, is made of aluminium and composite material, ensuring maximum strength and product life.
Turkish Airlines has selected Lumexis’ Fiber-to-the-Screen (FTTS) in-flight entertainment and communications system for two of its existing Airbus A330s. The reliability and low weight of the system makes it appealing, says the airline’s president and chief executive officer, Dr Temel Kotil.
