Pitch to showcase world’s thinnest aircraft seat at AIX

Offering ultimate flexibility in economy configurations for single-aisle fleets, a trailblazing composite seat will be exhibited at the Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) in Hamburg, by UK-based Pitch Aircraft Seating Systems.

Co-developed as part of a grant funded project through the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) in pursuit of innovative technologies which benefit the aviation sector, the ‘Q Ultra-Slim’ concept is believed to be the world’s thinnest aircraft seat yet conceived.

Utilising sustainable bio-resins in a compression moulding process to create a seat weighing just over 7kg, the project is a collaboration between Pitch, industrial design consultancy Design Q and composite manufacturing and advanced engineering specialists, Cecence with additional support from SHD Composite Materials, Wavelength NDT and Plyable.

Design Q was the first company to present a fixed recline seat concept at AIX in 2007 with the production version first fitted to passenger aircraft six years ago. Pitch has focused on further innovating its class-leading PF3000 lightweight model for high-density cabins, which provide airline customers with low cost of ownership, high durability and commonality of spare parts.

By substituting aluminium structural seat components with fire, smoke & toxicity (FST) compliant composite material, Pitch claims that a short-haul Airbus A320 could reduce its operating weight by a minimum of 500kg through the replacement of existing economy shipsets with Q Ultra-Slim seats.

Pitch Aircraft Seating’s chief designer, Gary Doy, commented: “This collaborative project challenges future aircraft cabin design and inflight service, as well as seating, so it’s truly innovative and potentially controversial but this is an important part of helping the industry improve its environmental credentials. To achieve the radical Q Ultra-Slim design, the team sacrificed the traditional tray table with the option of integrated cup and smartphone holders.

“By using composite compression moulding, we can manufacture incredibly light yet strong, single piece seats from more sustainable raw materials. The fitment is compatible with Pitch’s existing PF3000 frame, delivering optimum flexibility and an upgraded cushion system ensures a high level of comfort.

“As a design-led innovator, Pitch is constantly exploring ultra-lightweight seating solutions that not only deliver leaner operations for airlines but an improved passenger experience as well. We believe there is genuine scope for this seat to be introduced into cabins in the next few years and we look forward to demonstrating it at AIX.”

Pitch will be exhibiting the Q Ultra-Slim and Q Premium seat concepts at AIX on stand 3UB10.

www.cecence.com

www.pitchaircraftseating.co.uk