The world of Formula One technology is set to enter the aircraft interiors sector, following the forming of a relationship between Williams Advanced Engineering (WAE) and JPA Design, with a focus on lightweight materials. JPA is a design house which has already worked with composites on projects such as the monocoque seat design for Singapore Airlines’ A380s, while WAE operates a technology and engineering services business with materials expertise and is part of the larger Williams group, the motorsport division of which has won 16 FIA Formula One World Championship titles.
Together the companies intend to apply their lightweight materials expertise to their respective projects. Their products may be rather different, but both aircraft and racing cars make extensive use of composite materials, such as the carbon fiber construction of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Airbus A350, which could be further implemented to make what JPA describes as a “step change” in cabin layout, passenger comfort, fuel-saving and carbon emission reductions, through the application of new interior designs and lightweight materials. The partnership looks to capitalise on this potential through using proprietary technologies from both parties to save weight, whilst increasing comfort and space.
“Our work with Williams Advanced Engineering will deliver truly revolutionary advances to the air travel industry, both onboard new aircraft and retrofitted to existing aeroplanes,” said James Park, founder and principal of JPA Design. “The fruits of this partnership will offer our customers better use of the space in their cabins, enhanced comfort and functionality for their passengers and a boost to airline profitability. This is all delivered through reduced cost of ownership due to weight savings onboard together with lower installation and maintenance costs.”
Further details about the partnership will be revealed at the Passenger Experience Conference (1 April 2019) and the Aircraft Interiors Expo 2019 (AIX April 2-4, 2019) in Hamburg, Germany. Ben Orson, managing director of JPA Design London and Stu Olden, senior commercial manager of WAE will speak at the conference. Subsequently, the companies will showcase an example of the new technology on offer to airlines and their passengers at the Expo on the ADS stand, 3UA10 in the UK Pavilion, Hall B3 Upper of Hamburg Messe.
“The innovative use of lightweight materials, rapid product development and the maximization of available space is very much at the heart of the work we do commercializing Formula One-derived technology,” said Craig Wilson, managing director of WAE. “We are very much looking forward to unveiling to the world further developments from our work with JPA Design in Hamburg in April. Airlines and their passengers everywhere will benefit from this exciting new partnership between the best of British design and engineering.”
