Mark Hannant/DUBAI
An enterprising Irish company hopes to make long-haul flights more bearable with the unveiling at the show of its self-moulding seat cushioning technology.
Long Haul Technologies, part of the Vita Cortex Group, has its airbag-based seat cushions now tested and approved for a 16-G environment and on show here for the first time.
Cushioning has taken a back seat, so to speak, in the drive to bring comfort to the airliner's cabin. While in-flight entertainment may have been overhauled and 'living space' ergonomically designed, seat cushioning technology has basically remained the same for decades.
Foam seating not only lacks comfort, it can, as well documented, add to health problems. Restricted blood flow can lead to strokes.
"Seat cushion technology has never been given the attention it deserves," says Morgan Connelly, consultant engineer to Long Haul Technologies. "The cushioning is the interface between the customer and the aircraft. It alone dictates the level of comfort the passenger will experience."
By incorporating well-tested airbag technology, not just in the lumbar region as is already common place, but across the whole seat, Long Haul has created a seat that moulds itself to the shape of the individual passenger.
Connelly says the cushioning is generating a lot of interest in the USA and among operators of new Airbus and Boeing types in the Middle East. "We've developed something which is cost effective so there are huge opportunities for the regional long-haul operators to use some or all of the cushioning in economy sections of their aircraft," he says.
Crisis
Visitors can take the weight off their feet and try out the airbag cushioning at the Enterprise Ireland stand E130.
Also on the Enterprise Ireland stand is PARC Aviation. With the Asian economic crisis fading into a memory and improved oil prices boosting the Middle East economy, PARC is upbeat about the industry in the region. It is placing increasing numbers of crew and engineering staff with airlines and has announced a deal to supply Flight Safety Boeing with instructors.
Source: Flight Daily News
