SEAT TECHNOLOGY / 13
defined classes (Economy, Premium Economy, not compromise ergonomics is viewed more Business and First) is also creating opportunities in favourably by passengers, which helps drive better the seating sector. Net Promoter Scores (NPS),” he says. “Super First class is emerging, and mini-rooms, “Furthermore, the seat structure itself can be rather than seats, are seen to represent the used to help with heat dissipation, resulting in ultimate in comfort and a way to differentiate lighter and less obtrusive power equipment.” top-tier service from an ever-improving Business Burrana, formerly digEcor, is one of the largest – where suites with sliding privacy doors are and most dynamic players in this new market. becoming more commonplace,” says Foster. It focuses on supplying in-seat power flexibly to One example of this new flexible approach airlines, with minimal investment or aircraft down comes from Safran Seats. Its Versa seat is built time. Standalone in-seat power solutions can be upon a modular platform that delivers weight and either USB-A (5V 10W), USB-C (power delivery up space savings. Thanks to its to 100W), or 110V AC (160W). architecture, the Versa is The system can be delivered ready to receive modules and in any configuration of these technology bricks developed options. David Withers, ceo, says: Power integration to the across the Safran Seats premium range, such as wider “Passenger Power is a great seat design can help screens, wireless charging and area of focus for us at drive a better NPS audio, advanced lighting, and Burrana and we have been new control systems. With a successful in implementing herringbone layout and its unique design approaches ability to provide passengers direct access to the to fit specific airline seats and configuration needs aisles, Versa also offers a spacious fully horizontal including redesigns of line-replaceable units (LRUs) bed. and designing mounting kits that enable airlines to Foster concludes: “Premium Economy and install power without any further seat testing. We fully flat Business beds with direct aisle access continue to drive down cost, weight and options on single-aisle aircraft will become increasingly for more efficient consumption of aircraft power. important as longer-range narrow-bodies like the Our reduced componentry approach also delivers new A321XLR and 737 MAX are deployed efficiencies to streamline supply chains.” more frequently. The likely knock-on effect is increased demand for multiple Super First in-seat power options in the more A blurring of the lines between cabin categories as premium cabins.” • the airline industry moves away from four clearly
Above from left: Manufacturers such as Safran Seats are using hightech materials to cut seat weight; Emirates has its IFE offer at the heart of its A380 First offer Facing page from left: Virgin Atlantic's new loft space allows for communal IFE viewing in belted seating; and FactoryDesign is working to inspire new ways to incorporate tech with style
onboardhospitality.com
Seat Design Feature _v3.indd 13
8/20/19 06:50 PM