Visitors to Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg today have been able to experience the entire Vantage range of premium aircraft seating by Thompson Aero Seating, showcased in a natural colour, material and finish (CMF) scheme.
The company has been demonstrating the Vantage, the VantageXL, VantageSOLO and VantageDUO models, all of which have been given a special new aesthetic through an in-house design programme named Project Echo. Project Echo is an exploration by the CMF team at Thompson, inspired by the heritage and culture of the company’s home nation of Northern Ireland, along with the colours of the local surroundings. The team have strived to capture the spirit of Northern Ireland and translate it into a new brand aesthetic.
The Vantage seating range includes products designed for all Airbus and Boeing single- and twin-aisle aircraft platforms, with every inch of cabin floorspace optimised utilising both forward-facing and angled configurations.
The Thompson stands at AIX (7A02 & 7B04) have proved popular on the opening day of the show. Andy Morris, chief commercial officer at Thompson Aero Seating said of the show: “Day one has seen great excitement on the Thompson stand. Our seats have always been known for being a premium product with the highest quality of design, engineering and manufacture. The new trim and finish, along with our continual innovation of all our seats, makes for an inspirational experience on our stand.”
All Vantages are available
In particular, Thompson is showing visitors the Vantage, the fully flat business-class seat first introduced by Thompson in 2005, designed for comfort with maximised cabin density, for both single- and twin-aisle aircraft. The redesign under Project Echo has introduced a lighter outer shell with a darker inner core, complemented by natural stone finishes and lighter woods, for a quality feel.
The more luxurious VantageXL for twin-aisle aircraft is also on show, available with ‘first class for free’ at the same density. These enhanced front-row suites enable a first-class experience at the same density as a traditional all-business-class cabin, with dual and even quad dining and socialising made possible by actuated dividers that transform two private suites into one double-sized space. The work under Project Echo has given the VantageXL an intense dark surround and a sumptuous leather inner. The enhanced front row seats convey first-class luxury through deep moss-greens and velvety suedes.
Another option on show is the VantageDUO seat, designed and engineered to bring maximum comfort to the long-range single-aisle market, without compromising density. A key feature is the ‘Immersive-Relaxed-Position’, which suspends the passenger in a neutral posture to increase the feeling of weightlessness. Project Echo introduces a dark fabric wrapping, highlighted with a lighter-coloured inner seat in premium leather, and light stone worktops.
Finally, the VantageSOLO offers fully flat business class for single-aisle aircraft and is also available with ‘first class for free’ at the same density. The enhanced front row of the VantageSOLO demonstrator at AIX uses soft tan leather as a ‘pop’ of colour.
AIX visitors can also enjoy Thompson’s popular ‘Guinness gatherings’ on days one and two, with traditional Irish entertainment to accompany a pint of Irish champagne.
