Expliseat, the French manufacturer of lightweight aircraft seating, has revealed its latest model, the TiSeat 2X, and at the same time its launch customer: Air France, as part of the cabin renewal programme for the Embraer 190 fleet operated by HOP!, its regional subsidiary.
The seat features an ultra-light all-carbon and titanium structure with recycled components and minimal plastic, with comfort provided by leather and ergonomic foam. The exact weight is undisclosed, but Expliseat says it is 30% lighter than a traditional economy-class aircraft seat.
The seatback features have been designed to Air France’s standards, including an enlarged tray table for dining and working. Three transparent integrated upper literature pockets on the underside of the tray can be used to store documents and magazines. The fold-out PED (personal electronic device) holder, equipped with USB A and C ports and a ribbed surface, can hold and charge a smartphone or tablet at eye level.
To create the TiSeat 2X, Expliseat brought together a project team made up of specialists in seating ergonomics, engineers, and Andrea Mocellin. Mocellin is a designer well-known for his collaborations with the likes of Ferrari, Pininfarina – and Lilium, which is customer in common with Expliseat.
Long before designing the seat, all possible usage scenarios were imagined by the team, including the optimum position for eating, drinking, relaxing, charging a phone, working, or hanging up a jacket. And the means of meeting these scenarios have to meet Air France’s standards of elegance and functionality.
“This project to renovate the cabins of our Embraer 190 fleet is fully in line with Air France’s strategy to upgrade its offer of products and services on its short- and medium-haul network. An investment of around 20 million Euros will considerably improve the travel experience for our customers, who I am sure will appreciate the enhanced comfort and design of these brand-new cabins. I wish to thank all the Expliseat and Air France teams for their outstanding cooperation in producing this comfortable, sturdy and lighter seat” said Fabien Pelous, SVP of customer experience at Air France.
The first HOP! flights equipped with the TiSeat 2X seat will begin in autumn 2024.
