PRODUCTS & S ER V ICES
059
SUPPORTING INNOVATION
A new generation of fabrics played a critical role in various seating innovations
showcased at Aircraft Interiors Expo 2019 in Hamburg, Germany
aircraftinteriorsinternational.com
JUNE 2019
nnovation is always a buzzword
at Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) in
Hamburg, but this year several
I
seat manufacturers lived up to the hype,
showcasing breakthrough designs that
could have a big impact on the passenger
experience.
Tapis Corporation partnered with
Butterfly, Rebel Aero, Molon Labe and
others to make their designs available for
‘test drives’ at the Tapis booth this year.
What sets these seats apart is their
fresh approach to managing limited
physical space, while improving the level
of comfort offered to passengers. These
prototypes are evidence that we are
entering a new age in seating design, as
manufacturers apply science and
engineering to come up with
ingenious concepts that
redefine air travel for
passengers, from first
class to economy.
Fabrics will ultimately
play an integral part in
the success of these
seating concepts. Here’s a
rundown of some of what was
showcased at the Tapis AIX booth in
Hamburg this year.
Butterfly’s single-aisle lie-flat seat is
an award-winning model that allows for
instant transformation between
premium economy and regional first
class and long-haul flatbed suites. This
seat features the first use of Ultrasuede
as a seat cover, which provides comfort in
both seating and sleeping modes. For
airlines, Ultrasuede’s use of microfibres
ensures that it is pliable, stain resistant,
machine washable and spot cleanable.
Rebel.Aero’s S3 seat features a flip-up
seat-bottom cushion that enables
passengers to sit and stand, and also
acts as a booster for child seats, including
a three-point harness for enhanced
Brisa and uses Ultraleather Ultratech
in the headrest. Ultraleather Brisa
offers comfort attributes including
breathability, and the headrest is
manufactured in a style that is
reminiscent of a luxurious pillow.
As innovative designers like Butterfly,
Rebel.Aero and Molon Labe reimagine
conventional aircraft seating, airlines
have the opportunity to transform the
passenger experience. Engineered fabrics
used in seat covers, headrests and other
surfaces play a critical role in the success
of new designs through the application of
materials that exceed previous standards
for comfort and durability.
safety. The seat is finished
with laminated dress covers
in Ultraleather Promessa,
with an Ultratech material in
the headrest. Ultraleather
provides the look and feel of
leather, but is a PVC-free alternative that
is more durable. Ultratech has the
robustness of leather, but the haptic and
comfort of fabric, creating a pillow-like
effect for maximum sleeping comfort.
Ultratech features a proprietary
molecular structure and exclusive
pigment systems for a refined, futuristic
finish that tailors exceptionally well.
Molon Labe’s side-slip seat has a
wider middle seat and a staggered
armrest, providing a clever way to give all
passengers space and privacy, while
dramatically improving the passenger
experience in the dreaded centre seat.
The economy plus version is upholstered
in a beautifully streamlined laminated
seat cover made from Ultraleather
101
FREE READER ENQUIRY SERVICE
To request more details from Tapis,
visit www.magupdate.co.uk/paii
You can visit
Tapis at Aircraft
Interiors Expo
Los Angeles on 10-12
September, Stand
2627 THE BUTTERFLY SEAT ON
SHOW AT AIX WAS TRIMMED
IN ULTRASUEDE
/aircraftinteriorsinternational.com
/paii