The newest entrant to the business class seating sector, Unum Aircraft Seating, has announced three supplier partnerships as the company prepares to start operations. Among the key aims of Unum are ensuring accessible and reliable supply, and on-time delivery, with its supply chain strategy being a key element in achieving these goals (more details here). Following evaluation, Unum has opted to enter into partnerships with three aircraft design and manufacturing specialists: Sabeti Wain Aerospace, Schroth Safety Products, and Bühler Motor Aviation.
Sabeti Wain Aerospace is a family-owned aircraft interiors and upholstery specialist with close to 40 years’ experience in the industry. Nick Wain, technical director at Sabeti Wain Aerospace, said of the deal: “I have worked closely with Chris Brady [Unum’s CEO] for many years. His approach to business in the aviation industry, design ability and can-do attitude make for an innovative and exciting working dynamic. Chris has brought with him many refreshing ideas for economy seating [he was previously CEO of Acro Aircraft Seating], and I am certain with Unum and the brilliant team he has built around him, they are heading towards great success in the business class category. We very much look forward to being involved.”
Schroth is a supplier of seatbelts and restraint systems, with clients including commercial airlines, business aircraft, rotorcraft, and general aviation aircraft companies, as well as space flight operators such as SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic. The company has just celebrated 75 years in business. CLICK HERE to read Schroth’s guide to airline seatbelts and certification.
Martin Nadol, CEO of Schroth Safety Products stated, “We are impressed with Unum’s quality of designing and manufacturing business-class seats, and we are proud to collaborate with the team and serve as the preferred provider of occupant restraint systems.”
The outward-facing herringbone Unum One seat, designed with Acumen Design Associates. The seat has been designed to be lightweight, with parts such as the stowage cover (to the right of the seat) produced using 3D printing techniques
The third supplier, Bühler Motor, will be supplying its Paxcom electrical seat actuation system for Unum’s aircraft seats. Dr Lester Faleiro, managing director of the company, added, “For Bühler Motor, the business relationship is a great opportunity to partner a budding startup. We are proud to be part of the new seating platform. Unum has produced an exciting alternative in aircraft seating and redefines business class comfort with its smart, adaptable and reliable design. The Unum One family of lie-flat business class seats provides a consistent passenger experience across single or twin-aisle aircraft, offering superior comfort and style.”
Chris Brady, executive chairman and CEO of Unum, said of the partnerships, “At Unum, we want to be known for on-time delivery for airlines and for an extraordinary passenger experience, while also being a business ‘by people and for people’. To achieve this, we look for partners who share our values and want to do ‘good business’ with an open and honest company. This search has led us to the three fantastic industry leaders we’re announcing partnerships with today.”
