Details of the front-row monuments (FRMs) on LATAM Airways’ refreshed Boeing 767 and 777 business class cabins have been revealed. LATAM’s design brief was for the FRMs to flow seamlessly into the VantageXL Honeymoon seats from Thompson Aero Seating, and in turn, Thompson selected AIM Altitude to co-develop and supply the monuments.
LATAM is launch customer for the VantageXL Honeymoon seat. Based on the Thompson Vantage XL platform, the design sees each row alternately place the middle seats next to one another (with a sliding privacy divider between passengers), giving customers the option of travelling closer with a friend, partner or colleague.
The design engineers at AIM Altitude worked with the angles and the radius of the FRMs to maximise the protection of the seat console by controlling the aisle width and the path taken by passengers. Following the design concept originated by PriestmanGoode, the monuments mimic the features of the seats, with the aim of creating a seamless look throughout the cabin, finished in contemporary tan and grey tones.
Stowage was maximised by incorporating an upper literature pocket with wash lighting to promote Vamos, LATAM’s inflight magazine. A lower stowage pocket provides space for personal goods, and footwell stowage space was also created for shoes.
According to AIM Altitude, this was an unusual project due to the requirement for a product that would work across three, or possibly more, aircraft types. A main driver for AIM Altitude being involved in the programme was its close relationship with Thompson, as both companies are members of AVIC Cabin Systems.
The engineering design of the FRMs was undertaken by AIM Altitude in New Zealand and the monuments were manufactured by AIM Altitude Cabin Interiors in the UK. The seats were manufactured by Thompson Aero Seating in Northern Ireland. The first of the new interiors is now in service, with AIM Altitude producing 21 shipsets in total.
