The story of Lufthansa Technik’s Chair concept has been steadily unfolding since its reveal in 2015, and has now come to an important chapter – a customer order. In simple terms, the Chair design is based on a pedestal upon which a baseline core skeleton or structure is mounted. This pedestal and structure is intentionally left incomplete, allowing designers to create a Chair to meet the needs of a particular cabin, whether it is a dining room, video lounge, office, bedroom, etc. The height, width and depth, and the overall look and feel of the seat can be configured to suit the space. The shape, upholstery and padding can also be selected to allow for an uncompromised interior design under one certification.
The design was a finalist in the Crystal Cabin Awards 2015, and in May 2016 EASA granted two ETSOs (European Technical Standard Orders) for the 9g certified and 16g certified family of seating, meaning that production of the design could begin. This ETSO designation can also be used for FAA TSO certification.
Lufthansa Technik has now received the first order for the seat from an undisclosed VIP customer, with production to be undertaken by Inairvation, Lufthansa Technik’s joint venture with F/List.
Oliver Thomaschewski, head of seating and structures at Lufthansa Technik’s original equipment innovation division, said, “This order means the final breakthrough for our vision which we had when we started development of this highly innovative and flexible product a few years ago. We are extremely happy and proud that we have been able to bring this idea into the real VIP aircraft cabin world. Together with our partners from F/List and Inairvation we are in the best position to produce any of the several thousands of possibilities of the Chair family in an absolutely top-end quality.”
Lufthansa Technik’s original equipment innovation division in Hamburg will be responsible for all airworthiness requirements and the final certification, while F/List will take care of production of the skeleton and all rigid surfaces at its site in Thomasberg, Austria. Inairvation is coordinating production and sales of the seat.
